Pregnancy and Sickle Cell Disease

Contemporary Obstetric and Neonatal Outcomes in Sickle Cell Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

 Sickle cell disease is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Aspects of sickle cell disease in pregnancy, such as health care utilization and neonatal abstinence syndrome, are understudied. We aimed to describe contemporary sickle cell disease outcomes in a U.S. hospital system to improve perinatal counseling.

STUDY DESIGN

 We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with sickle cell disease who delivered at >20 weeks' gestation at two sites within the University of Pennsylvania Health System from May 1, 2017 to August 30, 2020. Descriptive statistics were utilized.

RESULTS

 Over the study period, 48 patients with sickle cell disease had 52 deliveries of 53 neonates. Sickle cell disease-related morbidity was prevalent prior to pregnancy; 27% had a history of avascular necrosis, and 58% had experienced acute chest syndrome. In the year prior to pregnancy, 52% used daily opioids. During pregnancy, more than half of patients were admitted at least once for sickle cell disease-related complications, spending a median 3 days admitted interquartile range (0-23); >10% spent >70 days of pregnancy admitted. New daily opioids were prescribed during pregnancy for 10% to manage pain crises. Acute chest syndrome was experienced by 23% of patients during pregnancy, and 8% required placement of long-term intravenous access. Preterm delivery <37 weeks occurred in 48%. The primary cesarean rate in nulliparas was 43%. Additionally, 50% experienced a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, 35% underwent transfusion during delivery admission, and 10% had a perinatal venous thromboembolism. Finally, 53% of neonates were admitted to the intensive care unit. Low birth weight was noted in 34%, severe respiratory distress in 15% of infants, and neonatal abstinence syndrome in 21%.

CONCLUSION

 Sickle cell disease remains associated with significant perinatal morbidity and need for hospitalization. These data provide contemporary outcomes to target improvements in the care of patients with sickle cell disease.

KEY POINTS

· SCD was associated with significant perinatal morbidity and healthcare utilization.. · Most patients with SCD required hospitalization during pregnancy.. · Neonates of patients with SCD experienced preterm birth, NICU admission, and neonatal abstinence syndrome..

Sickle cell anemia and pregnancy: Profile of hemodynamic changes in sickle cell pregnant women in Kinshasa

Pregnancy is accompanied by hormonal changes. These relate mainly to progesterone and placenate growth factor. Hemodynamic changes are also observed. in a sickle cell pregnant woman, all these changes have a direct effect on hypoxia. This is responsible for the polymerization of HbS. The latter causes the sickling of sickle red blood cells. sickling of red blood cells is responsible for hemolysis and vasoocclusion, two major acute manifestations during pregnancy in a sickle cell patient.

Sickle cell anemia in pregnant Saudi women and its impact on birth weight and gestational maturity

BACKGROUND

It is well documented that sickle cell anemia (SCA) in pregnancy increases the risk of problems that can influence the growth and maturation of the newborn. To assess the gestational maturity and birth weight of babies born to Saudi mothers with SCA in the Jazan region.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted in three hospitals in the Jazan region. An interview with a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants' women, and then the birth weight was taken.

RESULTS

Of 187 delivered women, 20.3% had SCA (13% had sickle cell disease, and the remaining had sickle cell trait). Among the 38 affected mothers, 15.7% were considered to have an additional risk (7.9% had diabetes mellitus, 5.3% had hypertension, and 2.6% were smokers). The mean birth weight was 2.95 ± 0.40 kg and 2.99 ± 0.55 kg in the case and control groups, respectively. However, the low birth weight babies constitute 31% of the delivered babies in the SCA group with a weight of 2.33 ± 0.16 kg and 15% of the control group with a mean weight of 2.16 ± 0.30 kg. The gestational age was 39.36 ± 1.02 weeks in the SCA group compared to 39.5 ± 1.17 weeks in the control group. Maternal age and hypertension significantly influence the birth weight in the SCA group compared to the influence of diabetes mellitus on the birth weight in the control group.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that SCA in pregnant mothers influences birth weight, which is more impacted by maternal age and co-morbidities. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach must monitor these risky pregnancies well to avoid undesirable neonatal outcomes.

A Comprehensive Review of Pregnancy in Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell hemoglobinopathies encompass a range of qualitative and quantitative hemoglobin disorders that are inherited genetically. This group of disorders includes sickle cell beta thalassemia, sickle cell trait, and sickle cell disease (SCD). Globally, SCD is the most common disorder. Even epidemiological data suggests the majority of diseases, as well as traits, are concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, North-East Africa, the Middle East, and India. The physiological changes in pregnancy predispose to an increased risk of catastrophic events like a vaso-occlusive crisis, thromboembolic events, and their related sequelae, leading eventually to villous infarction, necrosis, and fibrosis leading to compromising uteroplacental circulation. Conversely, the mother may exhibit exacerbated symptoms of gestational hypertension, placental abruption, preterm labor, and venous thromboembolism. Although this disease is manageable, it has the potential to adversely impact maternal and child health on a national level. The chances of severe complications in the pregnant state affecting both mother and fetus attract due attention of health services towards redefining and researching this disease and its management frequently. The literature review on the following situation advocates the general treatment to be observed under the headings of preconceptual care, strengthened antenatal care, strict intranatal care, and compliant post-natal care. Preconceptually, genetic screening of couples, with education on the adverse effects of the disease, comes as the first line of management. Newer facilities like preimplantation genetic diagnosis and celocentesis may even allow for early diagnosis as well as help patients who do not wish to terminate the pregnancy by selective transfer of unaffected embryos. This may be combined with an extensive evaluation of the psychosocial aspect and socioeconomic status of couples who administer vaccines as prophylaxis for preventable diseases. Strengthening antenatal care is associated with routine blood investigations for every registered antenatal patient with adequate awareness about the conditions that precipitate the crisis. All patients should be prophylactically treated with appropriate doses of aspirin, iron, folic acid, and multivitamins. Radiological examinations by ultrasonography may be used to monitor placenta previa, abruption, or preterm labor. Later in pregnancy, it should be recommended to perform biophysical profiling and assessment of umbilical artery flow. Intranatal care deals with strict-term institutional delivery of all sickle cell-diseased mothers with a preference for vaginal delivery. Post-natal care requires a precise assessment of blood loss during labor to initiate transfusion therapy as soon as needed. Exclusive breastfeeding, with the importance of early initiation of it, must be emphasized. Screening of neonates as quickly as possible must be done for hemoglobinopathies. Through this review, authors are trying to make aware of the complications that can be faced during pregnancy in SCD patients, its prevention, and its treatment according to various new guidelines and research available.

Outcomes of Pregnancy in Sickle Cell Disease Patients: Results from the Prospective ESCORT-HU Cohort Study

Sickle cell disease (SCD) refers to a group of inherited hemoglobin disorders in which sickle red blood cells display altered deformability, leading to a significant burden of acute and chronic complications, such as vaso-occlusive pain crises (VOCs). Hydroxyurea is a major therapeutic agent in adult and pediatric sickle cell patients. This treatment is an alternative to transfusion in some complications. Indeed, it increases hemoglobin F and has an action on the endothelial adhesion of red blood cells, leukocytes, and platelets. Although the safety profile of hydroxyurea (HU) in patients with sickle cell disease has been well established, the existing literature on HU exposure during pregnancy is limited and incomplete. Pregnancy in women with SCD has been identified as a high risk for the mother and fetus due to the increased incidence of maternal and non-fetal complications in various studies and reports. For women on hydroxyurea at the time of pregnancy, transfusion therapy should probably be initiated after pregnancy. In addition, there is still a significant lack of knowledge about the incidence of pregnancy, fetal and maternal outcomes, and management of pregnant women with SCD, making it difficult to advise women or clinicians on outcomes and best practices. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe pregnancy outcomes (n = 128) reported in the noninterventional European Sickle Cell Disease COhoRT-HydroxyUrea (ES-CORT-HU) study. We believe that our results are important and relevant enough to be shared with the scientific community.

The Effect of Sickle Cell Hemoglobinopathy on Pregnancy, Labor, Puerperium, and Fetal Outcome: A Retrospective Cohort Study From a Single Centre

INTRODUCTION

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major risk factor as far as pregnancy and obstetric complications are concerned. It possesses major perinatal and postnatal mortality. The management of pregnancy along with SCD requires a multispecialty team consisting of hematologists, obstetricians, anesthesiologists, neonatologists and intensivists.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of sickle cell hemoglobinopathy on pregnancy, labor, puerperium, and fetal outcome in the rural and urban localities of Maharashtra, India.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The present study is a comparative retrospective analysis of 225 pregnant women with SCD (genotype AS and SS) and 100 age- and gravida-matched pregnant women with normal hemoglobin (genotype AA) as a control who were treated between June 2013 to June 2015, in Indira Gandhi Government Medical College (IGGMC), Nagpur, India. We analyzed various data regarding obstetrical outcomes and complications in sickle cell disease mothers.

RESULTS

Out of 225 pregnant women, 38 (16.89%) were diagnosed with homozygous sickle cell disease (SS group) while 187 (83.11%) were diagnosed with sickle cell trait (AS group). The most common antenatal complications were sickle cell crisis (17; 44.74%) and jaundice (15; 39.47%) in the SS group whereas pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) was noted in 33 (17.65%) in the AS group. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) was recorded in 57.89% of the SS group and 21.39% of the AS group. A higher chance of emergency lower segment cesarean section (LSCS; 66.67% in the SS group and 79.09% in the AS group) was recorded as compared with the control group at 32%.

CONCLUSION

In order to minimize risks to the mother and fetus and for better outcomes it is prudent to manage pregnancy with SCD vigilantly in the antenatal period. In the antenatal period mothers with this disease should be screened for hydrops or bleeding manifestations such as intracerebral hemorrhage in the fetus. Better feto-maternal outcomes can be achieved by effective multispecialty intervention.

Pregnancy and sickle cell disease: an overview of complications and suggested perinatal care

INTRODUCTION

Pregnancy in women with sickle cell disease (SCD) has been identified as high risk owing to increased incidence of materno-fetal complications across various studies and reports. These complications include consequences related to the underlying hemoglobinopathy; chronic anemia/associated inflammation, and pregnancy related including the risk for thromboembolism, bleeding and maternal mortality. Outcomes of neonates born to women with SCD has been suboptimal over the years with recent improvement due to strict monitoring, preventive and therapeutic measures. Much is yet to be unraveled regarding the optimal management of women with SCD during pregnancy, identifying target hemoglobin, delivery mode or timing among others.

AREAS COVERED

This review includes a summary of available data of the maternal and fetal outcomes; in addition to current recommendations for monitoring and management of women with SCD during pregnancy.

EXPERT OPINION

To have a successful pregnancy, women should be closely monitored, and interventions provided as needed to guarantee adequate management of anemia, as well as prevention, diagnosis and management of disease. They should also be educated regarding their reproductive health, emphasizing that pregnancy is possible, and achieving optimal results depends on providing adequate care in a health care facility with expertise in high-risk pregnancies and SCD.

Main Complications during Pregnancy and Recommendations for Adequate Antenatal Care in Sickle Cell Disease: A Literature Review

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common monogenic disease worldwide, with a variable prevalence in each continent. A single nucleotide substitution leads to an amino-acid change in the β-globin chain, altering the normal structure ofhemoglobin, which is then called hemoglobin S inherited in homozygosity (HbSS) or double heterozygosity (HbSC, HbSβ), and leads to chronic hemolysis, vaso-occlusion, inflammation, and endothelium activation. Pregnant women with SCD are at a higher risk of developing maternal and perinatal complications. We performed a narrative review of the literature considering SCD and pregnancy, the main clinical and obstetrical complications, the specific antenatal care, and the follow-up for maternal and fetal surveillance. Pregnant women with SCD are at a higher risk of developing clinical and obstetric complications such as pain episodes, pulmonary complications, infections, thromboembolic events, preeclampsia, and maternal death. Their newborns are also at an increased risk of developing neonatal complications: fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, stillbirth. Severe complications can occur in patients of any genotype. We concluded that SCD is a high-risk condition that increases maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. A multidisciplinary approach during pregnancy and the postpartum period is key to adequately diagnose and treat complications.

Distinct maternal and fetal pregnancy outcomes in women with sickle cell disease can be predicted using routine clinical and laboratory data

We aimed to identify risk factors for adverse outcomes in pregnancies of women with sickle cell disease (SCD) and develop risk prediction models. Models were derived from a retrospective cohort of pregnant women with SCD and constructed using generalised estimating equation logistic regression, with clustering by woman. Maternal event(s) consisted of acute anaemia; cardiac, pulmonary, hepatobiliary, musculoskeletal, skin, splenic, neurological or renal complications, multi‐organ failure, venous thromboembolism, admission‐requiring vaso‐occlusive events (VOE), red cell transfusion, mortality or hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Fetal events included preterm birth, small‐for‐gestational‐age or perinatal mortality. Of 199 pregnancies, 71% and 45% resulted in adverse maternal and fetal outcomes respectively. Low first‐trimester haemoglobin, admission‐requiring VOE in the year before pregnancy, multiple transfusions before pregnancy, SCD genotype and previous cardiac complications predicted maternal risk. Younger age and SCD genotype allowed early prediction of fetal risk (model‐F1). Adding maternal event(s) and high lactate dehydrogenase enabled re‐assessment of fetal risk with advancing gestation (model‐F2). Models were well calibrated and moderately discriminative for maternal outcome (c‐statistic 0·81, cross‐validated value 0·79) and fetal outcome (model‐F1 c‐statistic 0·68, cross‐validated value 0·65; model‐F2 c‐statistic 0·72, cross‐validated value 0·68). The models will allow early identification of women with SCD at high risk of adverse events, permitting early targeted interventions and ongoing fetal risk re‐assessment enabling intensification of surveillance and optimisation of delivery timing.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with sickle cell disease: an update

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to describe maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with sickle cell disease (SCD) followed at Santa Casa de Sao Paulo over a 10-year period (between 2010 and 2019).

METHOD

Fifty-five records of pregnancies were analyzed among 35 women with SCD.

RESULTS

Among 29 newborns, 19 (65.5%) were full-term and 10 pre-term; 24 (82.7%) caesareans and 5 (17.2%) natural births were observed. The mean gestational age at birth and mother`s age were 36.6 weeks (30-40) and 26.7 years (17-39), respectively. No maternal death was observed. The main maternal obstetric and non-obstetric complications were: pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, and vaso-occlusive crisis, urinary tract infection and acute chest syndrome, respectively. Twenty-six (47.0%) fetal deaths were observed, 24 being intrauterine fetal (14 early abortions, 10 late abortions and 2 stillbirths). Regarding the red blood cell transfusion history, 40 (72.7%) out of 55 pregnancies received transfusion. Pregnant women who received 6 or more transfusions throughout pregnancy had a significantly lower number of abortions, i.e., no cases of early abortion and only 1 case of late abortion, versus 14 and 9 cases in pregnancies with 0-5 transfusions, respectively. Despite advances in the management of SCD, pregnant women with SCD (particularly those with HbSS) are at a high risk for maternal and fetal complications, even though they are followed in reference centers.

CONCLUSION

The lower risk of intrauterine fetal death for those women who received more transfusions throughout pregnancy observed in the current study leads us once more to raise the need for prospective, multicenter, randomized trials to determine whether the potential benefits balance the risks of prophylactic transfusions.

Sickle cell anemia/sickle cell disease and pregnancy outcomes among ethnic tribes in India: an integrative mini-review

Objective: To evaluate the studies which have reported the prevalence of maternal complications and outcomes for women with SCA/SCD. Healthy populations make a healthy community and improve the future for mankind. Pregnant women are an essential segment of humanity as they bear the fetus and supply nutrition for their development throughout the gestational period. Their health status and disease conditions also play a vital role in deciding the future of the offspring.Materials and methods: The Mesh terms: "Haemoglobinopathies" + "Sickle cell anemia" + "Sickle cell disease" + "Ethnic tribes" + "Pregnancy outcomes" + "India" were used to search the literature available from public databases such as "PubMed", "PubMed Central" "Google Scholar", "Science Direct" and "Scopus" and the same is checked for removing repetitions. The data was extracted and collected literature was thoroughly analysed. SCD/SCA is a commonly prevalent hereditary hemoglobinopathy disease and is related to augmented risk factors and premature mortality.Results: SCD severely affects pregnancy, which leads to the elevated occurrence of perinatal and maternal outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, abortions, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), etc., and sufficient care during the pregnancy guarantees an improved outcome. Due to the best health care conveniences, availability of drugs such as hydroxyurea, antibiotic prophylaxis, and vaccination, the life expectancy of SCD patients has greatly improved in recent times though directly related to the access and services available at the healthcare facilities for the needy and poor. Moreover, the latest innovations in the fields of prenatal screening and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), facilitate partners suffering from SCA/SCD to have a healthy child. There are no available studies on the prevalence of SCA/SCD in pregnant women among ethnic tribal populations from India.Conclusion: This review article is focused on the effects of SCA/SCD on pregnancy outcomes, the consistent follow-up, routine check-ups and successful management of complications throughout pregnancy, the various diagnostic methods toward preventive methods, curative and management therapeutic strategies and also defines the perinatal and maternal outcomes in the ethnic tribal populations of India.

Neglected Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Sickle Cell Anaemia during Prenatal Care

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is one of the main complications of sickle cell disease (SCD) and imparts significant risk during pregnancy. Here, we report the outcome of undetected PAH in a pregnant woman with SCD. The patient presented with severe progressive dyspnoea with echocardiographic findings of high pressure in the pulmonary artery in the 37th week of pregnancy. Despite an emergency caesarean section, both mother and neonate died. Regular cardiovascular check-up is essential for SCD patients and careful prenatal care should include cardiovascular evaluation. PAH during pregnancy is associated with high mortality and morbidity. As there is no proof that new advanced therapies decrease the risks, early diagnosis in pregnant patients with underlying disease, like sickle cell anaemia, is essential and termination of pregnancy should be considered.

LEARNING POINTS

Cardiovascular echocardiography and careful prenatal care are essential in patients with sickle cell disease.Research results should be applied to clinical practice to improve outcomes for patients with sickle cell disease.

Placental transcriptome profile of women with sickle cell disease reveals differentially expressed genes involved in migration, trophoblast differentiation and inflammation

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of disorders whose common characteristic is the presence of hemoglobin (Hb) S in erythrocytes. The main consequence of this abnormality is vaso-occlusion, which can affect almost all organs including the placenta. This study aimed to evaluate the gene expression profile in placentas of women with SCD by means of total RNA sequencing. For this, we proposed a case-control study, with three groups of pregnant women: HbSS (n = 10), HbSC (n = 14) and HbAA (n = 21). The results showed differences in expression in a number of genes such as NOS2 (fold change, FC = 4.52), HLAG (FC = 5.56), ASCL2 (FC = 3.61), CXCL10 (FC = -3.66) and IL1R2 (FC = 3.92) for the HbSC group and S100A8 (FC = -3.82), CPXM2 (FC = 4.57), CXCL10 (FC = -4.59), CXCL11 (FC = -3.72) and CAMP (FC = -4.55) for the HbSS group. Differentially expressed genes are mainly associated with migration, trophoblast differentiation and inflammation. The causes leading to altered gene expression in placentas of sickle cell patients are not fully understood, but the presence of intravascular hemolysis and vaso-occlusion, with cycles of ischemia and reperfusion, may contribute to the emergence of an environment which can be very harmful for placental physiology, altering the nutrient supply and metabolic exchange for fetal growth.

Placental histopathology in sickle cell disease: A descriptive and hypothesis-generating study

INTRODUCTION

Abnormal placental development is a unifying factor amongst many adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Our aim was to describe placental histopathologic findings in women with SCD and their relationship with APOs, and to explore the association between antenatal sonographic findings and placental pathology.

METHODS

Retrospective single-centre case series of all pregnant women with SCD (January 2000-December 2017), pregnancy beyond 20 weeks' gestation, and available placenta histopathology. APOs included intrauterine fetal death, early neonatal death, preterm birth, small for gestational age, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Review of images for mid-pregnancy ultrasound and one proximal to delivery was completed, blinded to clinical outcomes and histopathology results. Gross and histopathologic findings were reviewed and characterized per published classification.

RESULTS

Of 72 placentas, abnormalities were present in 69%, with Maternal Vascular Malperfusion (MVM) noted in 40%. APOs were encountered in 61% overall and in 79% of those with MVM. Neither SCD genotype nor severe maternal anemia had an influence on histopathologic placental features. Presence of high-resistance uterine artery waveforms at mid-trimester ultrasound was strongly associated with APOs and with abnormal findings on placental histopathology, most notably MVM. MVM was strongly associated with small for gestational age infants, preterm birth, and stillbirth.

DISCUSSION

MVM is the predominant lesion in placentas of women with SCD and is strongly associated with APOs. Mid-trimester ultrasound can identify a subset of women at risk. Future research into advanced imaging modalities to aid in antenatal diagnosis alongside investigations of potentially beneficial therapies is needed.

American Society of Hematology 2020 guidelines for sickle cell disease: transfusion support

BACKGROUND

Red cell transfusions remain a mainstay of therapy for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), but pose significant clinical challenges. Guidance for specific indications and administration of transfusion, as well as screening, prevention, and management of alloimmunization, delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTRs), and iron overload may improve outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to develop evidence-based guidelines to support patients, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals in their decisions about transfusion support for SCD and the management of transfusion-related complications.

METHODS

The American Society of Hematology formed a multidisciplinary panel that was balanced to minimize bias from conflicts of interest and that included a patient representative. The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes. The Mayo Clinic Evidence-Based Practice Research Program supported the guideline development process. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to form recommendations, which were subject to public comment.

RESULTS

The panel developed 10 recommendations focused on red cell antigen typing and matching, indications, and mode of administration (simple vs red cell exchange), as well as screening, prevention, and management of alloimmunization, DHTRs, and iron overload.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of panel recommendations were conditional due to the paucity of direct, high-certainty evidence for outcomes of interest. Research priorities were identified, including prospective studies to understand the role of serologic vs genotypic red cell matching, the mechanism of HTRs resulting from specific alloantigens to inform therapy, the role and timing of regular transfusions during pregnancy for women, and the optimal treatment of transfusional iron overload in SCD.

Complications in pregnant women with sickle cell disease

Pregnancy in women with sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Outcomes vary widely owing to methodological limitations of clinical studies, but overall, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, venothromboembolism, poor fetal growth, and maternal and perinatal mortality are increased globally. Few therapeutic interventions have been explored other than prophylactic and selective transfusion therapy. Unfortunately, existing data are limited, and it remains unclear whether prophylactic use of chronic transfusions will improve pregnancy outcomes. Management of pregnant women with SCD is best accomplished with a multidisciplinary team that includes a sickle cell expert and an obstetrician familiar with high-risk pregnancies. Women with SCD should have individualized care plans that outline management of acute pain and guidelines for transfusion therapy. Neonates require close monitoring for neonatal abstinence syndrome and hemolytic disease of the newborn. Ideally all young women with SCD will have a "reproductive life plan" developed as a component of preconception counseling and health promotion. Research leading to improved pregnancy management focused on diminishing adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes is overdue. International collaborations should be considered to improve subject recruitment and foster timely completion of clinical trials. Additional therapeutic interventions outside of transfusion therapy should be explored.

Sickle Cell Disease and Pregnancy

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited hemoglobinopathy and is associated with increased risk of complications and early mortality. Nowadays, with improved health care facilities, antibiotic prophylaxis, vaccination, and availability of drugs like hydroxyurea, the life expectancy of SCD patients has improved. More women are reaching reproductive age group and are expressing their desire to reproduce. Though SCD adversely affects pregnancy, leading to increased incidence of maternal and perinatal complications like pre-eclampsia, preterm labor, IUGR, abortions etc., adequate care throughout pregnancy ensures a better outcome. Also, recent advancements in the fields of prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic diagnosis, help couples suffering from SCD to have a healthy baby. This paper focuses on the effects of SCD on pregnancy outcomes and effective management of complications during pregnancy, also comparing maternal and perinatal outcomes in studies conducted in different countries. The second part of the paper summarizes pregnancy management in SCD for better maternal and fetal outcomes.

Sickle cell disease: Clinical presentation and management of a global health challenge

Sickle cell disease is an autosomal recessive, multisystem disorder, characterised by chronic haemolytic anaemia, painful episodes of vaso-occlusion, progressive organ failure and a reduced life expectancy. Sickle cell disease is the most common monogenetic disease, with millions affected worldwide. In well-resourced countries, comprehensive care programs have increased life expectancy of sickle cell disease patients, with almost all infants surviving into adulthood. Therapeutic options for sickle cell disease patients are however, still scarce. Predictors of sickle cell disease severity and a better understanding of pathophysiology and (epi)genetic modifiers are warranted and could lead to more precise management and treatment. This review provides an extensive summary of the pathophysiology and management of sickle cell disease and encompasses the characteristics, complications and current and future treatment options of the disease.

Interleukin-6 in pregnancy with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in health care for sickle cell disease patients, as well as in the improvement in reproductive issues mainly in women with the disease, pregnancy is still a challenge, both for the mother and the child, with high rates of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Besides their chronic hemolytic status and vaso-occlusive events that confer systemic complications, pregnant women also have higher rates of pain episodes, infections, abortion, intrauterine growth retardation, pre-term births, eclampsia, stillbirth and the hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome. The physiologic mechanisms of the disease in pregnancy are still unknown and chronic inflammatory responses may interfere in the adverse outcomes. The cytokine and chemokine profiles in pregnancy with sickle cell disease remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytokine profile of the inflammatory response of pregnant women with sickle cell disease.

METHOD

Blood samples from 20 pregnant women with sickle cell disease, 24 women with sickle cell disease in steady state, 16 healthy pregnant women and a control group with 9 women at childbearing age were assayed for interleukin-6.

MAIN RESULTS

Pregnant women with sickle cell disease presented high serum levels of interleukin-6, compared to healthy pregnant women (p=0.0115).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the increased production of interleukin-6 may occur during pregnancy with sickle cell disease and that the role of this cytokine in the sickle cell disease pathophysiology and pregnancy complications should be further studied.

Abnormal expression of inflammatory genes in placentas of women with sickle cell anemia and sickle hemoglobin C disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a complex disease that is characterized by the polymerization of deoxyhemoglobin S, altered red blood cell membrane biology, endothelial activation, hemolysis, a procoagulant state, acute and chronic inflammation, and vaso-occlusion. Among the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, oxygen is consumed by fetal growth, and pregnant women with SCD are more frequently exposed to low oxygen levels. This might lead to red blood cells sickling, and, consequently, to vaso-occlusion. The mechanisms by which SCD affects placental physiology are largely unknown, and chronic inflammation might be involved in this process. This study aimed to evaluate the gene expression profile of inflammatory response mediators in the placentas of pregnant women with sickle cell cell anemia (HbSS) and hemoglobinopathy SC (HbSC). Our results show differences in a number of these genes. For the HbSS group, when compared to the control group, the following genes showed differential expression: IL1RAP (2.76-fold), BCL6 (4.49-fold), CXCL10 (-2.12-fold), CXCR1 (-3.66-fold), and C3 (-2.0-fold). On the other hand, the HbSC group presented differential expressions of the following genes, when compared to the control group: IL1RAP (4.33-fold), CXCL1 (3.05-fold), BCL6 (4.13-fold), CXCL10 (-3.32-fold), C3 (-2.0-fold), and TLR3 (2.38-fold). Taken together, these data strongly suggest a differential expression of several inflammatory genes in both SCD (HbSS and HbSC), indicating that the placenta might become an environment with hypoxia, and increased inflammation, which could lead to improper placental development.

Maternal opioid dose is associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome in children born to women with sickle cell disease

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that higher daily opioid dose is associated with the presence and severity of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in pregnant women with sickle cell disease (SCD). This was a retrospective study of pregnant women with SCD who required opioids. NAS was evaluated using the Finnegan scoring system and classified as none, mild, and severe. Severe NAS was defined as a Finnegan score ≥ 8 on 3 consecutive tests. Thirty-four pregnancies were examined in 30 women with SCD. Higher daily morphine dose was associated with a higher percentage of days in the hospital during pregnancy (P < 0.001). Hospital days contributed disproportionately to daily morphine dose as larger amounts of opioids were administered in the hospital compared to home (P = 0.002). Median maternal oral morphine dose was 416 mg for infants with severe NAS compared with 139 mg for those with mild NAS (P = 0.04). For infants with no NAS, median maternal morphine was 4 mg, significantly less than those with mild NAS (P < 0.001). Infants born to women who used on average >200 mg/day of oral morphine equivalent in the last month of pregnancy had a 13-fold increased risk of severe NAS compared with those who used <200 mg/day. These data demonstrate that higher median daily opioid dose is associated with progressively more severe NAS in pregnant women with SCD. Strategies to decrease pain and avoid hospitalizations are needed to reduce opioid use and NAS.

Prophylactic transfusion for pregnant women with sickle cell disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Prophylactic transfusion in pregnant women with SCD may reduce maternal mortality, vaso-occlusive pain events, and pulmonary complications. Prophylactic transfusion in pregnant women with SCD may similarly reduce perinatal mortality, neonatal death, and preterm birth.

Pregnancy in patients with sickle cell disease: maternal and perinatal outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To compare obstetrical, hematological and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with or without sickle cell disease (SCD).

METHODS

A prospective study of 60 pregnancies of 58 women with SCD (29 SCD-SS and 29 SCD-SC) compared with 192 pregnancies in 187 healthy pregnant women was carried out from January 2009 to August 2011.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, the SCD group had higher rate of preterm delivery (p < 0.001, OR = 4.96, 95% CI 2.57-9.59), higher cesarean rate (p < 0.001, OR = 5.00, CI 2.65-9.45), more frequent deep vein thrombosis (p = 0.003), and urinary infection (p = 0.001, OR = 3.31, CI 1.63-6.73), higher prevalence of small for gestational age babies (p = 0.019, OR = 2.66, CI 1.15-6.17), and more frequent baby admissions to progressive care unit (p < 0.001, OR = 4.89, CI 2.26-10.6). Maternal death rate was also higher among women with SCD (p = 0.056). All adverse events were more frequent in the SS subgroup. Babies from the SS subgroup had the lowest weight at birth (2080 g) compared to SC (2737 g; p < 0.001) and controls (3035 g). A multivariate analysis confirmed painful episodes and SS genotype as factors contributing to preterm delivery.

CONCLUSION

SCD pregnant women - especially those in the SS subgroup - are more prone to experience perinatal and maternal complications in comparison with pregnant women without SCD.

Clinical complications in pregnant women with sickle cell disease: prospective study of factors predicting maternal death or near miss

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate complications in pregnant women with sickle cell disease, especially those leading to maternal death or near miss (severe obstetric complications).

METHODS

A prospective cohort of 104 pregnant women registered in the Blood Center of Belo Horizonte (Hemominas Foundation) was followed up at high-risk prenatal units. They belonged to Group I (51 hemoglobin SS and three hemoglobin S/β(0)-thalassemia) or Group II (49 hemoglobin SC and one hemoglobin S/β(+)-thalassemia). Both groups had similar median ages. Predictive factors for 'near miss' or maternal death with p-value≤0.25 in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate logistic model (significance set for p-value≤0.05).

RESULTS

Group I had more frequent episodes of vaso-occlusive crises, more transfusions in the antepartum and postpartum, and higher percentage of preterm deliveries than Group II. Infections and painful crises during the postpartum period were similar in both the groups. The mortality rate was 4.8%: three deaths in Group I and two in Group II. One-third of the women in both the groups experienced near miss. The most frequent event was pneumonia/acute chest syndrome. Alpha-thalassemia co-inheritance and β-gene haplotypes were not associated with near miss or maternal death. In multivariate analysis predictors of near miss or death were parity above one and baseline red blood cell macrocytosis. In Group I, baseline hypoxemia (saturation<94%) was also predictive of near miss or death.

CONCLUSION

One-third of pregnant women had near miss and 4.8% died. Both hemoglobin SS and SC pregnant women shared the same risk of death or of severe complications, especially pulmonary events.

Sickle cell crisis and pregnancy

Pregnant women with sickle cell disease appear to be more likely to experience antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum complications when compared with unaffected women. Access to high-risk obstetric care, patient education, and close follow-up is important to minimize maternal morbidity and mortality. A high index of suspicion and good diagnostic acumen is necessary to obtain optimal results in the pregnant patient affected by sickle cell crisis.

Pregnancy-Associated Kidney Injury

A 23-year-old G1P0000 without prior past medical history is 31 weeks pregnant with prenatal care presents with complaints of worsening leg and face swelling for the past 2 days now seeks care because of headache, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. On exam she is found to have a blood pressure of 120/86, edema, and brisk deep tendon reflexes. Laboratory testing revealed hemoglobin 11.3 g/dl, platelet count 141,000/μl white blood count 18,000/μl, creatinine 1.1 mg/dl, aspartate aminotransferases (AST) 65 U/l, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 400 U/l, total bilirubin 1.1 mg/dl, prothrombin time (PT) 14.7 s, ammonia of 90 mcg/dl, blood glucose 139 mg/dl, calcium 7.3 mg/dl, and uric acid of 6.0 mg/dl. The urinalysis demonstrated WBC’s 3–5/hpf, RBC’s 3–5/hpf—non-dysmorphic, renal tubular epithelial cells were seen and a urine protein to creatinine ratio of 2. One day after hospitalization the patient’s blood pressure was 145/87 with a similar blood pressure 6 h later.

Baby on board: what you need to know about pregnancy in the hemoglobinopathies

Pregnancy poses a unique challenge to patients with sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia, who often have exacerbations of hemolysis or anemia during the gestational period, experience higher rates of obstetric and fetal complications, and may have distinct underlying comorbidities related to vasculopathy and iron overload that can endanger maternal health. Optimal management of pregnant women with hemoglobinopathies requires both an understanding of the physiologic demands of pregnancy and the pathophysiology of disease-specific complications of inherited blood disorders. A multidisciplinary team of expert hematologists and high-risk obstetricians is therefore essential to ensuring appropriate antenatal maternal screening, adequate fetal surveillance, and early recognition of complications. Fortunately, with integrated and targeted care, most women with sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia can achieve successful pregnancy outcomes.

Morbidity and pregnancy outcomes associated with sickle cell anemia among Saudi women

OBJECTIVE

To identify morbidity and pregnancy outcomes associated with sickle cell disease (SCD) among pregnant Saudi women.

METHODS

A 10-year retrospective study was conducted at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that included 392 cases of SCD in pregnancy and 784 controls with normal hemoglobin phenotype, who were selected and matched for age, parity, and delivery outcome. The main outcome measures were morbidity, maternal outcomes, and fetal outcomes.

RESULTS

The incidence of SCD was 1.1% among all deliveries, with 2 maternal deaths (0.5%) and a perinatal mortality rate of 77.7 per 1000 deliveries. The major maternal complications in the SCD group were anemia (86.2%); sickle cell crisis (64.8% overall, with 43.1% vaso-occlusive, 21.2% hemolytic, and 0.5% sequestration or aplastic); bacterial infection (8.8%); preterm delivery (15.3%); and pre-eclampsia (9.7%). Fetal growth restriction and stillbirths accounted for 65.6% of the perinatal mortality. Blood transfusion was indicated in 33.7% of pregnancies in the SCD group.

CONCLUSION

Pregnant Saudi women with SCD are at increased risk for pregnancy-related complications, as well as fetal morbidity and mortality. A critical need exists among Saudi hospitals for a multidisciplinary approach to the management of pregnancies complicated by SCD.

Pregnancy outcomes among patients with sickle cell disease at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana: retrospective cohort study

Pregnancy in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients is associated with increased risk of maternal and fetal mortality. This study determines pregnancy outcomes among women with SCD delivering at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. Nine hundred sixty (960) medical records of pregnant women (131 HbSS, 112 HbSC, and 717 comparison group) from 2007 to 2008 were reviewed. The HbSS women were at increased risk of eclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 10.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.60-30.96, P < 0.001), intrauterine growth restriction (AOR = 4.00, 95% CI = 1.38-11.64, P = 0.011), and placenta previa (AOR = 22.03, 95% CI = 9.87-49.14, P < 0.001) compared with the comparison group. The HbSC women had increased risk for intrauterine fetal death (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI = 1.15-9.96, P = 0.027) and decreased risk of delivering low birth weight babies (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.06-0.73, P = 0.014). Women with SCD in Ghana are at a greater risk of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy compared with women without hemoglobinopathies. Improved maternal and fetal outcomes in Ghanaian women with SCD can be achieved through effective intervention by health care providers with thorough knowledge about predisposing factors toward adverse outcomes.

Sickle cell disease: an opportunity for palliative care across the life span

Sickle cell disease is a chronic illness that affects patients physically and emotionally and can do so at an early age. An ecological model of palliative care that involves improved communication among the health care team, patients, and their families can be beneficial. Open and honest communication regarding advance care planning, disease management, relief of pain and other symptoms, and bereavement and grief are all important for the patient, family, and health care team. Given the multiple acute and chronic complications of sickle cell disease, an approach to care that is holistic and comprehensive may help to improve a patient's biologic function and the perceived health, functional status, and quality of life of the patient and family.

Pregnancy outcomes in sickle cell disease: a retrospective cohort study from two tertiary centres in the UK

The objective of this retrospective cohort study from two tertiary centres in the UK was to describe the pregnancy outcomes of women with sickle cell disease (SCD) who booked at these centres between 2004 and 2008, and to compare this with historical data. The study population comprised 122 singleton pregnancies in women with SCD: homozygous sickle cell disease 64, sickle cell haemoglobin C disease 45, sickle b plus thalassaemia 11, sickle cell haemoglobin E disease 1 and sickle cell delta disease 1 from 2004 to 2008 managed in the joint haematology/obstetric antenatal clinics in two tertiary teaching hospitals. The main outcome measures were the frequency of sickle cell crises and obstetric complications. Age and gestation at booking were 18-43 years (mean 29.7) and 9-36 weeks gestation (mean 17.3), respectively. Complications of SCD occurred in 25% of pregnancies. Fifty-four percent of women had induction of labour and 39% were delivered by emergency caesarean section. Thirty-three percent had a postpartum haemorrhage. Nineteen percent of women delivered before 37 completed weeks. Birth weight below 2500 g occurred in 20% of singleton pregnancies. Three neonates developed transient complications related to maternal opiate exposure postnatally. Three intrauterine deaths occurred at 24, 29 and 34 weeks. Two of these had congenital defects, and the other severe intrauterine growth restriction. No maternal deaths occurred. Successful pregnancy outcomes can be achieved in SCD. There has been an improvement in fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality compared with historical data. Pregnancy in women with SCD remains high risk. Early access to antenatal care and to expertise in SCD is essential. A matched control population from the same time period and prospective data collection is needed to address confounders such as ethnicity and deprivation.

Morbidity associated with sickle cell disease in pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify morbidity that is associated with sickle cell disease (SCD) in pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for the years 2000-2003 was queried for all pregnancy-related discharges with a diagnosis of SCD.

RESULTS

There were 17,952 deliveries (0.1% of the total) to women with SCD. There were 10 deaths (72.4 per 100,000 deliveries). Cerebral vein thrombosis, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, deep venous thrombosis, transfusion, postpartum infection, sepsis, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome were much more common among women with SCD. They were more likely to undergo cesarean delivery, to experience pregnancy-related complications (such as gestational hypertension/preeclampsia, eclampsia, abruption, antepartum bleeding, preterm labor, and fetal growth restriction), and to have cardiomyopathy or pulmonary hypertension at the time of delivery.

CONCLUSION

Women with sickle cell disease are at greater risk for morbidity in pregnancy than previously estimated.

Pregnancy outcomes in systemic sclerosis, primary pulmonary hypertension, and sickle cell disease

OBJECTIVE

Systemic sclerosis, primary pulmonary hypertension, and sickle cell disease are uncommon vasculopathic diseases affecting women. We estimated the nationwide occurrence of pregnancies in women with these conditions and compared pregnancy outcomes to the general obstetric population.

METHODS

We studied the 2002-2004 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project to estimate the number of obstetric hospitalizations and deliveries among women with systemic sclerosis, primary pulmonary hypertension, sickle cell disease, and women in the general population. Pregnancy outcomes included length of hospital stay, hypertensive disorders including preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and cesarean delivery. Multivariable regression analyses were performed using maternal age, race or ethnicity, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and renal failure as covariates.

RESULTS

Of an estimated 11.2 million deliveries, 504 occurred in women with systemic sclerosis, 182 with primary pulmonary hypertension, and 4,352 with sickle cell disease. Systemic sclerosis, was associated with an increased risk of hypertensive disorders including preeclampsia (odds ratio [OR] 3.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.25-6.15), IUGR (OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.51-9.28), and increased length of hospital stay. Primary pulmonary hypertension was associated with an increase in the odds of antenatal hospitalization (OR 4.67, 95% CI 2.88-7.57), hypertensive disorders including preeclampsia (OR 5.62, 95% CI 2.60-12.15) and a substantial increase in length of hospital stay. Sickle cell disease was associated with an increased odds of antenatal hospitalization (OR 5.56 95% CI 5.08-6.09), hypertensive disorders including preeclampsia (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.48-2.14), and IUGR (OR 2.91, 95% CI 2.16-3.93), with a modest increase in length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Women with systemic sclerosis, primary pulmonary hypertension, and sickle cell disease have significantly increased rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes, requiring extensive preconceptional counseling about the risks of pregnancy.

Sickle cell disease: current activities, public health implications, and future directions

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder caused by abnormal hemoglobin that damages and deforms red blood cells (RBCs). The abnormal red cells break down, causing anemia, and obstruct blood vessels, leading to recurrent episodes of severe pain and multiorgan ischemic damage. SCD affects millions of people throughout the world and is particularly common among people whose ancestors come from sub-Saharan Africa. Sickle cell trait (SCT) is an inherited condition in which both normal hemoglobin and sickle hemoglobin are produced in the RBCs. SCT is not a type of sickle cell disease. People with SCT are generally healthy. In SCD, clinical severity varies, ranging from mild and sometimes asymptomatic states to severe symptoms requiring hospitalization. Symptomatic treatments exist, but there is no cure for SCD. Although there has been extensive clinical and basic science research in SCD, many public health issues, such as blood safety surveillance, compliance with immunizations, follow-up of newborns with positive screening tests, stroke prevention, pregnancy complications, pain prevention, quality of life, and thrombosis, in people with SCT remain unaddressed. Currently, efforts are under way to strengthen SCD-related activities within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To date, several activities are being or have been conducted by centers within CDC, including quality assurance of newborn screening tests for SCD, morbidity and mortality studies, genetic studies, and studies focusing on the protective effects of SCT for malaria. This paper discusses the public health implications of SCD, summarizes SCD-related activities within CDC, and points to future directions that the agency can take to begin to address some of these issues.

Sickle cell vasoocclusive crisis and acute chest syndrome at term pregnancy

Women with sickle cell anemia are surviving longer and may desire pregnancy. Rare, life-threatening complications of sickle cell anemia, such as acute chest syndrome, may occur at the time of delivery. A 22-year-old woman with sickle cell (HbS/beta+ thalassemia) at 35 weeks of gestation presented with shortness of breath and generalized pain. She was diagnosed with vasoocclusive crisis and acute chest syndrome, managed with exchange transfusion and cesarean delivery, and discharged home with her newborn one week later. Prompt recognition of life-threatening complications of sickle cell anemia in a pregnant woman and collaborative medical and obstetric management are essential to optimize maternal and fetal outcome.