Hepatitis B in a Baby?

Rainbow Hospital’s team Proactive prevention approach saved Neha’s baby

Bangalore: Neha, a 28-year-old software engineer and mother of one-year-old Isha, had an unforeseen issue during her pregnancy. Neha was shocked to find at a routine blood screening that she had tested positive for Hepatitis B, a result she had not expected.

Neha’s experience isn’t rare. A staggering nine out of ten individuals infected with Hepatitis B are ignorant of their condition. Over 90% of new Hepatitis B infections occur through mother-to-child transmission or during early infancy. Every year on July 28th, World Hepatitis Day is observed to raise awareness about the global burden of hepatitis disease and to collaborate toward the goal of eliminating hepatitis by 2030.Viral Hepatitis remains a major public health concern in India, causing 1.5 lakh fatalities per year and affecting almost 60 million people.

After obtaining her diagnosis, Neha meticulously followed her doctor’s advice. Understanding the risks of Hepatitis B transfer from mother to child, she undertook a series of further tests to establish the severity of the infection and monitor her liver function. The primary goal was to lower her viral load and minimize the danger of transferring the virus to her baby during birth.

As the due date arrived, Neha and the medical team at Rainbow Children’s Hospital methodically arranged the delivery. They followed a comprehensive medical care strategy that included administering Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine to the newborn during the first 12 hours of life. These interventions are crucial in providing infants with immediate passive and active immunity.

Everything went according to plan on Isha’s birth day. The delivery went smoothly, and the medical team swiftly administered HBIG and the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine to Isha. These initial steps were critical in preventing the virus from infecting the newborn’s system.

Throughout this time, Neha and her family were cautious about Isha’s medical appointments, making sure that each vaccination was administered on time. Regular follow-up tests were performed to monitor Isha’s health and detect any signs of Hepatitis B infection. Fortunately, all testing showed that Isha did not get the virus. Her antibody levels demonstrated excellent immunity, demonstrating the success of the vaccination protocol. Neha’s proactive efforts and careful commitment to medical recommendations demonstrate the critical necessity of early detection and preventive care in Hepatitis B management.

Dr. Vaishnavi Chandramohan, Consultant in Pediatrics & Infectious Diseases at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli, Bangalore, highlighted the significance of this case: “Neha’s proactive approach to ensuring her child received timely vaccinations is a powerful example of how we can prevent the transmission of Hepatitis B. By sticking to vaccination schedules and taking preventive steps, we may significantly decrease the occurrence of Hepatitis and safeguard future generations from these devastating infections.”

Neha’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, preventive care, and adherence to medical guidelines. Rainbow Children’s Hospital stands as a light of hope and excellence in pediatric care. The positive outcome of Neha and Isha’s case demonstrates the hospital’s dedication to providing personalized, high-quality medical care.

This journey demonstrates Rainbow Children’s Hospital’s critical role in addressing complex medical issues with expertise and compassion.