Optimal management of HBV infection during pregnancy

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in pregnancy presents a unique and important challenge. Over 50% of chronic HBV carriers in endemic areas acquire infection vertically from their mothers. More importantly, over 90% of perinatally acquired infections progress to chronic HBV infection. Thus, management of chronic HBV during pregnancy and strategies to prevent mother-to-child transmission is an important step in eradicating or reducing the global burden of chronic hepatitis B. In addition, chronic HBV infection in pregnancy presents a unique clinical challenge because of the complex relationship between the physiological changes of pregnancy and the pathophysiological response to HBV. This review will present the current knowledge and a practical approach to management of HBV in pregnancy.