EVALUATION OF PREGNANCY IN PATIENTS WITH SICKLE CELL ANEMIA IN A REFERENCE SERVICE IN THE STATE OF CEARÁ: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) appears to increase the risk of adverse events during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess maternal and fetal mortality rates during pregnancy, as well as gestational, fetal, and underlying disease complications in pregnant women with Sickle Cell Disease followed up by a tertiary hematology service in Brazil. Methodology: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with SCA and a history of pregnancy in the last 10 years, followed up at the Ceará Hematology and Haemotherapy Center. Results: twenty-six patients with sickle cell disease took part in the study. During the last pregnancy, the average number of maternal complications was 32% and the average number of foetal complications was 48%. Three patients died: two from stroke and one from unspecified hemorrhagic shock. Only one patient died during pregnancy. Among the maternal complications, pain crises were the most frequent adverse event, accounting for 42.3%, followed by UTI (23%), preeclampsia (19.2%), and acute chest syndrome (19.2%). Conclusion: The rate of pregnancy complications in sickle cell disease was higher than expected in the general population.