Hepatitis C virus infection and pregnancy – not the simplest combination

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has a rather noticeable effect on pregnancy, considering the fact that two entities are involved: the mother and the fetus. It has become a worldwide health threat, so forward actions are to be taken in order to minimize the impact on morbidity and mortality caused by this virus. We conducted this review article based on data from 33 articles published between 2016 and 2021 that assessed both maternal and fetal outcomes, long term effect on children born to HCV infected mothers, screening for HCV among pregnant women, vertical transmission, recommendations for the management of HCV infected pregnant patient, available medication and the need for treating HCV during pregnancy. The majority of authors concluded that HCV has a greater impact on the fetus/child rather than on mother and also, most of them are calling in for the need to treat this infection during pregnancy in order to diminish the risk of vertical transmission, therefore to reduce the incidence of HCV infection among infants. The necessity for further studies, especially on safety data for antiviral medication is imperative, as well as the need for new steps in downsizing the impact of HCV infection on individuals around the globe.