Women who delivered before ’92 run HCV risk
Coalition urges physicians to screen patients
Women who had cesareans, vaginal births, or other gynecological procedures that required a transfusion prior to 1992 are at risk for hepatitis C, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District IX in California and the California Hepatitis C Coalition in Sacramento.
"We are very concerned about women who received transfusions during gynecological procedures," says Josephine L. Von Herzen, MD, chair of District IX. "In addition, women who gave birth may not be aware that they had a transfusion of blood during the confusion and excitement of their procedure and the resulting birth of their child. A change in physician since that time could mean their new physician is not aware of the transfusion. We are sending reminders to physicians to double-check charts and discuss the risk factors with all patients," she says.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by direct blood-to-blood contact. It was identified in 1989, but it was not possible to screen the blood supply effectively for HCV until 1992. As a result, the virus is widespread in the population, according to the California Hepatitis C Coalition.
In addition, HCV often has no symptoms. The most common symptom of HCV is extreme tiredness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. In addition, the CDC reports that it is possible to be infected for 20 years or more before significant liver damage takes place and recognizable symptoms begin.
"When patients come in for office visits, we urge OB/GYNs to review charts to make sure those who had transfusions before 1992 are tested for HCV," says Jack Lewin, MD, CEO of the California Medical Association in Sacramento and a Hepatitis C Coalition member. "It is urgent to identify any woman of childbearing age who may be infected. HCV can spread between the mother and unborn child."
Case managers who need more information can request the CDC’s clinical recommendations on HCV by calling (800) 232-3228 or visiting www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/ resource/index.htm.
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