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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 14, 2014; 20(34): 12056-12061
Published online Sep 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i34.12056
Individualized management of pregnant women with high hepatitis B virus DNA levels
Zhao Zhang, Chao Chen, Zhe Li, Ying-Hua Wu, Xiao-Min Xiao
Zhao Zhang, Zhe Li, Ying-Hua Wu, Xiao-Min Xiao, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong Province, China
Chao Chen, Zhuhai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Zhuhai 519015, Guangdong Province, China
Author contributions: Zhang Z wrote the manuscript and did part of the literature search; Chen C searched the literature on hepatitis B epidemiology; Li Z searched literature on anti-viral treatment for hepatitis B; Wu YH searched literature on delivery mode of pregnant women with hepatitis B; Xiao XM designed the manuscript topic and reviewed the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Xiao-Min Xiao, MD, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, No. 613, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong Province, China. xiaoxiaomin55@163.com
Telephone: +86-20-38088660 Fax: +86-20-38688606
Received: October 27, 2013
Revised: January 9, 2014
Accepted: April 1, 2014
Published online: September 14, 2014
Processing time: 326 Days and 3.3 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: Research has shown that pregnant women with high hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels have an increased risk of mother-to-child transmission. However, most of the obstetrics guidelines do not make a distinction between pregnant women with high HBV DNA levels and those who are hepatitis B surface antigen positive only. This review addresses the management of pregnant women with high levels of HBV viremia, in terms of antiviral therapy, use of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG), the combined application of hepatitis B vaccine and HBIG, choice of delivery mode and feeding practices.