The Association of Maternal HBsAg Carrier Status and Perinatal Outcome

Abstract

Background and Aims: Hepatitis B virus infection is still a major public health concern all over the world, and much research must be carried out on the various aspects of this issue. Since infection with hepatitis B virus in pregnant mothers is a threat for both mother and her fetus, this study was performed to determine the relationship between maternal HBsAg carrier status and perinatal outcome. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was performed on 450 carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) pregnant women and compared to 450 controls. Both groups were matched for age, parity, and body mass index (BMI). Results: When compared to the control group, patients with HBsAg displayed significantly higher incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (7.7% vs. 2% P=0.001), increased hospitalization period after delivery (22.9% vs. 3.33%, P