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Eliminating hepatitis C continues to be a public health priority in Washington State and across the country.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) have published new recommendations for providers treating perinatal hepatitis C infection.
See a summary of the recommendations below or read the article.
CDC recommends:
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Screening patients for hepatitis C during each pregnancy.
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Testing all babies exposed during pregnancy with an HCV RNA at age 2-6 months.
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Managing infants with an HCV RNA+ test result alongside a provider with pediatric hepatitis C expertise.
These new recommendations include four key updates:
- HCV testing of all perinatally exposed infants with a nucleic acid test (NAT) for detection of HCV RNA at age 2–6 months.
- Consultation with a health care provider with expertise in pediatric hepatitis C management for all infants and children with detectable HCV RNA.
- Perinatally exposed infants and children with an undetectable HCV RNA result at or after age 2 months do not require further follow-up unless clinically warranted.
- NAT for HCV RNA is recommended for perinatally exposed infants and children aged 7–17 months who previously have not been tested, and a hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) test followed by a reflex NAT for HCV RNA (when anti-HCV is reactive) is recommended for perinatally exposed children aged ≥18 months who previously have not been tested.
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The following information and recommendations can be used to help manage hepatitis C in your community.
Epidemiology and transmission
- HCV cases are on the rise, especially among people aged 20-39.
- The most common way people get HCV is through sharing needles via injection drug use.
- Newborns can get HCV from their birthing parent, especially if the birthing parent also has HIV.
- Birthing parents with uncontrolled HIV have a higher chance of passing HCV to their newborns.
- Treating HIV during pregnancy can lower the risk of passing HCV to the newborns.
Impact on pregnancy and newborns
- HCV during pregnancy might lead to gestational diabetes and liver problems.
- Some studies suggest HCV could affect how babies are born and their health.
- Long-term health varies among kids who get HCV from their birthing parent.
Diagnosis of hepatitis C infection
- Test all pregnant individuals for hepatitis C, not just those with risk factors.
- Check hepatitis C in newborns starting at 2 months, or at 18 months if the birthing parent has hepatitis C.
Clinical management and treatment
- Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications can be prescribed for kids aged 3 and up.
- If one kid has hepatitis C, test their siblings unless the birthing parent is hepatitis C-negative.
- Test kids who can't be with their birthing parent, such as those in foster care.
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