Risk factors for hepatitis C virus; obstetrics patients

ABSTRACT

To find out risk factors for hepatitis C infection in obstetric patients in a teaching hospital. Observational study. At Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore during a period of one year. Cases of hepatitis C infection, diagnosed on the basis of screening for antibodies for Hepatitis C were included in the study. A proforma was designed and details of each case including maternal demographics and associated risk factors were entered. Fifty three obstetric patients were positive for Hepatitis C virus antibodies in one year of study period. Majority of women were among 25-29 years of age, belong to low socioeconomic status, illiterate and among parity range of 2-5. Previous history of surgical procedures was in 66% of subjects while 62% had history of injections. Ear piercing in unsterilized conditions by non skilled person was also present in significant number [43%] while 17% had history of blood transfusions. Hepatitis C infection is linked to surgical procedures, injections and ear piercing in this study. However, to identify all associated maternal risk factors, larger studies at multiple centres will be required and strategies should be made to prevent its' transmission