Hepatitis

Hepatitis — liver inflammation

Hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C, D, E), autoimmune diseases, toxins, or medications. Hepatitis B and C are especially significant in gynecology as they transmit through blood and sexual contact.

Types of hepatitis

• Hepatitis A — fecal-oral route, usually mild, full recovery
• Hepatitis B (HBV) — blood, sexual, vertical; can become chronic
• Hepatitis C (HCV) — primarily blood; high chronicity rate
• Hepatitis D — only with HBV coexistence; worsens disease course
• Hepatitis E — fecal-oral route; dangerous in pregnancy

Significance in gynecology and pregnancy

• Vertical HBV transmission — mother-to-child during delivery
• Pregnancy screening — mandatory HBsAg testing
• Newborn vaccination — HBV vaccine + immunoglobulin immediately after birth
• HCV in pregnancy — 5-6% vertical transmission risk

Diagnostics

• HBsAg, Anti-HBs, Anti-HBc — hepatitis B serological markers
• Anti-HCV — hepatitis C screening
• PCR (viral load) — viral DNA/RNA quantification
• Liver panel — ALT, AST, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase

Prevention

Hepatitis B vaccination is the most effective prevention. Recommended for all sexually active individuals, healthcare workers, and pregnant women with negative HBsAg.