OBJECTIVETo evaluate the influence of liver function on pregnancy outcome of women who are infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and who receive individualized nutrition management during the perinatal period.

METHODSA total of 210 pregnant women were enrolled for study between January 2011 and July 2013. The women were divided into the following groups according to self-selected participation in individualized nutritional treatment and management plans (n =87, observation group) or in routine prenatal care without any nutrition management plan (n =123, control group). Inter-group differences in pregnancy complications, liver function and perinatal outcome were assessed statistically.

RESULTSThe following pregnancy complications were recorded during the study:hypertension disorder, gestational diabetes, anemia and fetal growth restriction; however, the rates of these complications were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P less than 0.05). The observation group also had significantly lower incidence rates of preterm labor, fetal distress and neonatal asphyxia (P less than 0.05). The observation group also had significantly lower proportions of hypoalbuminemia and abnormal liver function, and correlation analysis indicated that birth weight is correlated with the pregnant woman's energy and protein intake.

CONCLUSIONWomen with HBV can benefit from individualized nutrition management during the prenatal period, experiencing improved pregnancy outcome and reduced occurrence of pregnancy complications. The application of individualized and balanced nutrition management had no effect on fetal growth and development.