Published online Jun 21, 2021. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i23.3279
Peer-review started: January 28, 2021
First decision: March 6, 2021
Revised: March 10, 2021
Accepted: April 21, 2021
Article in press: April 21, 2021
Published online: June 21, 2021
Processing time: 140 Days and 13.1 Hours
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a significant public health problem worldwide. The aim of the present review is to summarize the actual trends in the management of CHB in pregnant women. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in pregnant women is usually comparable to that in the general population in the corresponding geographic area. All women have to be screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) during pregnancy. Additional examinations of pregnant women with CHB may include maternal hepatitis B e antigen, HBV viral load, alanine aminotransferase level, and HBsAg level. The management of pregnancy depends on the phase of the HBV infection, which has to be determined before pregnancy. In women of childbearing age with CHB, antiviral therapy can pursue two main goals: Treatment of active CHB, and vertical transmission prevention. During pregnancy, tenofovir is the drug of choice in both cases. A combination of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and vaccine against hepatitis B should be adminis
Core Tip: All women have to be screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) during pregnancy. Additional examinations of pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) may include maternal hepatitis B e antigen, hepatitis B virus (HBV) viral load, alanine aminotransferase level, and HBsAg level. The management of pregnancy depends on the phase of the HBV infection, which has to be determined before pregnancy. During pregnancy, tenofovir is the drug of choice both for active CHB treatment and vertical transmission prevention. A combination of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and vaccine against hepatitis B should be administered within the first 12 h to all infants born to mothers with CHB.