ABSTRACT
With the implementation of the EU cell and tissue directive from 2006 into national legislation it became mandatory to screen all fertility patients for HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] and total hepatitis B core antibody [anti-HBc]) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) (hepatitis C virus antibody [anti-HCV]) prior
Background .............................................................................................................. 171 Prevalence and Transmission of the Virus .......................................................... 172
Hepatitis B ..................................................................................................... 172 Hepatitis C ..................................................................................................... 172
Viral Testing ........................................................................................................ 173 Interpreting Hepatitis Screening Results ............................................................ 173
Hepatitis B Virus ............................................................................................ 173 Hepatitis C Virus ............................................................................................ 175
Vaccination .......................................................................................................... 175 Hepatitis B Virus ............................................................................................ 175 Hepatitis C Virus ............................................................................................ 175
Impact of Disease on IVF and Pregnancy ................................................................ 175 Impact of IVF and Pregnancy on Disease ................................................................ 176 Preparing the Patient for IVF ................................................................................... 176
Stimulation .......................................................................................................... 176 Female Hepatitis Patients ............................................................................... 176
Management during IVF Treatment ......................................................................... 177 Female Hepatitis Patients .................................................................................... 177 Male Hepatitis Patients ....................................................................................... 177 Cryopreservation ................................................................................................. 178
Management in Early Pregnancy and Delivery........................................................ 179 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 179 Recommendations/Take-Home Message ................................................................. 179 References ................................................................................................................ 180
to initiating fertility treatment. However, it was stated in the directive that “ positive results will not necessarily prevent partner donation in accordance with national rules”. As a consequence of this, fertility clinics all over Europe are now contacted by viralpositive patients seeking help to conceive by assisted reproduction technology (ART).
