Obstetrics and gynecology
-
Obstetrics and gynecology · Apr 2020
EditorialThe Urgent Need for Hepatitis C Screening in Pregnant Women: A Call to Action.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects 170 million people worldwide, with at least 5% of individuals with HCV progressing to life-threatening complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma, within 20 years from acute infection. The World Health Organization has called for viral hepatitis elimination as a major public health threat by 2030. The recent development and availability of direct-acting antiviral drugs have been a game-changer in the HCV-treatment paradigm-response exceeds 90%, with minimal adverse events. ⋯ S. Preventive Services Task Force-recommended screening changes for all adults aged 18-79 years. We also review the current screening paradigm and treatment options for pregnant women and their children.