PMID: 9529668Apr 8, 1998Paper

Prevention of vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus infection. Is there a standard policy in Flanders (Belgium)?

Acta Gastro-enterologica Belgica
K De GrooteP Michielsen

Abstract

The perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) from mother to child can be effectively prevented by the combined administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulins (HBIg) and hepatitis B vaccine (HB vaccine) immediately after birth. This requires prenatal screening of all pregnant women for HBsAg. In Belgium, a standard prevention policy does not exist. This study evaluated the current prevention policy of paediatricians in Flanders, regarding the prevention of vertical transmission of HBV, and their knowledge regarding the reimbursement of the HB vaccine for neonates of HBsAg-positive mothers. Ninety-one percent out of 134 participants administered both HBIg and HB vaccine. The recommended timing, within 12 hours post-partum, was observed in 60.0% for HBIg and in 50.3% for HB vaccine. Twenty-five percent of the respondents answered not to be well informed regarding the reimbursement of the HB vaccine. A preliminary study in Flanders among gynaecologists showed that 27 out of 29 routinely screened pregnant women for HBV, but the type of serology tested and the timing of this prenatal screening were very heterogeneous. We conclude that a standard policy regarding the prevention of vertical transmission of HBV is currently lack...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.