A study of viral hepatitis during pregnancy in Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital.

The present study aimed to find out prevalence and severity of viral hepatitis during pregnancy in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital. Out of 5602 pregnant women admitted in the ward from 2001-2007; viral hepatitis was seen in 29 cases. HBV was detected in 18/29 (62.0%), HEV in 6/29 (20.6%) and viral hepatitis of undetected serology was seen in 5/29 (17.2%). Serology was undetected in these cases because of financial constraints. The mortality rate was 8/29 (27.5%). Three out of eight cases who expired were HEV positive and five were of undetected serology. Seven out of 8 maternal deaths were in preterm gestation and undelivered. Fulminant hepatitis with hepatic encephalopathy was the commonest cause of death. Hepatitis E was the commonest etiological agent in those who had fulminant disease during pregnancy and was associated with high mortality rate.