Vertical transmission of hepatitis B is the primary means of acquiring the disease by new carriers. The Cartuja Health Center performs systemic screening of pregnant women subjects as possible carriers. The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence of pregnant carriers, seroepidemiological characteristics and intervention guidelines followed. We reviewed 454 pregnant women with serology performed between 1986 and 1989, including factors such as age, race, HBV serology, risk, and subsequent prevention. We calculated the prevalence of carriers. Moreover, we compared the proportion of Gypsy carriers versus non-carriers, and the prevalence of Gypsy versus Payos (non-Gypsy) carriers. Fourteen cases were AgBHs (+) (3.1%). There was no age difference between carriers and non-carriers. The proportion of Gypsy women in the carrier group was higher than in the non-carrier group (p less than 0.01), while the prevalence of carriers was also higher in Gypsy women than in pregnant women of Payo origin (p = 0.00082). Only one carrier had prior risk history. Of the 14 women with AgBHs (+), 13 gave birth; the recommended guidelines were followed in 9 cases. Routine screening for AgBHs in pregnant women is justified by the low sensitivity of the risk criteria, and the possibility for prevention.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1989

[The evaluation of a program for the early diagnosis of cervix cancer at a health center (1981-1987)].

The results of a program for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer (EDC) in a health center was evaluated for the period 1981-87. This activity was included in a general program of attention to women and was carried out by the primary care staff of the center. 915 women were evaluated, and 1,279 samples for cytology were collected. The achieved coverage was 11.56%. The most usual way of recruitment was through the family planning program. We detected that the group of women included in the program had risk factors predisposing to cervical cancer; however, this was not associated with a higher incidence of dysplasia. The referrals to a higher level of care were made in early disease stages, and this was the case in 38 women. It was considered that the continuation of the program in the health center is adequate. Recruitment should be increased and directed to the women with higher risk.

Biopsy↗