Clinical Aspects of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Women of Child-Bearing Age

Abstract

It is difficult to define the optimal timing of the antiviral treatment in women infected with hepatitis C virus, who have child-bearing potential. Antiviral treatment is strictly contraindicated during the pregnancy and breast-feeding period. Data are conflicting about the question of treatment with modern drugs (peginterferon and ribavirin) before or after pregnancy. The risk of vertical transmission from mother to child is estimated about 5%. The mother’s viraemia seems to be the main transmission factor. There is a worse prognosis in nulliparous and postmenopausal women in the natural history of viral hepatitis C. Poor outcome in gestational age, maturity and Apgar score was not associated with hepatitis C virus infection. Combined antiviral treatment has frequent gynecological and other side-effects. The timing of the antiviral therapy in women in the child-bearing period is recommended individually.