Pregnancy outcome among patients with sickle cell disease in Jos, north central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: With advances in management, education, awareness and improved nutrition, men and women with sickle cell disease are enjoying an improved quality of life well into adulthood, when they elect to plan a family. As a result, sickle cell disease is a common haemoglobinopathy encountered during pregnancy in Nigeria. Reports from other parts of the country have documented increased maternal and
perinatal morbidity and mortality, but none has been reported from Jos.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of pregnancy outcome in patients with sicle cell disease managed at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos over a 5year period was carried out. Data extracted from patients' case files were analysed using simple statistical methods with Epi info 2002 statistical software.

Results: Case files of patients with sickle cell disease in pregnancy during the period under review were retrieved. The mean maternal age was 25.1±3.9 years. The mean gestational age at booking or first presentation was 19.3±7.7 weeks. The antenatal complications included anaemia (62.9%), vaso-oclusive (bone pain) crisis (58.1%), intra uterine growth restriction (45.7%), pregnancy induced hypertension and malaria 25.7% each. The maternal and perinatal mortality rates were 53 and 384 per 1000 live births respectively.

Conclusion: Pregnancy in sickle cell disease patients is associated with high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality as reported in other parts of the country. The importance of early presentation for antenatal care and a call for preconception care is made.

Keywords: Pregnancy, outcome, sickle cell, disease, Jos