Hepatitis B Infection and Mother-to-Child Transmission in Haiphong, Vietnam: A Cohort Study with Implications for Interventions

Abstract EN

Background.

There is little data available on HBV infection and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) in Vietnam.

Objective.

This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of HBV infection and the current situation of MTCT in Haiphong, Vietnam.

Methods.

A transversal survey of 1721 pregnant women followed by an observational prospective cohort study of 183 HBV-infected women was conducted at Haiphong Gyneco-Obstetric Hospital.

Women were followed up up to 12-month postpartum; use of prevention measures and the MTCT rate were evaluated.

HBV infection in children was defined by a HBsAg-positive test at 12 months of age.

Results.

At baseline, 183 of 1721 pregnant women (10.6%) tested HBsAg positive.

Among them, 23.0% were HBeAg positive, 26.2% had a detectable load of HBV DNA, and 13.1% had a HBV DNA load≥200,000 IU/mL.

All women underwent MTCT prevention antiviral therapy.

At delivery, 98.9% of newborns receive a HBV vaccine birth dose, and 82% received HBIG.

At 12 months of age, 94.7% have received the scheduled HBV vaccines.

Eight percent of infants born from followed-up women were HBsAg positive.

The mother’s HBeAg-positive status was associated with a higher risk of HBV infection in infants.

Conclusion.

The HBV prevalence and MTCT rates are high in Haiphong.

A strong national plan to increase the access to preventive measures and to monitor results is needed in order to decrease this prevalence.