Maternal and Fetal Outcome in Pregnancy with Sickle Cell Disease in the Third Trimester in Central India: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is an uncommon cause of anemia and jaundice during pregnancy. However, SCD is expected in Maharashtra, especially the Vidarbha region. SCD in pregnancy can cause various maternal and fetal complications. This study was conducted to know maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancy with sickle cell disease in the third trimester.

Methodology: This retrospective data were collected from hospital records of medical colleges located in central India for one and a half years, from November 2019 to January 2021. Forty-two women were admitted with pregnancy with sickle cell disease in the third trimester during the study period. The baseline characteristics, frequency of sickle hemoglobin variants, and maternal and fetal pregnancy outcomes were collected.

Results: Compiled data were analyzed by simple descriptive statistics and frequency tables. Majority were primigravida (59.52%). Type of sickle cell was determined based on HB electrophoresis; out of 42 patients, 36 had AS pattern, 5 had SS pattern SCD, and 1 had As+b thal minor. The most common medical complication was anemia [73.80%] and UTI 26.19%. The most common adverse obstetric outcomes observed were IUGR/Oligohydramnios 42.85% and pre-eclampsia 21.42%. Majority of patients delivered by LSCS 42.85%. An adverse outcome in the fetus was fetal distress 45.23% and meconium-stained amniotic fluid 42.86%.

Discussion: Due to hematological changes, extra demands, and sickle crisis, complications in both mother and fetus are more common in sickle cell anemia.

Conclusions: Early detection and management of sickle cell anemia during pregnancy can reduce the adverse outcome in both mother and baby.