[Sickle cell anemia during pregnancy].

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Hematology
• Surgical Management

Background:

• Sickle-cell anaemia presents significant risks during pregnancy, potentially exacerbating maternal and fetal complications.
• Acute cholecystitis is a serious condition that can occur during pregnancy, particularly in patients with underlying hematological disorders.

Observation:

• A pregnant woman with sickle-cell anaemia developed acute cholecystitis at 29 weeks' gestation.
• Management involved cholecystectomy, blood transfusions to reduce sickle-cell count, oxygenation, fluids, and antibiotics.
• Postpartum complications included wound infection and an epileptic attack, from which the patient recovered.

Findings:

• Surgical intervention and supportive care successfully managed acute cholecystitis in a pregnant patient with sickle-cell anaemia.
• Despite successful delivery and recovery, the case highlights the potential for severe maternal complications during pregnancy with sickle-cell disease.
• Pregnancy-induced complications, including sickle-cell crises and surgical emergencies, necessitate vigilant monitoring and multidisciplinary management.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of comprehensive care for pregnant women with sickle-cell anaemia, integrating obstetric, hematologic, and surgical expertise.
• Early diagnosis and management of complications like acute cholecystitis are crucial for improving maternal and fetal outcomes.
• Continued advancements in medical care are vital for mitigating the high morbidity and mortality associated with sickle-cell disease in pregnancy.