ABSTRACT
Hepatitis C virus infection is worldwide. The obstetric and perinatal outcome of chronic Hepatitis C virus Infection are variable. Vertical transmission is a serious unsettled problem. Evaluation of risk factors of HCV infection in pregnant women. Identifying the maternal, obstetric, perinatal outcome and the vertical transmission rate. A prospective clinical observational study. The studied groups included 418 pregnant women attending the Obstetric Department, Mansoura University Hospital They were tested for HCV antibodies. Seroposltive cases underwent HCV-RNA. HCV+ve were compared to the HCV-ve group. Risk-factors for HCV Infection were inquired. The maternal and perinatal morbidity together with Apgar scoring were evaluated. The rate of vertical transmission was estimated by measuring HCV antibodies and HCV-RNA in the offsprings of the HCV+ve mothers at labour and seropositive offsprings had repeated HCV-RNA at 3, 6 and 9 months after delivery. 13.16% of the studied cases were seropositive for HCV-ab and 10.05% were HCV-RNA positive. Previous genital mutilation and deliveries by traditional birth attendants were significantly higher in the HCV+ve group. No significant maternal, obstetric and perinatal complications in the diseased group except high rates of miscarriages. No significant clinical differences between the studied groups. However, significant equations in the serum bilirubin, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase and significant lowering of platelet count were found in the HCV +ve group. Vertical transmission rate was high [16.6%]. HCV infection in pregnant Egyptian rural mothers is high. Female genital mutilation and deliveries by traditional birth attendants should be abandoned. HCV antibodies testing in preconception counseling is advisable