PGIMS Rohtak Study Reveals 26% Miscarriage Rate in Hepatitis C Mothers

A recent study conducted by the Department of Medical Gastroenterology in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS), Rohtak, has uncovered a concerning statistic regarding maternal health for women infected with hepatitis C. The study, which was released on July 28, 2025, coinciding with World Hepatitis Day, reported a miscarriage rate of 26% among pregnant women diagnosed with hepatitis C.

Dr. Parveen Malhotra, Senior Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Gastroenterology at PGIMS, stated, "The findings highlight a significant public health concern, as women with hepatitis C experience a notably higher risk of miscarriage compared to the general population." The research also indicated a familial prevalence of hepatitis B, revealing a 13% occurrence rate among family members of patients diagnosed with hepatitis B who were treated at the institution. In an effort to mitigate the spread of the virus, family members who tested negative were promptly vaccinated.

Additionally, the study outlined the sexual transmission rates for both hepatitis B and C, which stood at approximately 5–6%. Dr. Malhotra emphasized, "Our model treatment center has successfully treated over 26,000 hepatitis C patients and 12,000 hepatitis B patients free of charge, significantly alleviating the economic burden on lower-income families."

The PGIMS has become a vital hub for hepatitis care, treating an average of 80 patients daily. The services provided range from antiviral medications to viral load testing and inpatient care when necessary. The detection efforts have intensified, with more than 70 new cases of hepatitis B and C identified monthly among blood donors, according to Dr. Malhotra.

A notable achievement in controlling vertical transmission of hepatitis B was reported by Dr. Pushpa Dahiya, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. She noted that antiviral therapies initiated during pregnancy, alongside immediate administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and vaccination for newborns, have nearly eliminated vertical transmission among over 500 pregnant women with hepatitis B.

Furthermore, the proactive vaccination initiative extended to healthcare workers, with 8,000 personnel receiving the hepatitis B vaccine, totaling 24,000 doses administered at PGIMS. Dr. Varun Arora, a Professor of Community Medicine, leads this campaign, which aims to enhance public health and reduce transmission rates within the healthcare setting.

World Hepatitis Day serves to raise awareness about hepatitis and its impacts on global health. This year’s theme, “Let’s break it down,” resonates with the ongoing efforts at PGIMS to combat viral hepatitis through extensive treatment and education programs. The concerted endeavors of UHSR Vice-Chancellor Prof. HK Aggarwal, PGIMS Director Dr. SK Singhal, and Blood Bank in-charge Dr. Gajendra Singh have played an instrumental role in supporting these initiatives.

The implications of this study are profound, not only highlighting the urgent need for improved screening and treatment protocols for hepatitis-infected pregnant women but also underscoring the importance of family-centric approaches to vaccination and education. As the PGIMS continues its mission to eliminate viral hepatitis, the findings of this study contribute to a growing body of evidence that calls for enhanced public health measures in combating this viral epidemic.