SICKLE CELL DISEASE AND PREGNANCY

Abstract

Abstract   Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of inherited single-gene autosomal recessive disorders caused by the ‘sickle’ gene, which affects haemoglobin structure. Sickle cell anemia is the most common hemoglobinopathy worldwide. The burden of sickle cell disease in pregnancy has been exponentially increasing with more number of women reaching the reproductive age, and having successful pregnancies. It has been proven beyond doubt that SCD in pregnancy poses the pregnant woman and fetus to significantly higher risks than a lady without SCD. SCD is associated with both maternal and fetal complications and is associated with an increased incidence of perinatal mortality, premature labour,  fetal growth restriction and acute painful crises during pregnancy.  Some studies also describe an increase in spontaneous miscarriage, antenatal hospitalisation, maternal mortality, delivery by caesarean section, infection, thromboembolic events and antepartum haemorrhage.   This review aims to discuss the risks of SCD in pregnancy - to the mother and fetus . It also reviews the difference between complications in SCD and sickle cell trait.