Risk factors for postpartum alanine aminotransferase elevation in women with chronic hepatitis B infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

What was studied

This meta-analysis looked at risk factors for a rise in ALT after birth. ALT is a liver blood test. The women had chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Earlier studies were inconsistent. The authors searched several databases to 1 January 2026. They pooled 17 cohort studies with 6,876 women.

What they found

A positive HBeAg test went with a higher risk. The odds ratio was 3.03. Higher baseline HBV DNA went with a higher risk, at 1.39. High ALT before birth also went with it. When ALT was above the upper limit, the odds ratio was 5.54. A continuous rise in ALT showed a smaller effect. Older maternal age went with a lower risk, at 0.93.

What it means for patients

The authors say HBeAg positivity and high HBV DNA are key risks. So is high ALT before birth. They add that younger maternal age may mean more risk.

Why it is not certain yet

These were cohort studies, so the links do not prove cause. The abstract gives no data on how severe the ALT rises were. Findings in earlier studies were inconsistent. A review can only be as good as the studies in it.

Source

Risk factors for postpartum alanine aminotransferase elevation in women with chronic hepatitis B infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

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