Last update July 14, 2023

Maternal infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV)

Compatible

Safe substance and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

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. (Red Book 2021-24, Compagnone 2019, Dibba 2018, Post 2017, SMFM 2017, Tovo 2016, AAP 2015, Workowski-CDC 2015 y 2010, Lawrence 2013, 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:

  • Daclatasvir (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Dasabuvir (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Glecaprevir (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Interferon Alfa (IFN-α) (Safe substance and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Ledipasvir (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Ombitasvir (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Paritaprevir (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Peginterferon alfa (Safe substance and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Pibrentasvir (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Ribavirin (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Ritonavir (RTV, /r) (Safe substance and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Simeprevir (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Sofosbuvir (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
  • Velpatasvir (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.
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Other names

Maternal infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is also known as Maternal Hepatitis C Infection.


Group

Maternal infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) belongs to this group or family:

References

  1. Van de Perre P, Molès JP, Nagot N, Tuaillon E, Ceccaldi PE, Goga A, Prendergast AJ, Rollins N. Revisiting Koch's postulate to determine the plausibility of viral transmission by human milk. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2021 Jul;32(5):835-842. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. (Red Book). AAP. Kimberlin DW, Barnett ED, , Lynfield R, Sawyer MH eds. Red Book: 2021-2024. Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 32th ed. Elk Grove Village, - 2021
  3. Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, Johnston CM, Muzny CA, Park I, Reno H, Zenilman JM, Bolan GA. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021 Jul 23;70(4):1-187. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  4. Compagnone A, Catenazzi P, Riccardi R, Zuppa AA. Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis C virus. Minerva Pediatr. 2019 Apr;71(2):174-180. Abstract
  5. Dibba P, Cholankeril R, Li AA, Patel M, Fayek M, Dibble C, Okpara N, Hines A, Ahmed A. Hepatitis C in Pregnancy. Diseases. 2018 Apr 27;6(2). pii: E31. Abstract
  6. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM). Electronic address: pubs@smfm.org., Hughes BL, Page CM, Kuller JA. Hepatitis C in pregnancy: screening, treatment, and management. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Nov;217(5):B2-B12. Abstract
  7. Mammas IN, Spandidos DA. The innovation of the subspecialty of Paediatric Virology: An interview with Research Professor of Molecular Virology Anna Kramvis. Exp Ther Med. 2017 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Post JJ. Update on hepatitis C and implications for pregnancy. Obstet Med. 2017 Dec;10(4):157-160. Abstract
  9. Spera AM, Eldin TK, Tosone G, Orlando R. Antiviral therapy for hepatitis C: Has anything changed for pregnant/lactating women? World J Hepatol. 2016 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Thompson AJ. Australian recommendations for the management of hepatitis C virus infection: a consensus statement. Med J Aust. 2016 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  11. Tovo PA, Calitri C, Scolfaro C, Gabiano C, Garazzino S. Vertically acquired hepatitis C virus infection: Correlates of transmission and disease progression. World J Gastroenterol. 2016 Abstract
  12. 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. 2015 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  13. Workowski KA, Bolan GA; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2015 Abstract
  14. Sogni P. [Pregnancy and viral hepatitis B and C]. Presse Med. 2015 Abstract
  15. Christensen VB, Nordly S, Fischler B, Kjær MS, Jørgensen MH. [Hepatitis C infection in children.] Ugeskr Laeger. 2014 Abstract
  16. Dunkelberg JC, Berkley EM, Thiel KW, Leslie KK. Hepatitis B and C in pregnancy: a review and recommendations for care. J Perinatol. 2014 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  17. 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)
  18. 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. 2013 Abstract
  19. Jhaveri R. Protection against hepatitis C and other enveloped viruses? Another reason why \breast is best\. J Infect Dis. 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  20. Lawrence RM. Circumstances when breastfeeding is contraindicated. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;60(1):295-318. Abstract
  21. 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. 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  22. Jhaveri R. Protection against hepatitis C and other enveloped viruses? Another reason why "breast is best". J Infect Dis. 2013 Abstract
  23. 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. 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  24. Durmaz O. Hepatitis C infection in childhood. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol. 2012 Abstract
  25. 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). 2012 Abstract
  26. Lanari M, Sogno Valin P, Natale F, Capretti MG, Serra L. Human milk, a concrete risk for infection? J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2012 Abstract
  27. Townsend CL, Peckham CS, Thorne C. Breastfeeding and transmission of viruses other than HIV-1. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2012 Abstract
  28. Le Campion A, Larouche A, Fauteux-Daniel S, Soudeyns H. Pathogenesis of hepatitis C during pregnancy and childhood. Viruses. 2012 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  29. Arshad M, El-Kamary SS, Jhaveri R. Hepatitis C virus infection during pregnancy and the newborn period--are they opportunities for treatment? J Viral Hepat. 2011 Abstract
  30. CDC - Workowski KA, Berman S; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2010. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2010 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  31. Fiore S, Savasi V. Treatment of viral hepatitis in pregnancy. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2009 Abstract
  32. Bhola K, McGuire W. Does avoidance of breast feeding reduce mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis C virus infection? Arch Dis Child. 2007 Abstract
  33. Sookoian S. Liver disease during pregnancy: acute viral hepatitis. Ann Hepatol. 2006 Abstract
  34. Pembrey L, Newell ML, Tovo PA; EPHN Collaborators.. The management of HCV infected pregnant women and their children European paediatric HCV network. J Hepatol. 2005 Abstract
  35. Pembrey L, Newell ML, Tovo PA; EPHN Collaborators. The management of HCV infected pregnant women and their children European paediatric HCV network. J Hepatol. 2005 Abstract
  36. Lawrence RM, Lawrence RA. Breast milk and infection. Clin Perinatol. 2004 Sep;31(3):501-28. Review. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  37. Kumar RM, Shahul S. Role of breast-feeding in transmission of hepatitis C virus to infants of HCV-infected mothers. J Hepatol. 1998 Abstract

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