The correct answer is 4. Children born to HBV carrier mothers should be administered hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin at different puncture sites within the first 24 hours of life. Although the virus is excreted in breast milk, the risk of infection by this route is very low and therefore it is not currently a contraindication for breastfeeding.

[HIDDEN] Children born to HBV carrier mothers should be administered hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin at different puncture sites within the first 24 hours of life. Although the virus is excreted in breast milk, the risk of infection by this route is very low and therefore it is not currently a contraindication for breastfeeding.

37-week pregnant woman with positive hepatitis B virus surface antigen. She consults about the guidelines to be followed with the newborn and whether she can breastfeed. What advice do you think is most appropriate?

Administer hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Artificial feeding.

Vaccination and immunoglobulins should be administered at birth. Breastfeeding from one month onwards.

Immunoglobulins at birth and artificial breastfeeding.

Vaccination and immunoglobulins at birth. Maternal feeding.

Artificial feeding and isolation for 4 weeks.

[Adjustment of the hepatitis-B vaccination scheme for newborns born to hepatitis-B virus carriers as of 1 January 2006].

Timely administration of hepatitis-B immunoglobulin postpartum combined with hepatitis-B vaccination will prevent the majority of vertical hepatitis-B virus transmissions. As of January 2006, the Dutch hepatitis-B vaccination scheme for newborns born to HBsAg positive mothers has been modified. Previously, the first vaccination was given at the age of 2 months. Newborns will now receive their first hepatitis-B vaccination preferably immediately following the administration of hepatitis-B immunoglobulin, within 2 hours after birth, or otherwise within 48 hours after birth. Booster vaccinations are scheduled at the ages of 2, 4 and 11 months, which are standard vaccination times in the Dutch national vaccination programme. The vaccination scheme for the other target-group of infants at increased risk of hepatitis-B virus infection has remained unchanged. As before, these infants will be vaccinated at 2, 4 and 11 months. It is also intended to measure the efficacy of vaccination by determining the anti-HBs antibodies 6 weeks after the last vaccination, at the age of 13 to 14 months. With this modification of the vaccination scheme, the Minister of Health follows the advice of the Health Council of the Netherlands. The goal is to increase the efficacy of hepatitis-B prevention in newborns born to HBsAg positive mothers.

[Identification of risk factors related to the failure of immunization to interrupt hepatitis B virus perinatal transmission].

To explore the factors influencing failure of an immunization to interrupt perinatal (mother-to-child) transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Between June 2006 and March 2010, a total of 1355 pregnant women testing positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), at gestational weeks 20 to 42, and without use of antiviral or immunomodulatory drugs during the pregnancy were prospectively recruited to the study. The mothers were given a choice of receiving hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG; three 200 IU intramuscular injections give at four-week intervals starting from gestation week 28) or not. All neonates (1360, including five sets of twins) received hepatitis B vaccine (10 mug) plus HBIG (200 IU) combined immunization within 24 h of birth, as early as possible. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from the neonates within 24 h of birth and at 7 and 12 months of age for detection of HBV markers, including hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and HBV DNA. The infants were classified according to HBV perinatal transmission status (infection group and non-infection group) and various factors (maternal-related: age, gravidity, parity; pregnancy/birth-related: threatened premature labor, complications; neonate-related: sex, birth weight, apgar score) were compared between the two groups by using non-conditional logistic regression analysis to determine their potential influence on failure of immunization to inhibit transmission. After 12 months of follow-up, 1.54% (21/1360) of the neonates had presented with HBV infection. Analysis of the HBV-infected neonates revealed differences in infection rates between neonates born to mothers with HBIG injection (2.22% vs. without HBIG injection: 1.11%, P less than 0.05) and caesarean section (1.35% vs. vaginal delivery: 1.73%) but neither reached statistical significance (P less than 0.05); only the practice of breastfeeding showed a significant difference for infection rate, with neonates fed artificial formula having higher infection rate (3.13%) than the breastfed neonates (0.27%, P less than 0.05). The neonate HBV infection rate was also significantly higher for neonates born to HBeAg-positive mothers (4.44% vs. HBeAg-negative mothers: 0%, P less than 0.05) and HBV DNA-positive mothers (3.13% vs. HBV DNA-negative mothers: 0%, P less than 0.05). When the mothers were stratified by serum level of HBV DNA, there was a significant difference in HBV-infected neonates born to mothers with more than or equal to 1*10(7) IU/ml(6.01% vs. 10(3)-10(6) IU/ml: 0.56% and less than 1*10(3) IU/ml: 0%, both P less than 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the independent risk factors for HBV perinatal transmission despite immunization were maternal serum HBeAg-positive status (relative risk (RR)=31.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.88-259.38) and maternal HBV DNA of ≥ 10⁷ copies/mL (RR=22.58, 95% CI: 4.75-107.40). Failure of vaccine plus HBIG to interrupt mother-to-child transmission of HBV is influenced by maternal serum HBeAg-positive status and maternal HBV DNA of ≥10⁷ copies/mL.

[Hepatitis B and pregnancy. Part 2. Nine practical issues about delivery and neonatal care].

In France, the hepatitis B maternal-fetal transmission prevention strategy is based on serovaccination at birth. Serum therapy is to inject 30IU/kg of anti-HBs specific immunoglobulins of human origin in the first hours of life, which in practice corresponds to 1ml or 100IU. Vaccination should also be performed during the first hours of life, and a new injection should be performed at 1month and 6months. In infants less than 32weeks and/or less than 2kg, lower vaccine response leads to prescribe an additional injection at 2months. This serovaccination reduces the risk of mother to child transmission from 57 to 4 %. The failure risk factors of serovaccination are high maternal viral load (greater than or equal to 7 log) and/or the presence of HBeAg. The delivery route does not change the risk of maternal-fetal transmission of hepatitis B when serovaccination at birth was well conducted. Likewise, breastfeeding does not change the risk of maternal-fetal transmission of hepatitis B after serovaccination. It is recommended by WHO. During labor, the pH in utero should be done only when strictly necessary, the published data do not allow to conclude on the risk of transmission.

Hepatitis B and breastfeeding in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.

This study examined infant feeding methods in hepatitis B-positive mothers in Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China. A cohort study was undertaken in Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province. A sample of 638 mothers was recruited at birth from the city of Hangzhou and was followed up until their infants were 6 months of age. Chronic hepatitis B is a continuing public health issue in pregnant women. Breastfeeding is the foundation of infant nutrition, sets the scene for lifetime health, and is important for all mothers. In the Hangzhou cohort of 638 mothers, 38 were identified as hepatitis B positive, a rate of 6.0%. All of the infants of the hepatitis B-positive mothers were fed on formula immediately after birth while their breastmilk was tested for virus transmission and their infants were vaccinated. At 1 month of age 61.8% of the hepatitis B-positive mothers were breastfeeding compared to 92% of the remainder of the cohort. The rates at 3 months were 60.6% and 89% and at 6 months were 45.5% and 64%, respectively. The hazard ratio for hepatitis B-positive mothers discontinuing breastfeeding before 6 months was 3.69 (95% confidence interval, 2.28, 5.98). The World Health Organization recommends that all mothers who are hepatitis B positive breastfeed their infants and that their infants be immunized at birth. In this study breastfeeding rates of hepatitis B-positive mothers were substantially less than those of the other mothers.

Treatment of viral hepatitis in pregnancy.

Viral hepatitis can be caused by the hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses. In the Western world, hepatitis A, B or C do not seem to influence the course of pregnancy, whereas hepatitis E infection, when contracted during the second or third trimester, seems to have a higher risk of developing into a fulminant hepatitis. Mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis A seems to be very uncommon. The majority of HBsAg-positive and HBeAg-positive mothers can transmit the disease vertically. The timing of transmission is predominantly peripartum, and newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers should receive hepatitis B immunoglobulins within 12 h of birth, with HBV vaccine at birth and 1 and 6 months later. Hepatitis C is more often a chronic disease. Vertical transmission of hepatitis C is considered to be relatively rare but high viraemia or coinfection with HIV can increase this risk. There is currently no treatment to prevent this vertical transmission and pregnancies among HCV-positive mothers should not be discouraged. Infants should be tested for anti-HCV at 1 year and followed for the development of hepatitis. Breast feeding does not seem to play an important role in the transmission of hepatitis B and C.

Pediatrics_Nelson

1. Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine. (Minimum age: birth) Routine vaccination: At birth  Administer monovalent HepB vaccine to all newborns before hospital discharge.  For infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)–positive mothers, administer HepB vaccine and 0.5 mL of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth. These infants should be tested for HBsAg and antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) 1 to 2 months after completion of the HepB series, at age 9 through 18 months (preferably at the next well-child visit).  If mother’s HBsAg status is unknown, within 12 hours of birth administer HepB vaccine to all infants regardless of birth weight. For infants weighing <2,000 grams, administer HBIG in addition to HepB within 12 hours of birth. Determine mother’s HBsAg status as soon as possible and, if she is HBsAg-positive, also administer HBIG for infants weighing 2,000 grams (no later than age 1 week). Doses following the birth dose  The second dose should be

Pediatrics_Nelson

Hepatitis

Hepatitis B The CDC recommends the routine vaccination of all children under the age of 19 with the hepatitis B vaccine. They also recommend it for those who desire it or are at high risk. Routine vaccination for hepatitis B starts with the first dose administered as a shot into the muscle before the newborn is discharged from the hospital. An additional two doses should be administered before the child is 18 months. For babies born to a mother with hepatitis B surface antigen positivity, the first dose is unique – in addition to the vaccine, the hepatitis immune globulin should also be administered, both within 12 hours of birth. These newborns should also be regularly tested for infection for at least the first year of life. There is also a combination formulation that includes both hepatitis A and B vaccines. Other

An algorithm for risk assessment and intervention of mother to child transmission of hepatitis B virus.

Despite immunoprophylaxis, mother to child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) still occurs in infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers. We analyzed methods of risk assessment and interventions for MTCT. We reviewed 63 articles and abstracts published from 1975-2011 that were relevant to MTCT; articles were identified using the PubMed bibliographic database. Administration of HB immunoglobulin and HB vaccine to infants at birth (within 12 hours), followed by 2 additional doses of vaccines within 6-12 months, prevented approximately 95% of HBV transmission from HBsAg-positive mothers to their infants. However, HBV was still transmitted from 8%-30% of mothers with high levels of viremia. It is important to assess the risk for MTCT and identify mothers who are the best candidates for intervention. The most important risk factor is maternal level of HBV DNA >200,000 IU (10(6) copies)/mL; other factors include a positive test result for the HB e antigen, pregnancy complications such as threatened preterm labor or prolonged labor, and failure of immunoprophylaxis in prior children. Antiviral therapy during late stages of pregnancy is the most effective method to reduce transmission from mothers with high levels of viremia, but elective cesarean section might also be effective. Antepartum administration of HB immunoglobulin, giving infants a double dose of HB vaccine, or avoiding breastfeeding had no impact on MTCT. HBsAg-positive mothers should be assessed for risk of MTCT, and infants should receive immunoprophylaxis. Pregnant women with levels of HBV DNA >200,000 IU/mL should be considered for strategies to reduce the risk for MTCT. We propose an algorithm for risk assessment and patient management that is based on a review of the literature and the opinion of a panel of physicians with expertise in preventing MTCT.

Long-term protection against hepatitis B after newborn vaccination: 20-year follow-up.

Hepatitis B vaccination in children born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers considerably decreases the risk of vertical transmission. However, whether this protection against carriage of hepatitis B virus is maintained into early adulthood is as yet unknown. A combined passive-active immunization programme for newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers was initiated in the north-eastern part of the Czech Republic in 1988. The number of immunized newborns had reached 665 newborns by the end of 2006. All mothers of immunized infants were HBsAg-positive during pregnancy, and 34 (5%) were also hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive. The immunization programme consists of providing newborns with protection at birth with hepatitis B immunoglobulin, followed by three 10-μg doses of plasma-derived or, since 1990, recombinant vaccine administered at 0, 1 and 6 months of life. Only 29 children of HBeAg-positive mothers received vaccine at 0, 1 and 2 months of life. Blood samples were obtained after immunization, at 2 years of age, and biennially thereafter. Samples were tested for HBsAg and hepatitis B surface and core antibodies (anti-HBs, anti-HBc). The immunization schedules were completed in 640 children. A protective anti-HBs level after immunization was proven in 574 of 620 children (93%). Persistence of protective anti-HBs antibodies was detected in 70, 40 and 25% of children at 5, 10 and 15 years of age. Vertical transmission with chronic HBsAg carrier status was detected in two infants. Anti-HBc seroconversion was proven in ten children from 3 to 15 years of age. Natural boosting with an anti-HBs increase was detected in 38 children (twice in one child). Our results show that combined active-passive immunization of newborns against hepatitis B provides persistent protection up to adolescence despite a frequent waning of anti-HBs antibodies, suggesting there is no need for booster vaccination during adolescence.

Obstentrics_Williams

Newborns of seropositive mothers are given HBIG very soon after birth. This is accompanied by the first of a three dose hepatitis B recombinant vaccine. Hill and colleagues the 2.4-percent transmission rate was not increased with breast feeding if vaccination was completed. Although virus is present in breast milk, the incidence of transmission is not lowered by formula feeding (Shi, 201l). he American Academy of Pedi atrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gyne contraindication to breastfeeding.

Hepatitis B vaccine

Hepatitis B vaccination, hepatitis B immunoglobulin, and the combination of hepatitis B vaccine plus hepatitis B immunoglobulin, all are considered as preventive for babies born to mothers infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). The combination is superior for protecting these infants. The vaccine during pregnancy is not considered to be valuable in protecting babies of the infected mothers. Hepatitis B immunoglobulin before birth has not been well studied. Effectiveness Following the primary course of three vaccinations, a blood test may be taken after an interval of 1–4 months to establish if there has been an adequate response, which is defined as an anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-Hbs) antibody level above 100mIU/ml. Such a full response occurs in about 85–90% of individuals. An antibody level between 10 and 100mIU/ml is considered a poor response, and these people should receive a single booster vaccination at this time, but do not need further retesting.

Hepatitis B

Most vaccines are given in three doses over a course of days. A protective response to the vaccine is defined as an anti-HBs antibody concentration of at least 10 mIU/ml in the recipient's serum. The vaccine is more effective in children and 95 percent of those vaccinated have protective levels of antibody. This drops to around 90% at 40 years of age and to around 75 percent in those over 60 years. The protection afforded by vaccination is long lasting even after antibody levels fall below 10 mIU/ml. For newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers: hepatitis B vaccine alone, hepatitis B immunoglobulin alone, or the combination of vaccine plus hepatitis B immunoglobulin, all prevent hepatitis B occurrence. Furthermore, the combination of vaccine plus hepatitis B immunoglobulin is superior to vaccine alone. This combination prevents HBV transmission around the time of birth in 86% to 99% of cases.

[Prophylaxis of mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis B virus].

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem and mother-to-infant (or vertical) transmission is the main source of chronic infection in Asian countries. Administration of HBV vaccine to the infant at birth, with or without concurrent specific immunoglobulin, efficiently prevents such transmission (efficacy>90%). In France, testing Ag HBs is mandatory during pregnancy in all pregnant women. Infants born to Ag HBs-positive mothers should receive the first injection of vaccine and one injection of specific immunoglobulins at birth. Vaccination should thereafter be completed according to a three-injection protocol (at 1 and 6 months) or a four-injection protocol in case of prematurity. Failure of immunoprophylaxis can be observed when the viral load is very high in the mother during pregnancy (HBV-DNA levels>200,000 IU/mL). In such women, antiviral therapy with analogs (lamivudine, telbivudine, or tenofovir) during the third trimester of pregnancy and 1 month post-partum, in association with accurate immunoprophylaxis, may prevent vertical transmission. The optimal cut-off value of maternal viral load for antiviral therapy in late pregnancy and post-partum to prevent vertical transmission is still under debate.

Hepatitis B vaccination in preterm infants.

Preterm infants, especially those with very low birth weight, are at risk of hepatitis B virus infection. They often require invasive diagnostic methods in their first weeks of life, intensive treatment and long-term hospitalisation. Therefore, hepatitis B vaccination is particularly justified in these patients. Our aim was to determine the reaction of preterm children to hepatitis B vaccination. The study comprised 64 preterm children whose birth weight ranged from 700 g to 2460 g (mean 1776.6 g +/- 480.4 g) and whose gestational age was between 25 and 36 weeks. A 10 microg dose of the recombinant vaccine Engerix-B (SmithKline Beecham) was given at intervals of 0, 1, 2 and 12 months. In 49.2% of the children vaccination was administered on the 1st day of life, and in the remaining cases between the 2nd and 119th days post delivery. One month after vaccination completion the levels of anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs) antibodies were evaluated. In 98.4% of the vaccinated preterm infants the level of antibodies was > 10 mIU/ml. Mean level of anti-HBs antibodies in the group of children with birth weight < or = 2000 g was 2431.4 mIU/ml, while in those with birth weight >2000 g it was 4803.9 mIU/ml. In children with a birth weight < or = 1000 g, the mean level of anti-HBs antibodies was significantly lower than in those with birth weight >2000 g. The level of anti-HBs antibodies in children who started vaccination > 1 st day of life was significantly lower in preterm children with a birth weight < or = 2000 g than in those with a birth weight >2000 g. Although vaccination was started on the 1st day of his life, one child with birth weight of 2300 g developed a hepatitis B virus infection. One child did not respond to vaccination (anti-HBs < 10 mIU/ml) and in three cases the response was very poor (11 100 mIU/ml). These patients were given a supplementary booster double dose of Engerix B (20 microg). After 1 month the level of anti-HBs antibodies was evaluated again and high values of 657 mIU/ml to 14520 mIU/ml were observed. In the group of children with a birth weight < or = 1000 g the response to vaccination was weaker as compared to children with a birth weight >2000 g (P < 0.05). In systematic mass vaccination programmes, monitoring of antibody levels is not recommended unless the patient is at risk. However, in extremely preterm infants (< 1000 g at birth), especially after very serious infections, monitoring the level of anti-HBs antibodies after complete immunisation should be considered. In preterm infants who show very low postvaccination levels of anti-HBs antibodies, stimulation with an additional double booster dose of vaccine gives positive results. The majority of preterm infants (98.4%) responded well to hepatitis B vaccination given at intervals of 0, 1, 2 and 12 months and developed a protective level of antibodies. The level of anti-hepatitis B surface antigen antibodies in children with a birth weight >2000 g was higher than in those with a birth weight < or = 1000 g.

Perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus.

Transmission of hepatitis B virus from carrier mothers to their infants seems most likely to occur during birth. Both cord blood and breast milk have been found to be positive (in 35% and 72% of cases respectively) for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), but they do not appear to play an important role in transmission. To control this problem high-risk women should be tested during pregnancy for HBsAg. The infants of infected women should be given several doses of hepatitis B immunoglobulin starting at birth. In less developed regions, where hepatitis B is endemic, administration of the immunoglobulin in combination with vaccine, or even the vaccine alone, may be preferable in order to provide infants with lasting protection.

Viral hepatitis and pregnancy.

This paper reviews data on the mutual relationship between pregnancy and viral hepatitis and the mother-to-infant transmission of the virus. In the western world, hepatitis A, B or C do not seem to influence the course of pregnancy, or to be associated with foetal risks. In contrast, women who contract a hepatitis E infection in their third trimester of pregnancy have a relatively high probability to develop a fulminant hepatitis. Mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis A seems to be very uncommon. On the contrary, HBsAg and HBeAg positive mothers have a 80-90% risk to transmit the disease to their offspring, more than 85% of these becoming chronic carriers of HBsAg. The risk depends on the level of viral replication. In HBsAg positive and HBeAg negative mothers the rate of transmission is only 2-15%, these babies rarely become carriers. A possible explanation is the transplacental passage of the HBeAg making the infant tolerant to the hepatitis B virus. As most of the infections occur during or directly after delivery, the neonates are suitable for postexposure prophylaxis. It is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics that newborns of HBsAg positive mothers should receive hepatitis B immunoglobulins within 12 hours after birth concurrently with the first paediatric dose of the vaccine. Vaccination should be completed at 1 and 6 months. This regimen confers a protective efficacy of > or = 90%. Vertical transmission of hepatitis C is considered to be relatively rare, around 11% when HCV-RNA is positive. The highest rates of vertical transmission of HCV are noted in women with high HCV-RNA level or concurrent HIV infection. The risk is extremely low when no HCV-RNA is detected. There is currently no treatment to prevent this vertical transmission; routine screening of all mothers is unwarranted, and pregnancies among HCV-positive mothers should not be discouraged, but their infants should be tested for anti-HCV at 1 year and followed for the development of hepatitis. Breast feeding does not seem to play an important role in the transmission of hepatitis B and C.

Obstentrics_Williams

Nursing is contraindicated in women who take street drugs or do not control their alcohol use; have an infant with galactosemia; have human immunodeiciency virus (HIV) infection; have active, untreated tuberculosis; take certain medications; or are undergoing breast cancer treatment (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2017; Faupel-Badger, 2013). Breastfeeding has been recognized for some time as a mode of HIV transmission and is proscribed in developed countries in which adequate nutrition is otherwise available. Other viral infections do not contraindicate breastfeeding. For example, with maternal cytomegalovirus infection, both virus and antibodies are present in breast milk. And, although hepatitis B virus is excreted in milk, breastfeeding is not contraindicated if hepatitis B immune globulin is given to the newborns of afected mothers. Maternal hepatitis C infection is not a contraindication because breastfeeding has not been shown to transmit infection (Society for MaternalFetal

Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Pregnancy: An Update on Evidence-Based Management.

Vertical hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission is the important route of chronic HBV infection. Although infant immunoprophylaxis is effective, a significant number of infants still become infected, most are associated with intrauterine infection. New evidences support intrauterine treatment in cases of high risk. The aim of this study was to review the current evidences and recommendations for management of HBV infection in pregnancy. Original research articles, review articles, and guidelines were reviewed. The management can be summarized as follows: (1) all pregnant women should be screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to HBsAg. High-risk HBsAg-negative pregnant women without immunity should be vaccinated during pregnancy. (2) HBsAg-positive pregnant women should undergo further workup for liver status and indicative factors for immunoprophylaxis failure. (3) Pregnant women should be treated with HBV DNA levels greater than 200,000 IU/mL or 6 log copies/mL. (4) Antiviral drug should be started around 28 to 32 weeks. The first-line drug is tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. (5) Delivery route should be chosen based only on obstetric indications. (6) Breastfeeding is not contraindicated because it does not increase the risk of transmission in neonates with HBV vaccine and immunoglobulin administration. (7) Neonates born to HBsAg-positive mothers should receive HBV vaccine and immunoglobulin after birth as soon as possible. (8) Follow-up of the mothers and neonates is important. Beware of hepatitis flare after birth and after antiretroviral drug discontinuation; alanine transaminase assessment every 1 to 3 months until 6 months is suggested. Also, the schedule of infant vaccination and follow-up of serologic testing at 9 to 12 months old is needed.

Breast milk and infection.

Three viruses (CMV, HIV, and HTLV-I) frequently cause infection or disease as a result of breast-milk transmission. Reasonable guidelines have been pro-posed for when and how to avoid breast milk in the case of maternal infection. For other viruses, prophylactic immune therapy to protect the infant against all modes of transmission are indicated (VZV, varicella-zoster immunoglobulin, HAV and immunoglobulin, HBV, and HBIg + HBV vaccine). In most maternal viral infections, breast milk is not an important mode of transmission, and continuation of breastfeeding is in the best interest of the infant and mother (see Tables 2 and 3). Maternal bacterial infections rarely are complicated by transmission of infection to their infants through breast milk. In a few situations, temporary cessation of breastfeeding or the avoidance of breast milk is appropriate for a limited time (24 hours for N gonorrheae, H infiuenzae, Group B streptococci, and staphylococci and longer for others including B burgdorferi, T pallidum, and M tuberculosis). In certain situations, prophylactic or empiric therapy may be advised for the infant (eg, T pallidum, M tuberculosis, H influenzae) (see Table 1). Antimicrobial use by the mother should not be a reason not to breastfeed. Alternative regimens that are compatible with breastfeeding can be chosen to treat the mother effectively. In most cases of suspected infection in the breastfeeding mother, the delay in seeking medical care and making the diagnosis means the infant has been ex-posed already. Stopping breastfeeding at this time only deprives the infant of the nutritional and potential immunologic benefits. Breastfeeding or the use of expressed breast milk, even if temporarily suspended, should be encouraged and supported. Decisions about breast milk and infection should balance the potential risk compared with the innumerable benefits of breast milk.

Routine Newborn Care -- Issues of Concern -- Newborn Care

Within 1 hour of birth, intramuscular vitamin K should be administered. Prophylaxis with erythromycin ointment to both eyes and injection of hepatitis B vaccine are recommendations, while the baby has skin-to-skin with the mother. [1]

Increased Protection of Earlier Use of Immunoprophylaxis in Preventing Perinatal Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus.

Passive-active immunoprophylaxis against mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) recommends administering hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and birth-dose hepatitis B vaccine in infants within 12 or 24 hours after birth. With this protocol, MTCT of HBV still occurs in 5-10% infants of HBV-infected mothers with positive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). The present study aimed to investigate whether earlier administration of HBIG and hepatitis B vaccine after birth can further increase protection efficacy. We conducted a prospective, multi-center observational study in infants born to mothers with HBV infection, in whom neonatal HBIG and birth dose hepatitis B vaccine were administered within one hour after birth. The infants were followed up for HBV markers at 7-14 months of age. A total of 1140 pregnant women with HBV were enrolled, and 982 infants (9 twins) of 973 mothers were followed up at 9.6 ± 1.9 months of age. HBIG and birth-dose vaccine were administered in newborn infants within a median of 0.17 (0.02-1.0) hours after birth. The overall rate of MTCT was 0.9% (9/982), with none (0%) of the 607 infants of HBeAg-negative mothers and 9 (2.4%) of 375 infants of HBeAg-positive mothers acquiring HBV. All 9 HBV-infected infants were born to mothers with HBV DNA >2.75 × 106 IU/mL. Maternal HBV DNA levels >2 × 106 IU/mL were an independent risk factor (odds ratio, 10.627; 95% confidence interval, 2.135-∞) for immunoprophylaxis failure. Earlier use (within 1 hour after birth) of HBIG and hepatitis B vaccine can provide better protection efficacy against MTCT of HBV.

Evidence against breast-feeding as a mechanism for vertical transmission of hepatitis B.

A follow-up study of 147 babies born to mothers known to be carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) revealed no evidence for a relationship between breast-feeding and the subsequent development of antigenaemia in the babies. All babies were tested at three or more months of age, and the mean age at last follow-up was eleven months with a mean of three serum specimens per baby (not counting cord-blood specimens). The frequency of acquisition of HBsAg and anti-HBs was almost identical among breast-fed and non breast-fed infants. The frequency of other variables known to influence the development of antigenaemia among infants of carrier mothers did not vary according to breast-feeding status: mother's HBsAg titre, HBsAg positivity rate in cord-blood specimens, and HBsAg prevalence among siblings. 32 breast-milk specimens from carrier mothers were all HBsAg negative.

#38: Hepatitis B in pregnancy screening, treatment, and prevention of vertical transmission.

Between 800,000-1.4 million people in the United States and more than 240 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Specific to pregnancy, an estimated prevalence of 0.7-0.9% for chronic hepatitis B infection among pregnant women in the United States has been reported, with >25,000 infants at risk for chronic infection born annually to these women. Vertical transmission of HBV from infected mothers to their fetuses or newborns, either in utero or peripartum, remains a major source of perpetuating the reservoir of chronically infected individuals globally. Universal screening for hepatitis B infection during pregnancy has been recommended for many years. Identification of pregnant women with chronic HBV infection through universal screening has had a major impact in decreasing the risk of neonatal infection. The purpose of this document is to aid clinicians in counseling their patients regarding perinatal risks and management options available to pregnant women with hepatitis B infection in the absence of coinfection with HIV. We recommend the following: (1) perform routine screening during pregnancy for HBV infection with maternal HBsAg testing (grade 1A); (2) administer hepatitis B vaccine and HBV immunoglobulin within 12 hours of birth to all newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers or those with unknown or undocumented HBsAg status, regardless of whether maternal antiviral therapy has been given during the pregnancy (grade 1A); (3) In pregnant women with HBV infection, we suggest HBV viral load testing in the third trimester (grade 2B); (4) in pregnant women with HBV infection and viral load >6-8 log 10 copies/mL, HBV-targeted maternal antiviral therapy should be considered for the purpose of decreasing the risk of intrauterine fetal infection (grade 2B); (5) in pregnant women with HBV infection who are candidates for maternal antiviral therapy, we suggest tenofovir as a first-line agent (grade 2B); (6) we recommend that women with HBV infection be encouraged to breast-feed as long as the infant receives immunoprophylaxis at birth (HBV vaccination and hepatitis B immunoglobulin) (grade 1C); (7) for HBV infected women who have an indication for genetic testing, invasive testing (eg amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling) may be offered-counseling should include the fact that the risk for maternal-fetal transmission may increase with HBV viral load >7 log 10 IU/mL (grade 2C); and (8) we suggest cesarean delivery not be performed for the sole indication for reduction of vertical HBV transmission (grade 2C).

[Rationale for a trial of prevention of perinatal transmission of hepatitis C via specific immunoglobulins].

Vertical transmission of the HCV infection is asymptomatic, occurring in 0-25% of infants born to viremic mothers in Europe. Nowadays, the only preventive measure in to advise against breastfeeding. Favourable conditions for a seroprophylaxis trial in neonates at risk are the low viral charge and the absence of former replication or integration. Several impediments to a randomized-controlled trial should be considered: Epidemiological: paucity of recruitment; low risk of transmission; possible antenatal transmission in cases of high maternal viremia; risk for intrafamilial transmission. Methodological: complex randomization of the study groups (genotyping, quantitative PCR, activity of mothers' diseases, modes/durations of delivery and feeding). Ethical: a direct individual benefit is not clearly established; should viremic mothers be allowed to breast feed their babies in the absence of prophylaxis? the risk of the emergence of mutants or quasi-species of the transmitted hepatitis C virus in neonates; the origin and selection of seropositive plasma donors.

Hepatitis B

Tenofovir given in the second or third trimester can reduce the risk of mother to child transmission by 77% when combined with hepatitis B immunoglobulin and the hepatitis B vaccine, especially for pregnant women with high hepatitis B virus DNA levels. However, there is no sufficient evidence that the administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin alone during pregnancy, might reduce transmission rates to the newborn infant. No randomized control trial has been conducted to assess the effects of hepatitis B vaccine during pregnancy for preventing infant infection. All those with a risk of exposure to body fluids such as blood should be vaccinated, if not already. Testing to verify effective immunization is recommended and further doses of vaccine are given to those who are not sufficiently immunized.

[The impact of Covid-19 pandemic on breastfeeding and birth care. The importance of recovering good practices.]

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a major impact on birth care and lactation. The lack of knowledge regarding the transmission mechanisms and the potential risks for the mother and the newborn, even when the vertical transmission of the virus has not been demonstrated, has led to the abandonment of practices such as skin-to-skin and the early initiation of breastfeeding (BF), which offer great benefits for maternal and child health. Taking into account the available scientific evidence and the protective effect of BF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other organisms recommend, in cases of suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection of the mother, maintaining mother-child contact and BF, adopting preventive measure procedures to minimize the risk of contagion. These measures include hand hygiene, before and after contact with the newborn and the use of a mask. If a temporary separation of mother and child is required, it is recommended to feed the newborn with expressed breast milk. The presence of IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 has been confirmed in the milk of infected women, so BF could reduce the clinical impact of the disease in the infant, if it becomes infected.

A comparison of secretory antibodies in breast-fed and formula-fed infants over the first six months of life.

In the present study salivary IgA, anti-Escherichia coli, anti-beta-lactoglobulin and anti-poliovirus type 1 IgA and IgM in serum and saliva were evaluated longitudinally in 13 breast-fed and 14 formula-fed infants over the first six months of life. Salivary IgA was quantified by electroimmunodiffusion; specific IgA and IgM antibodies were determined in serum and saliva by ELISA. Salivary IgA was significantly lower at age one month in breast-fed compared with formula-fed infants but in breast-fed infants salivary IgA increased with age and was significantly higher at six months than at one month. In both groups of infants, at the age of six months, salivary IgA levels were significantly lower than in adult controls. No significant differences in secretory anti-E. coli were observed between the two groups of infants. Salivary anti-poliovirus IgA and IgM antibodies increased transiently only to disappear in most babies at age six months, while anti-beta lactoglobulin IgA and IgM, present in saliva at all ages, showed a wide scatter. No important differences in specific serum IgA or IgM antibodies were observed either between the groups or at different times within the groups.

[Evaluation of serological status of children following hepatitis B vaccination during infancy].

The aims of this study were to determine anti-HBs positivity in children who had received three doses of hepatitis B vaccine during infancy and to evaluate the factors that may affect the serological status. Local ethics committee approval was obtained at the beginning of the study. The study was carried out between December 2005 and October 2007 among children attending the outpatient clinics of medical school hospital. The study encompassed 912 children (393 female, 519 male; aged 1-5 years old) who had been immunized with three doses of intramuscular recombinant hepatitis B vaccine during infancy. All of the children were born to HBsAg negative mothers and did not have any known immune system problems. Sociodemographic characteristics and passive smoking status were gathered by a questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and a detailed physical examination was carried out for each child. Blood samples were obtained to check serum HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc levels by commercial micro-ELISA (Sanofi Diagnostics Pasteur, Sydney) method. Levels of anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/ml were defined as seropositivity. In seronegative children, anti-HBs levels were re-checked 4 weeks after receiving one booster dose of hepatitis B vaccine. Of the children 877 (96.2%) were found anti-HBs positive, while all of them were negative for anti-HBc or HBsAg. Of children 34.8% were 12-23 months; 28.7% were 24-36 months; and 36.5% were 37-60 months-old, and anti-HBs negativity rate was higher in the older age group with a statistically significant difference (1.4%, 3.9% and 4.2%, respectively; p= 0.003). Anti-HBs antibodies were found negative in 2.8% of children who were born by vaginal route and in 5.8% of children who were born by cesarean section, the difference being statistically significant (p= 0.016). There were no significant differences between anti-HBs seropositivity and gender, working/ educational status of the mothers and the presence of smoking parents in the family (p> 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the factors that affect antibody levels in vaccinated children were the duration of breastfeeding only (4.77 ± 1.53 months in anti-HBs positives and 3.69 ± 2.13 months in negatives; p= 0.008), birth weight (3328.18 ± 318 g in anti-HBs positives and 3135.27 ± 488 g in negatives; p= 0.037) and pregnancy parity (anti-HBs was negative in 3.4% of children born from mothers who had < 2 parities, and 8.2% of children born from mothers who had < 3 parities; p= 0.037). The remaining 35 (3.8%) children with undetectable antibody levels became seropositive after one dose of hepatitis B vaccination, with the antibody levels of ≥ 100 mIU/ml. This response underlined the presence of immune memory in vaccinated children. The results of this study indicated that almost all 1-5 years old children who had received three doses of hepatitis B vaccine during infancy were protected from hepatitis B virus infection. It was concluded that similar studies should be carried out in different settings.

The hepatitis B immunization programme in Singapore.

A voluntary immunization programme to prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Singapore was implemented on 1 October 1985 as an integral component of the national childhood immunization programme. Up to April 1988, a total of 68,845 mothers who attended government maternal and child health clinics were screened for the disease. Of these, 2432 (3.5%) were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and 904 (1.3%) for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). Virtually all the babies born to carrier mothers completed the full immunization schedule; and in addition, those of HBeAg-positive mothers were given a dose of hepatitis B immunoglobulin at birth. The hepatitis B immunization programme was extended on 1 September 1987 to cover all newborns. About 90% of the 15,943 babies delivered in government institutions from September 1987 to April 1988 were immunized at birth, with the subsequent doses being administered at maternal and child health clinics at 4-6 weeks and 5 months later. More than 85% of the children given the full course of plasma-derived and yeast-derived hepatitis B vaccine from birth continued to have protective antibody to HBV two years after immunization. The programme is being closely monitored to assess the duration of immunity and the need for booster doses, while seronegative adults are also being encouraged to be vaccinated.

[Hepatitis B: is the current vaccination policy the correct one everywhere?].

In this study we have tried to examine retrospectively all the babies born to HBsAg + mothers in the past nine years, in order to evaluate which is the real incidence of perinatal transmission of HBsAg, and then if the actual politic to vaccinate only these babies is right and sufficient. The results demonstrate that the perinatal transmission is not a major problem in our country, so we suggest that for improvement of public health is more advised the vaccination of all infants: those born to HBsAg + mothers at the birth, the others in the third month of life.

Hepatitis B vaccine

An antibody level between 10 and 100mIU/ml is considered a poor response, and these people should receive a single booster vaccination at this time, but do not need further retesting. People who fail to respond (anti-Hbs antibody level below 10mIU/ml) should be tested to exclude current or past hepatitis B infection, and given a repeat course of three vaccinations, followed by further retesting 1–4 months after the second course. Those who still do not respond to a second course of vaccination may respond to intradermal administration or to a high dose vaccine or to a double dose of a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine. Those who still fail to respond will require hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) if later exposed to the hepatitis B virus.