Maternal hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to a higher incidence of NICU admissions and small-for-gestational-age births. In a study led by Dr. Brenna Hughes, researchers analyzed data from 249 individuals with HCV infection and 486 controls. They found a twofold increase in NICU admissions and nearly threefold increase in SGA births among mothers with HCV. No significant association was found with adverse maternal outcomes like gestational diabetes. The study suggests increased fetal growth surveillance may be necessary for pregnant individuals with HCV. Limitations included the study’s observational nature and potential underreporting of confounding variables. Various disclosures were made by the researchers.
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Hepatitis C in Pregnancy Increases NICU Admissions
