Objective: To identify the maternofetal outcomes of Acute Hepatitis E in Pregnancy

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore. It included 41 women with gestational age >32 weeks, singleton pregnancy, presenting with Hepatitis E infection. Their demographic and pregnancy-related characteristics were included. Maternal and fetal outcomes were assessed. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS v.25.

Results: Mean age of the participatns was 27.12 ± 3.85 years; the mean gestational age was 31.00 ± 6.15 weeks. Thirty one patients (75.6%) were admitted through the emergency. Twenty four (58.5%) needed packed cell transfusion and 32 (78%) needed fresh frozen plasma transfusion. Eleven patients (26.8%) developed hepatic encephalopathy and all of them required intensive care admission. The maternal mortality rate was 4 (9.8%). Thirty eight (92.1%) pregnancies were viable at the time of arrival. The fetal mortality rate was 7 (17.1%).

Conclusion: HEV infections significantly contribute to materno-fetal morbidity and mortality. Screening for and monitoring HEV infection earlier during the pregnancy should be of primary public health importance. Improving awareness in women of childbearing age regarding HEV transmission and its adverse fetal effects should be prioritized.

Key words: Hepatitis E virus, Maternofetal Outcomes, pregnancy, Childbearing age