INCIDENCE OF ADVERSE MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOMES IN ANTENATAL FEMALES WITH HEPATITIS E VIRUS INFECTION: A COHORT STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To compare the incidence of adverse feto-maternal outcome in females with hepatitis E virus infection in pregnancy versus normal pregnant females

Study design: Cohort study

Study place and duration: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore for six months (May 2024-02 Nov 2024)

Methodology: One hundred pregnant females were included and divided in two groups i.e. exposed with hepatitis E infection and unexposed without hepatitis E infection. Time of delivery and intrapartum and postpartum complications were noted. Relative risk was calculated keeping risk ratio >1 as significant.

Results: 100 Individuals were included and divided into two groups. The mean age of females in exposed group was 30.03±6.73 years, while of unexposed group was 28.60±5.70 years. The mean serum bilirubin level was 8.89±2.19 mIU in exposed group and 2.56±1.31 mIU in unexposed group (p<0.05). In exposed females, risk of antepartum hemorrhage was RR: 1.658 (24% vs. 8%, 95% CI: 1.148-2.395), miscarriage was RR: 2.020 (2% vs. 0%, 95% CI: 1.656-2.465), premature rupture of membranes was RR: 1.733 (22% vs. 6.0%, 95% CI: 1.210-2.480), intrauterine death was RR: 1.827 (30% vs. 8.0%, 95% CI: 1.299-2.569), preterm birth was RR: 2.180 (54% vs. 16%, 95% CI: 1.499-3.171), still birth was RR: 2.204 (28% vs. 2%, 95% CI: 1.661-2.923), and maternal mortality was RR: 2.220 (18% vs. 0%, 95% CI: 1.769-2.785).

Conclusion: Thus, presence of hepatitis E virus infection is associated with adverse fetomaternal outcome making it an important risk factor for adverse events.