Incidence of vertical maternal-fetal transmission of Hepatitis B in the municipality of Cacoal, RO

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B is a viral infection of great public health relevance, which can evolve into chronic forms and cause serious complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Among its transmission routes, the vertical route (mother-to-child) presents a high risk, as exposed newborns have up to a 90% chance of developing the chronic form. Prevention is directly related to adequate prenatal care, early diagnosis, vaccination, and administration of immunoglobulin in the first hours of life. Objective: This study described the incidence of vertical transmission of hepatitis B in the municipality of Cacoal-RO and evaluated the effectiveness of prevention strategies adopted during prenatal care and the neonatal period. Methods: This was a descriptive, documentary, and quantitative study, developed through the analysis of medical records of pregnant women with positive serology for HBsAg and their exposed children, followed at the Specialized Care Service (SAE) in Cacoal-RO, between 2021 and 2025. The sample consisted of seven pregnant women with the disease, and the data were collected using checklists and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Pregnant women aged 36 to 38 years predominated (57.14%), all with up-to-date prenatal care and vaccinations. Thirteen medical records of exposed children were analyzed, with the highest concentration among those aged 9 to 14 years (46.16%), indicating prolonged follow-up. There were no cases of vertical transmission, confirming the effectiveness of preventive measures such as maternal immunization, use of immunoglobulin, and outpatient follow-up. Conclusion: The findings reinforce the quality of prenatal and neonatal care, contributing to the strengthening of preventive actions and the formulation of public policies focused on maternal and child health.