A case of catamenial hemoptysis / 대한산부인과학회지

Endometriosis is relatively common gynecologic diseases, but pulmonary endometriosis is exceedingly rare among various types of external endometriosis. Patients with pleural pulmonary endometriosis present with chest pain, dyspnea, pneumothorax or pleural effusion in relation to menstruation. Patients with parenchymal pulmonary endometriosis present with hemoptysis at the time of menstruation, with or without lung lesions on their chest X-ray. The diagnosis of pulmonary endometriosis is usually made on the basis of the clinical history and the exclusion of other causes of recurrent hemoptysis including tuberculosis, bronchial carcinoid, pulmonary infarction, chronic bronchitis, congenital abnormalities and carcinoma. It can be treated by progesterone, GnRH agonist, Danazol, surgical treatment etc. Hereby we experienced 23 year-old multiparous woman with catamenial hemoptysis. The site of disease/was localized with bronchoscopy and chest CT scanning, and we treated her with Danazol. The literature associated with pulmonary endometriosis is briefly reviewed.

A Clinical Study on 570 Cases of Laparoscopy Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH) / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcome and characteristics of laparoscopy assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) in gynecologic patients. METHODS: From September, 2001 to February, 2004, total 570 cases of patients were performed LAVH at Gacheon medical school Ghil Hospital. We reviewed medical records and analyzed these cases about age, parity, weight, previous surgery history, operation indication, operation outcome, duration of hospitalization and complication. RESULTS: The results of this study summarized as follows. The mean age of patients was 46.4 +/- 7.2 years old. Average parity of patients was 2.4 +/- 1.4. Average weight of patients was 63.4 +/- 8.2 kg. Previous operation history was 195 cases (34.2%). Most common operation indication was uterine leiomyoma, followed by adenomyosis, combination of leiomyoma and adenomyosis and endometriosis. The mean operation time was 72 +/- 20.6 minutes. The mean duration of hospitalization was 4.5 +/- 0.6 days. The major complication of operation was trocar site bleeding, followed by bladder injury, bowel injury, and ureteral injury. CONCLUSION: LAVH is safe and useful. So it is recommendable to gynecologic patients.

Minilaparotomically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy

Endoscopic hysterectomy is increasingly selected as a current trend to minimize invasion, tissue trauma and early recovery. However it has disadvantages of the difficulty to learn and needs expensive equipments. So we developed a new minimally invasive method of vaginal hysterectomy-minilaparotomically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (MAVH) in order to complement the current laparoscopic surgery. The principle of MAVH is based on suprapubic minilaparotomical incision and uterine elevator that allows access and maximal exposure of the pelvic anatomy and an easy approach to the surrounding anatomy enabling division of round ligaments, Fallopian tubes, tuboovarian ligaments, and dissection of bladder peritoneum. After then, the vaginal phase of MAVH is done by the traditional vaginal hysterectomy. We enrolled 75 consecutive cases and in 73 cases thereof MAVH was accomplished successfully. The technique of MAVH is simple and easy to learn and it involves a small incision causing less pain and complications. This practice does not require expensive equipments. MAVH is considered as a safe and effective alternative method for abdominal hysterectomy in most cases.

Minilaparotomically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To review the safety and effectiveness of a new vaginal hysterectomy method, Minilaparatomically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (MAVH), tried on benign diseases with indication of abdominal hysterectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis of the safety and the effectiveness of MAVH is based on randomized consecutive 75 patients who received the operation from Feb. 1, 2002 to Jul. 10, 2002 in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Gacheon Medical University Hospital. OPERATION TECHNIQUE: Access to the pelvic cavity was obtained by the traditional suprapubic minilaparotomical incision that is 2-2.5 cm long and parallel to the pubic hair line. Through this incision site, the adnexa and other pelvic organs around the bladder were brought into sight by manipulating the uterine elevator that was already inserted into the uterine cavity. By this method, the round ligament, uteroovarian ligament, and the fallopian tube were exposed at the incision site, then clamped, cut, sutured and divided. The dissection of the bladder peritoneum was performed and then followed by the traditional transvaginal approach. RESULTS: The MAVH was successful in 73 cases (97.3%) out of 75 attempts. The mean age, parity, weight, and body mass index of the subjects of the 73 cases were 42.6 (+/-7.8) years, 2.0 (+/-0.7), 59.5 (+/-7.5) kg, and 23.6 (+/-2.6). Forty subjects (54.8%) had a previous surgical history. The operational indications were 44 cases (60.3%) of uterine myoma, 19 cases (26.0%) of uterine bleeding, 7 cases (9.6%) of dysmenorrhea, and 3 other cases (4.1%). There were 6 cases (8.2%) of cumulative complication. In terms of pathologic diagnosis, 54 cases (74.0%) were uterine myoma with adenomyosis, 12 cases (16.4%) adenomyosis, 2 cases (2.7%) endometrial polyp, 1 case (1.4%) endometrial hyperplasia, 1 case endometrial cancer, and 3 other cases. The weights of uteri ranged from 75 gm to 1150 gm with an average of 286.8 (+/-217.5) gm. The average operation time for MAVH from skin incision to the completion of suture was 75.8 (+/-21.8) minutes. The average bowel function recovery time was 45.9 (+/-12.9) hours. The external bleeding loss was 337.0 (+/-306.8) ml, 11.0% (8/73) required transfusion with an average amount of 1.5 pint. No subject of this study needed reoperation or expired. CONCLUSION: The technique of MAVH is simple and easy to learn. The MAVH involves a relatively small size of incision and less pain and complication with fast recovery and small wound. The method requires a little bit of practice but not an expensive equipment. The MAVH is considered as a safe and effective operational method which could replace the abdominal hysterectomy in most cases.

Prenatally Diagnosed Anterior Abdominal Wall Defects / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Anterior abdominal wall defects are classified into three basic types: omphalocele, gastroschisis and bodystalk anomaly. Its incidence and prognosis are different according to each type of anomaly. We aimed at investigating its demographic characteristics and risk factors. METHODS: From Jan. 1996 to Jun. 2002, 20 cases of anterior abdominal wall defects were diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography and all ultrasonographic findings and delivery records were reviewed. RESULTS: We had experienced 13 cases of omphalocele, 5 cases of gastroschisis and 2 cases of bodystalk anomaly. Mean maternal age was 29.9 (+/-5.5) years in omphalocele, 25.6 ( +/- 1.7) in gastroschiss, 32 ( +/- 4.2) in bodystalk anomaly. The median gestational weeks at the time of diagnosis was 17.6 for omphalocele, 20 for gastroschisis, 14.5 for bodystalk anomaly. Live born cases were 3 in omphalocele, 1 in gastroschisis and none in bodystalk anomaly. Of the 13 cases of chromosomal analyses, there was one case of trisomy 18 in omphalocele. Multiple anomalies were found in all bodystalk anomalies including kyphoscoliosis, facial defect, central nervous system defects. 54% of associated anomalies were found in omphalocele and no associated anomaly in gastroschisis. CONCLUSION: Omphaloceles were most frequently detected in abdominal wall defects and the gastroschisises were the next. Our results suggested that the pathogenesis of anterior abdominal wall defect might be different one another, but we could not find out definite risk factors for the individual type of defect.

Aortic Compression to Control Massive Postpartum Hemorrhage / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Traditionally postpartum hemorrhage is a bleeding more than 500 ml that occurs immediately after the placenta is delivered. It remains one of the most common causes of maternal mortality. Morbid adhesion of the placenta is emerging as a major cause of massive postpartum hemorrhage unresponsive to medical therapy. We experienced three cases of major postpartum hemorrhage over 5,000 ml, developed from anterior placenta previa totalis with adhesion of placenta. The hemorrhage had been controlled successfully by compressing abdominal aorta intermittently with the operator's hand during Cesarean hysterectomy. In immediate life- threatening postpartum hemorrhage this simple and safe technique can be used in slowing the bleeding while stabilizing the patient and preparing for definitive treatment.

The Peripartum Prognosis of Amnioinfusion in Oligohydramnios without Preterm Premature Rupture of Membrane / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the peripartum efficiency of amnioinfusion in oligohydramnios without preterm premature rupture of membrane. METHODS: 73 singleton pregnant women with oligohydramnios were enrolled in this study. Women with preterm premature rupture of membrane were excluded. 21 women were treated with transabdominal amnioinfusion 31 times and 52 women were closely observed without amnioinfusion. Mean amniotic fluid index, mean gestational age, mean maternal age and the parity at the time of diagnosis was not statistically different in both groups. RESULTS: Mean amounts of infused artificial amniotic fluid was 536ml (200-700), the mean time consumed was 61(+/-39.2)min. After infusion, mean amniotic fluid index was increased significantly from 4.2(+/-1.6) to 10.0(+/-2.9). But we found no statistically significant differences in pregnancy outcomes. The outcomes are as follows 1)Mean gestational age at birth was 36.3(+/-3.5) weeks in amnioinfusion group and 37.2(+/-2.9) weeks in control group. 2) Mean birth weight was 2.54(+/-0.9)kg versus 2.51(+/-0.8)kg. 3) The proportions of poor Apgar score at 1 minute and 5 minute were not significantly different. 4) Cesarean section rate was 0.79 versus 0.65. 5.There were two still births in both groups. CONCLUSION: Transabdominal amnioinfusion in oligohydramnios has little effects in improving longterm pregnancy outcomes.

Cytogenetic Aberration Analysis of Midtrimester Amniotic Fluid / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To analyze cytogenetic results of prenatal genetic amniocentesis. METHODS: From January 1997 to December 2000, We analyzed 1,390 cases of midtrimester amniocentesis which were done at Gil medical center of Gachon medical school according to its indications and maternal age. RESULTS: Chromosomal aberrations were found in 88 cases (6.3%). Of all our chromosomal aberrations, 29 cases (2.1%) of normal variants and 59 cases (4.2%) of abnormal karyotypes were found. 37 cases of autosomal numerical abnormal karyotypes and 7 cases of sex chromosomal abnormal karyotypes were diagnosed. In abnormal karyotype group, the incidence was high after 40 years of maternal age and in abnormal ultrasound findings, but no such correlations were found in normal variant group. CONCLUSION: In analysis of midtrimester amniocentesis, it would be better to analyze separately abnormal karyotype group and normal variant group.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Fragile X Syndrome using Amniotic Fluid DNA / 대한산부인과학회잡지

BACKGROUND: The fragile X syndrome is the most common cause of inherited mental retardation, is almost always caused by abnormal CGG trinucleotide amplication within the FMR1(fragile X mental retardation) gene located in Xq27.3 METHODS: DNA samples were obtained from the amniotic fluids of known carrier mother and 35 mothers without risk factors of the fragile X syndrome. Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and Southern blot analysis were performed to evaluate the number of CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene. RESULTS: The DNA samples from the carrier mother gave a large fragment over 300 repeats by PCR. All 35 control samples showed fragments sized under 35 repeats. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal diagnosis of the fragile X syndrome could be done with mid-trimester amniotic fluid using PCR and Southern blot method.

Clinical experiences of 7 cases of primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical experiences of patients with the primary tubal cancer diagnosed and treated in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gacheon Medical School from January 1996 to December 2000. METHODS: Age, symptoms, Pap smear, CA-125, preoperative diagnosis, mode of surgery, stage, additional pathologic finding, mode of adjuvant therapy and survival periods of patients were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 57.4 years. The symptoms were vaginal spotting, leukorrhea and pelvic mass. Three patients were treated by simple hysterectomy and both salpingoophorectomy. Staging laparotomy was done in 4 patients. Three patients were in stage I, 2 patients were in stage II and 2 patients were in stage III. Endometrial adenocarcinoma was present in 1 patient and endometrial hyperplasia was present in 1 patient. The mean follow-up period of five patients were 25.4 months and 2 patients were lost for follow-up. Conclusions: The primary tubal cancer was rare gynecologic malignancy and the preoperative diagnosis was difficult due to non-specific symptoms and signs. Staging laparotomy and adjuvant chemotherapy should be done like in ovarian cancer. More studies may be needed for the associated endometiral diseases.

The association between unexplained elevation of second trimester maternal serum beta-hCG and pregnancy outcomes / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether unexplained elevation of second-trimester maternal serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHOD: Between January 1998 and December 1999, we evaluated 2112 pregnant women undergoing second trimester triple marker screening test who delivered at our hospital. Inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancy, confirmed gestational age, and hCG level greater than 2.0 MoM. The exclusion criteria were fetal anomaly, abnormal karyotype, MSAFP level greater than 2.0 MoM, uE3 level less than 0.4 MoM, and referred patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). A group of randomly selected women with normal maternal serum hCG and AFP levels served as control. RESULTS: Women with unexplained elevation of hCG level showed increased risks for PIH (p<0.001) and preterm delivery (p<0.003). There were no significant diffrences between study and control groups with respect to placental abruption, fetal distress, PROM, intrauterine fetal death, and apgar score. CONCLUSION: Pregnancies with unexplained elevation of hCG levels should be regarded as high-risk pregnancies and managed accordingly. The combination with these biomarkers such as VEGF, plasminogen activating factor I and AT-III as a screening test for PIH may be useful.

Comparison of Ultrasonographic Biometry and Regular Last Menstrual Period as Predictors of Day of Delivery in the Spontaneous Onset of Labor / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the day of delivery for women with regular menstrual history was predicted best from the last menstrual period (LMP), crown rump length (CRL) and or biparietal diameter (BPD). METHODS: All of 561 women had estimated the day of delivery by LMP, CRL in the first trimester (In case of 217 women, it was available) and BPD in the second trimester. The accuracy of each method in predicting the day of delivery was determined. Those who were delivered after the spontaneous onset of labor were included. Differences among these methods were evaluated with nonparametric tests. RESULTS: The percentage of women who delivered within 3 days of the estimated day of delivery was 254(45.3%) and 216(38.5%) of the women with pregnancies by BPD and LMP, respectively. And within 7days of the estimated day were 408(72.7%), 390(69.5%) of the women from BPD and the LMP. In the women, the BPD estimate was significantly better predictor within the 7days of the day of delivery than LMP estimate (p=0.027). Compared to LMP estimate, CRL and BPD estimates seemed to be advanced the day of delivery about 2.6 days in CRL, and 0.9 days in BPD (p=0.004, p=0.034). But we could not find any advantage of the CRL measurement in first trimester than single BPD measurement in the second trimester for the predictor of the day of delivery. CONCLUSIONS: When the difference between the methods in predicting the day of delivery was less than 7 days, the BPD measurement was better than the last menstrual period.

Risk analysis according to placental penetration by amniocentesis needle / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate pregnancy outcomes after placental needle penetration during midtrimester diagnostic amniocentesis. METHODS: We collected 726 singleton pregnancy cases from 1054 pregnancies of midtrime-ster diagnostic amniocentesis, and analysed pregnancy outcomes after the procedure based on medical records. To compare the outcomes, we divided 726 cases into two groups; placental penetration group by aspiration needle(170 cases) and non-penetration group(556 cases). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between two groups about maternal age and gestational age at the time of procedure, and the distribution of amniocentesis indication. In comparison of complications between two groups after procedure, a. There was no statistically significant difference in amniotic fluid leakage: in penetration group, 1 case (0.58%) and in non-penetration group, 5 cases(0.89%) were observed. b. There was no statistically significant difference in vaginal bleeding: in penetration group, 2 cases (1.18%) and in non-penetration group, 3 cases(0.54%) were observed. c. There was no statistically significant difference in developing abruptio placentae: in penetration group, no case developed and in non-penetration group, one case(0.18%) was observed. d. As for fetal loss, there was no statistically significant difference : in penetration group, 4 cases (2.35%) and in non-penetration group, 10 cases(1.80%) were occurred. e. As for birth weight, there was no statistically significant difference : in penetration group, 3.26+/-0.8 kg and in non-penetration group, 3.21+/-0.9 kg were measured. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that placental penetration by aspiration needle during diagnostic mid-trimester amniocentesis does not increase the risk of post-procedure complication.

Change of Birth weight-gestational age table / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The birth weight distributions are obtained to be classified according to the duration of pregnancy, and then compared with other results already published in literature to verify the difference. METHODS: A total of 17,291 deliveries in Gachon medical center hospital from January 1996 to December 1999 is retrospectively reviewed. The data of 28~42th week of gestation are analysed, and the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentiles of birth weight are determined for each week and also according to sex and parity. Furthermore the 10th, 50th, 90th percentiles are compared with those from other reports. RESULTS: 1. The 10th, 50th, 90th percentiles of birth weight classifed according to gestational age are as follow : in 28th week of pregnancy, 1,068, 1,240 and 1,812 g; in 32th week, 1,470, 1,890 and 2,266 g; in 36th week, 2,170, 2,720 and 3,240 g; in 40th week, 2,910, 3,370 and 3,870 g; in 42th week, 2,977, 3,475 and 4,023 g.2. The mean birth weight of the male neonates is greater than that of the female ones from 37th week to 41th week (p<0.01).3. Comparisons of 10th, 50th, 90th percentiles of birth weight with Park groups show that there is an increase of birth weight by 100~144 g. CONCLUSION: Comparison of the birth weight-gestational age table with ones published by other groups shows that infants tend to be heavier.

Factors associated with fetal losses after mid-trimester amniocentesis / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors associated with fetal losses following mid-trimester diagnostic amniocentesis. METHODS: 412 pregnancy outcomes following amniocentesis were analyzed for each variables(maternal age, gestational age, indication for the amniocentesis, placental penetration by aspiration needle, needle touch by the fetus, color of amniotic fluid) with statistical methods(student t-test, chi-square test and multiple logistic regression test). RESULTS: Mean maternal age was 31.8+/-4.9 years, fetal loss rate was increased slightly with the age of the mother. If the indications were abnormally high maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein level, the pregnancy courses after the procedure were worse than other indication groups. In cases of discolored amniotic fluid, the dark brown discoloration made the pregnancy outcome poor. Gestational age at the time of the procedure, penetration of the placenta by the aspirating needle, needle touch during the procedure by the fetus, did not influence the outcomes after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Maternal age, indication as neural tube defect in triple test and dark brown discoloration of amniotic fluid are associated with fetal losses following mid-trimester diagnostic amniocentesis.

A case of Ebstein's anomaly prenatally diagnosed by fetal sonography / 대한산부인과학회잡지

We experienced a case of Ebstein's anomaly prenatally by fetal sonography. Ebstein's anomaly is a rare congenital heart defect characterized by abnormally downward displacement of the septal and posterior leaflets of the tricuspid valve. In the absence of tricuspid regurgitation, this condition may be completely asymptomatic. On the other hand, symptomatic newborns often develop life-threatening congestive heart failure. A 30-year-old multiparous woman was referred for the evaluation of fetal cardiac defect at 26th gestational week from a private clinic. Fetal ultrasonography showed markedly enlarged right atrium and downward displacement of tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. After discussion with the patient, the pregnancy was terminated and Ebstein's anomaly was confirmed by autopsy.

The clinical experience of LLETZ / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how resection margin involvement after LLETZ affect treatment of CIN and microinvasive cervical cancer, and several factors affecting the resection margin involvement. METHOD: Retrospective analysis was performed in 160 patients that underwent LLETZ at Gachon Medical College, Gil Medical Center from March, 1997 to September , 1998. The several factors affecting the resection margin involvement were analyzed. RESULT: The following results were obtained. 1. 127 patients were diagnosized finally with CIN, 30 patients with microinvasive SCC and 3 patients with chronic inflammation. 2. The rate of the negative resection margin involvement was 81% and that of the positive was 19%. 3. No case among 129 cases with the negative resection margin had residual lesion, but 9 cases among 31 cases with the positive resection margin had residual lesion. As a whole, the rate of residual lesion was 6.2%. 4. In CIN, 3 cases of 19 cases with the positive resection margin had residual lesion, but none with the negative resection margin had. 5. The degree of histopathology, glandular involvement, menopause, colposcopic evaluation were correlated with the resection margin involvement but delivery mode and HPV infection not correlated. CONCLUSION: LLETZ is a enough method to reduce unnecessary hysterectomy in the treatment of CIN, if followed up, in spite of the positive resection margin because of low rate of lesidual lesion, and is a effective method in the treatment of microinvasive cervical cancer when the case with negative resection margin and no lymphovascular invasion was followed up.

The Assocation between Unexplained Second-Trimester Maternal Human Chronic Gonadotropin Elevations and Preganancy Outcome / 대한주산의학회잡지

No abstract available.

Clinical Study on Cesarean Hysterectomy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence, indications, and outcome of cesarean hysterectomy in women delivered at the Gil Medical Center, Gacheon Medical School. METHOD: This is a retrospective study of all cases of cesarean hysterectomy performed between January 1995 and December 1999. RESULTS: The incidence of cesarean hysterectomy was 0.4% (122/31,481). Cesarean hysterectomy was performed in 100 of 17,829 cesarean sections (0.6%) and in 22 of 13,652 vaginal deliveries(0.2%). The higher the age and the parity of patients, the higher the incidence of cesarean hysterectomy was noted. The most common indication of cesarean hysterectomy was uterine atony(50 cases, 41.9%), followed by 25 cases of placenta previa with adhesive placenta(20.5%), 14 cases of adhesive placenta(11.5%), 11 cases of uterine myoma with pregnancy(9.0%), 9 cases of uncontrolled bleeding with placenta previa(7.4%), 7 cases of uterine rupture(5.7%) and 6 cases of extension of uterine incision(4.9%). All patients who had cesarean hysterectomy received transfusion from 0 pint to 78 pints. Live births were 115 cases(94.3%) and 3 infants were still birth(2.5%). Four infants were dead during early neonatal period(3.3%), so perinatal mortality rate was 5.7%. The postoperative complications were bladder injury, ureteral injury, febrile morbidity, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, hematoma, wound disruption, postpartum cardiomyopathy, and vaginal stump bleeding. There was two maternal deaths due to acute, severe hemorrhage and DIC. CONCLUSIONS: Cesarean hysterectomy remains a necessary procedure for life saving during abdominal and vaginal deliveries. The procedure itself is usually associated with considerable perioperative morbidity. Obstetricians should identify patients at risk and anticipate the procedure and complications.

Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus seropositivity and define the risk factors for HCV infection in a group of pregnant women and the effect of HCV infection to mother and baby at the time of delivery. METHODS: From March 1997 to February 1998, 5655 women who delivered over 20 gestational weeks at our hospital were screened for HCV-Antibody(RIA), and the samples of most of HCV-Ab positive cases were analyzed for HCV-RNA by polymerase chain reaction(PCR). We also studied the risk factors for HCV infection, the effect of HCV infection to mothers and neonates at delivery. RESULTS: Of 5655 mothers 25 (0.44%) were HCV-Ab positive, and 20 of HCV-Ab positive mothers were analyzed for HCV-RNA by PCR. Of 20 HCV-Ab positive mothers 12 cases (60%) were HCV-RNA positive. Risk factors significantly more prevalent among HCV-seropositive patients were : a history of habitual intraveneous drug use, a history of smoking, alcohol drinking during pregnancy, having liver cirrhorsis. The proportions who had received a blood transfusion, had a history or ongoing syphilis or were positive for hepatitis B virus surface antigen were not significantly different between seropositive and seronegative women. Liver function test at delivery was abnormal in 4 cases(16%) of HCV-Ab positive group. And the number of abnomal liver function test cases in HCV-Ab negative group were 47(0.83%). This had statistical difference. In neonates at delivery, all 20 neonates of 20 ones having HCV-Ab positive mother were HCV-Ab positive. But only 2 cases of 20 babies were HCV-RNA positive. CONCLUSION: Mothers who have risk factors such as injecting drug use, smoking, alchohol drinking and liver cirrhorsis, should undergo HCV-Ab testing and quantitative HCV-RNA testing by PCR. More advanced studies about vertical transmission of HCV infection are needed.