Perinatal Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus

You answered:

C Controlled trials have demonstrated that treatment of HCV infection with ribavirin (Copegasys or Rebetol) and interferon during pregnancy is safe and effective in reducing vertical HCV transmission.

This answer is incorrect. Use of interferon and ribavirin is not recommended in pregnancy. Interferon is classified as FDA Category C and ribavirin is absolutely contraindicated at the time of conception for both men and women and in pregnancy (Food and Drug Administration [FDA] Category X).

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A Compared with vaginal delivery, elective Cesarean section has been documented as an effective method to decrease vertical HCV transmission. Thus, elective cesarean section is recommended for all pregnant women with HCV infection and a detectable HCV RNA level.
B The risk of vertical HCV transmission is lower in women with HCV infection who are co-infected with HIV than for those women with HCV infection only.
D Hepatitis C antibody testing of her infant during the first 6 to 9 months after birth may not accurately determine the presence or absence of HCV infection.

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