ORLANDO, Fla. — Approximately 25% of pregnant women infected with hepatitis B received a prescription for antiviral therapy, according to research presented at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition. Gastroenterologists and hepatologists were more likely to prescribe these medications compared with physicians specializing in maternal and fetal medicine or infectious disease, researchers said.

According to Sarah Schillie, MD, MPH, MBA, a medical officer at the CDC, and colleagues, approximately 90% of infants infected with HBV in utero develop chronic disease. Currently, it is suggested that pregnant women who are infected with HBV receive vaccination and immune globulin to prevent perinatal transmission. Those with viral loads greater than 200,000 IU/mL are recommended to also receive antiviral therapy.