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Abstract Details
Hepatitis B and C in Pregnancy and Children: A Canadian Perspective
Viruses. 2022 Dec 29;15(1):91. doi: 10.3390/v15010091.
1Viral Hepatitis Care Network, Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada.
2School of Nursing, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada.
Abstract
In 2016, the World Health Organization released a plan to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. For Canada to achieve the recommended decreases in HBV- and HCV-related new diagnoses and deaths, an increase in services is urgently required. Identifying those at risk of, or who have acquired HBV and HCV, remains a challenge, especially with the emergence of new priority populations such as pregnant persons and children. Importantly, prenatal, and pediatric care are times when individuals are often already engaged with the healthcare system, leading to the potential for opportunistic or co-localized care and interventions. At present, Canada may not be maximizing all available virologic tools that could lead to increases in prevention, identification, improved management, or even cure. Here, we describe the continuum of care that includes preconception, prenatal, postpartum, and pediatric stages; and identify current global and Canadian recommendations, findings, and opportunities for improvement.