Prevalence and severity of viral hepatitis in Pakistani pregnant women: a five year hospital based study

ABSTRACT

A hospital based observational study was carried out on pregnant women presenting with either acute hepatitis or fulminant hepatic failure [FHF], during the past years. Of 53 patients, 20 [38%] developed FHF.Non-A, Non-B was the commonest cause [62%] followed by hepatitis B in 17% and hepatitis A in 4% cases. Eight women expired [case fatality rate 15%] with a high maternal mortality [62%] caused by NANB hepatitis. Perinatal mortality was 30%. Poor prognostic factors identified were lack of antenatal care, severity of jaundice, history of somnolence, gastrointestinal bleeding and a high grade of encephalopathy