(631) The Risk of Hepatitis C Virus Infection on Development of Preeclampsia in Pregnancy

To investigate the association between maternal hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection status and the development of preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Study Design:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a total of 22,846,383 pregnant women who delivered preterm from 2015 to 2021. The primary exposure was HCV infection, while the primary outcome was preeclampsia. The data were obtained from medical records. Chi-squared analyses were performed to evaluate the association between HCV and preeclampsia. 

Results:

A total of 22,846,383 women were included in the study, with 104,006 (0.46%) identified with HCV infection. Among women who are HCV negative,the prevalence of preeclampsia was 7.00% compared to 7.21% among women who are HCV positive. A significant association was indicated through chi-squared test showing a significant association between HCV and preeclampsia (Chi-squared = 7.4596, Pr = 0.006). 

Analysis revealed that HCV infection was associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia (adjusted OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04 - 1.10, P < 0.001). Other factors contributing to the risk of preeclampsia included higher BMI categories and a history of DM or chronic hypertension. Racial disparities were noted, with Black and Asian women having higher odds of preeclampsia compared to Hispanic women.

 

Conclusion: Maternal HCV infection is associated with an increased risk of developing preeclampsia.