Is Maternal Hepatitis C Infection compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Maternal Hepatitis C Infection?

Maternal Hepatitis C Infection

August 6, 2017 (Very Low Risk)

Although antibodies and RNA from the disease have been detected in colostrum (García 2015), no case of infection has been documented in numerous studies that have been carried out, so there is consensus among authors and scientific associations that there is no need to suspend breastfeeding in mothers with hepatitis C (Tovo 2016, AAP 2015, Workowski-CDC 2015 and 2010, Cottrell 2013, Durmaz 2012, Le Campion 2012, Madurga 2012, Arshad 2011, Bhola 2007, Sookoian 2006, Pembrey 2005, Kumar 1998).

There are no differences in the frequency of transmission in groups of breastfed children compared to those fed with artificial milk (Townsend 2012, Lanari 2012, Fiore 2009, Hay 2008, Bhola 2006, Lawrence 2004).

Breast milk inactivates the Hepatitis C virus (Tovo 2016, Pfaender 2013, Jhaveri 2013).

Vertical transmission (mother-to-child) rate of hepatitis C is 1% to 5%, with a higher risk if it coexists with HIV, illegal intravenous drug use and high viral load (more than 105 copies/mL).
Vertical transmission is independent of the delivery route (vaginal or cesarean section) and breastfeeding (Christensen 2014, Maher 2013, Cottrell 2013).


See below the information of these related products:
Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

References

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  2. Thompson AJ. Australian recommendations for the management of hepatitis C virus infection: a consensus statement. Med J Aust. 2016Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Spera AM, Eldin TK, Tosone G, Orlando R. Antiviral therapy for hepatitis C: Has anything changed for pregnant/lactating women? World J Hepatol. 2016Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Garcia-Loygorri MC, De Luis D, Torreblanca B, March GA, Bachiller MR, Eiros JM. La leche materna como vehículo de transmisión de virus. [Beast Milk as vehicle of transmission of virus]. Nutr Hosp. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Workowski KA, Bolan GA; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2015Abstract
  6. Christensen VB, Nordly S, Fischler B, Kjær MS, Jørgensen MH. [Hepatitis C infection in children.] Ugeskr Laeger. 2014Abstract
  7. Dunkelberg JC, Berkley EM, Thiel KW, Leslie KK. Hepatitis B and C in pregnancy: a review and recommendations for care. J Perinatol. 2014Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Cottrell EB, Chou R, Wasson N, Rahman B, Guise JM. Reducing risk for mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis C virus: a systematic review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Jhaveri R. Protection against hepatitis C and other enveloped viruses? Another reason why \breast is best\. J Infect Dis. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Pfaender S, Heyden J, Friesland M, Ciesek S, Ejaz A, Steinmann J, Steinmann J, Malarski A, Stoiber H, Tsiavaliaris G, Bader W, Jahreis G, Pietschmann T, Steinmann E. Inactivation of hepatitis C virus infectivity by human breast milk. J Infect Dis. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  11. Maher Shams. Update in Liver Diseases with Pregnancy. Journal of GHR 2013 February 21 2(2): 391-398 2013 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  12. Jhaveri R. Protection against hepatitis C and other enveloped viruses? Another reason why "breast is best". J Infect Dis. 2013Abstract
  13. SFP- Comité de nutrition de la Société française de pédiatrie., Turck D, Vidailhet M, Bocquet A, Bresson JL, Briend A, Chouraqui JP, Darmaun D, Dupont C, Frelut ML, Girardet JP, Goulet O, Hankard R, Rieu D, Simeoni U. [Breastfeeding: health benefits for child and mother]. Arch Pediatr. 2013Abstract
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  16. Durmaz O. Hepatitis C infection in childhood. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol. 2012Abstract
  17. Madurga Revilla P, Aguar Carrascosa M, Pereda Pérez A, Modesto Alapont V, Montañés Sánchez A, Torres Martínez E, Brugada Montanter M, León Cariñena S. [Retrospective study of risk factors of vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus]. An Pediatr (Barc). 2012Abstract
  18. Townsend CL, Peckham CS, Thorne C. Breastfeeding and transmission of viruses other than HIV-1. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2012Abstract
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  23. Bhola K, McGuire W. Does avoidance of breast feeding reduce mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis C virus infection? Arch Dis Child. 2007Abstract
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