$Unique_ID{BRK02167} $Pretitle{} $Title{Why Should I be Tested for Hepatitis B?} $Subject{Hepatitis B pregnancy pregnant test virus HBV chronic carriers liver cancer cirrhosis liver intravenous drug abuse heterosexual contact multiple partners male homosexual activity Treatment immunization immune globulin vaccine } $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Why Should I be Tested for Hepatitis B? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: I am now pregnant with my third baby, and it's been 5 years since the last one. My doctor is requesting me to have a test for hepatitis type B, though I never had the disease, never have been abroad, and don't drink. Can you offer me any reasonable explanations for his actions? I guess I am asking you for a second opinion and hope that you don't mind. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: No I don't mind at all, that's why I am here. It is clear that you have read little about this type of hepatitis, and so a little background information is in order. Hepatitis B is not a rare disease. Each year more than 300,000 persons become infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the United States alone, and more than 10,000 require hospitalization. However, more than one-half of patients who have acute hepatitis B have show no symptoms of their infection. Fortunately, most HBV infections resolve with time, about 90 to 95 percent, but the rest develop a chronic carrier state can't be detected on a routine physical examination. There are an estimated 500,000 to 1 million people in the U.S. who are chronic carriers of HBV. Babies born to mothers who are positive for hepatitis B have a 70 to 90 percent chance of becoming infected at or soon after birth, and nearly all also become chronic carriers of the virus. More than 1/4 of chronic HBV carriers die of liver cancer or cirrhosis of the liver, averaging a life span of but 50 years. All pregnant women should be tested for hepatitis B at their first visit. The test may be repeated for women in their last three months of pregnancy if they are at increased risk of exposure to the disease during pregnancy. The principal risk factors for HBV infection in the United States are intravenous drug abuse; heterosexual contact with HBV-infected persons, HBV chronic carriers or multiple partners; and male homosexual activity. Early detection of HBV in the mother can help prevent infection in the newborn. Treatment beginning soon after birth with hepatitis B immune globulin and hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective in preventing the development of the chronic carrier state during childhood. So you see you didn't have to travel, drink, or even be aware of the disease for this new testing to be essential to the health of your baby. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.