A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY TO DETERMINE FREQUENCY OF HCV VIRUS IN PREGNANT WOMEN AND ITS CASUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH RISK FACTORS

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C in pregnancy and its causal relationship, so that preventive measures can be taken, as Hepatitis C is like epidemic in Pakistan, Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and duration: Department of Gynea/Obs Jinnah Hospital, Lahore for period of one year from November, 2018 to October, 2019. Methodology: A total of 1000 pregnant woman of 16-40 years presenting in antenatal clinic of Jinnah Hospital were enrolled for study. After informed consent their blood was obtained for anti HCV antibody analysis by a third generation Elisa technique. Sera testing positive were also confirmed by HCV RNA by PCR. Result: In our study out of 1000 pregnant woman 400 patients were HCV positive by Elisa method. Among these 400 patients 250 were confirmed of HCV RNA by PCR. 80% of patients were having previous surgery, 60% were multipara, 70% were low socio-economic class and 40% of patients were having history of previous blood transfusion. Conclusion: The prevalence of Hepatitis C is rapidly increasing in our population so proper health education and awareness should be improved and screening for HCV should be encouraged. Keywords: Hepatitis C Virus, Vertical Transmission, Prevalence