The Two Successful Cases of Lamivudine Prophylaxis during Pregnancy to Prevent Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection / 대한주산의학회잡지

ABSTRACT

The rate of perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is decreased through vaccination and HBIG in Korea, however it is estimated that about 3% of pregnant individuals are HBsAg positive. En percent of the children born to high-risk HBV carrier mothers, who show HBeAg positive/high HBV-DNA level become HBsAg carriers despite appropriate immunoprophylaxis and those affected children remain chronic HBsAg carriers and might have advanced liver disease such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. To prevent vaccination breakthrough, more potent prophylaxis is needed and several studies have suggested efficacy and safety of lamivudine therapy during pregnancy for reduction of maternal HBV DNA level. We report 2 family cases of successful prevention of vertical transmission with lamivudine during 3rd trimester for mothers who had high HBV-DNA levels and previous HBV carrier children because of immunoprophylaxis failure.