Authors' results and conclusions: The number of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected infants in Australia is low, but the potentially chronic and serious sequelae of HCV warrant their identification through screening. HCV screening in Australia is not standardised and the screening approach is determined by the institute or practitioner. The establishment of a standardised methodology for HCV screening would identify more infected infants than are currently identified. Due to the low prevalence in Australia, universal screening is not recommended. Conversely, there is evidence suggesting that screening only those "at risk" would miss approximately 40% of HCV infected mothers, and by inference, their offspring. Evidence is beginning to emerge as to the best times and methods to screen infants for HCV, although this evidence is not strong due to the low numbers of cases.

Authors' recommendations: With the advent of more effective treatment of children with polymerase inhibitors within the next few years, screening infants for hepatitis C will be of growing importance. However, HealthPACT can not assess the effectiveness of pharmacological therapies and have therefore recommended that further assessment of this technology is no longer warranted.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2007

URL for published report: Not Available

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: School of Public Health, Mail Drop 545, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, AUSTRALIA, Tel: +61 8 8313 4617

Contact Name: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Contact Email: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Copyright: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA)