2024 Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guideline on antenatal screening and management of hepatitis B for prevention of mother-to-child transmission

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global threat and causes a substantial disease burden. The World Health Organization has set a goal to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is the main route of HBV transmission. Most MTCT cases can be prevented by timely active and passive immunisation at birth, but failed immunoprophylaxis in infants continues to occur among women with a high viral load during pregnancy. Hepatitis B virus disease activity in infected mothers should be assessed during early pregnancy, and multidisciplinary management with antiviral medication should be offered to women with a high viral load. In these guidelines, we present management strategies for HBV-infected pregnant women that are intended to reduce the risk of MTCT in Hong Kong.