Comparative Evaluation of ALT & AST Levels of Hepatitis B and C Infected Pregnant Women in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

During pregnancy viral Hepatitis may cause maternal complication whichmay lead to still birth.Pakistan isthe second country in the world having high prevalence of chronic hepatitisB and C infections alongside the highest fertility ratetherefore chances of vertical transmission and pregnancy complications are high primarily due to compromised liver functions. The aim of this study wasto screen the hepatitis B and C virus infected pregnant women in Lahore and to monitor their liver function enzymes(ALT & AST).From January 2018 to December 2018,15000 pregnant females in different areas of Lahore were screened by ICT method for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C antibodies (Anti HCV). Positive samples are confirmed by ELISA. ALT and AST of hepatitis B, hepatitis C infected and healthy pregnant women were estimated.:149 pregnant females out of 15000 were positive for HCV and 45 cases were diagnosed positive for HBV. ALT and AST of these viral infected females were compared with healthy pregnant females. In HCV analysis, the values of ALT and AST were significant. Paradoxically, the HBV analysis revealed insignificant differences of these estimated enzymes. Hence, statistically co-infection of Hepatitis B&C indicates significant ALT while insignificant AST.The present study confirms the low endemically prevalent Hepatitis B&C infections among pregnant women in Lahore, Pakistan. HCV elevate ALT and AST levels among pregnant women while during HBV infection they remain within normal range.