Home| Journals | Statistics Online Expert | About Us | Contact Us

    About this Journal  | Table of Contents

[Abstract] [PDF] [HTML] [Linked References]

International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 7, Issue 1, May 2013 pp 40-44

Research Article

Seroepidemiological Profile and Clinical Pattern of Acute Viral Hepatitis E in Pregnant Women during Water Borne Epidemic at Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra

 Sushma Jotkar1, Gaytri Harshe2, Kiran Dawle3

{1,2 Professor, 3Post Graduate Student} Department of Medicine, D. Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur, 416 003 Maharashtra, INDIA.

Academic Editor : Dr. Aher K.R.

Abstract

 

Objectives: Hepatitis E (HEV) is one of the important causes of jaundice in pregnancy. It has caused large scale epidemics and sporadic cases. The present study was aimed to identify seroepidemiological and clinical pattern along with outcome of Hepatitis E infection especially in pregnant women. Methodology: This study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital at Dr. D. Y. Patil Hospital, Kadamwadi, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.  There was a large water borne epidemic outbreak of acute HEV infection at Ichalkaranji, a small town near Kolhapur, between May to July 2012.  Out of the 123 pregnant women who were positive for HEV infection, 37 women were admitted to our hospital.  Pregnant women who were not willing to participate in the study were excluded from the study. Results: Of the 37 pregnant women, 51.35% were aged between 21 to 25 years and the mean age was 23.73 ± 3.59 years. Majority of the women presented with HEV during the third trimester (75.68%) and 59.46% patient presented with multi-parity. The most common presentation included yellowish discolouration of sclera and itching all over the body (100% each) and the commonest signs at presentation was scleral icterus (100%). Maternal mortality was noted in one case (2.7%) and fetal mortality in four cases (13.51%). Conclusion: HEV infection in pregnancy poses high risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.The interdisciplinary approach, specialized care, high-risk support and close monitoring of patients are the pre requisites for successful management of HEV in pregnancy.