Hepatitis C (pregnancy)
The UK NSC policy on Hepatitis C screening in pregnancy
More Information
Hepatitis B and C are serious viral diseases which affect the liver and are blood borne. Both viruses may cause acute illness. However, in the majority of children these viruses become chronic with liver damage only becoming apparent in adulthood. The common way of spreading or acquiring the infection are babies born to hepatitis B or C positive mothers, sharing of toothbrushes or razors amongst family members, or intravenous drug abuse.
» Read more about hepatitis C on the Contact a Family website
Policy Position
Universal screening for hepatitis C in pregnancy is not recommended.
There are currently no interventions which have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of transmission to the baby. The exception to this is the small group of women with HIV / HCV coinfection. In addition there is insufficient information on the prevalence of hepatitis C in the pregnant population and on the natural history of vertically acquired infection.
Recent developments in the treatment of hepatitis C have changed the terms of the debate about screening for hepatitis C in pregnancy. This is a rapidly evolving area and discussion is beginning to focus on the identification of children who would benefit from early intervention. However the effectiveness of new treatment regimens in the paediatric population, and their impact on the assessment of screening, are currently insufficiently understood to recommend that all pregnant women should be offered screening.
This policy was reviewed in Dec 2011 but no significant changes were made. It is due to be considered again in 2013/14, or earlier if significant new evidence emerges.
Evidence Supporting the Policy
See expert review.
Stakeholders
British Society for Immunology
Health Protection Agency
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
The stakeholder groups will be involved when the policy is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.
Related documents
Antenatal screening for hepatitis C (2002) (PDF document, 546KB, 27/05/11)Knowledge update on screening for Hepatitis C in pregnancy (October 2010) (PDF document, 119KB, 24/08/11)
