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Published on: November 20, 2015
Maternal sickle cell trait and fetal hypoxia
1Department of Neonatology, King Faisal University & King Fahd University Hospital, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
American Journal of Perinatology
|July 27, 2002
Summary
Pregnant women with sickle cell trait (SCT) may experience fetal hypoxia. This study found elevated nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) in newborns of mothers with SCT, indicating potential intrauterine stress.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Sickle cell trait (SCT) is typically benign but can lead to complications like hypoxia.
- Pregnancy in women with SCT carries potential risks for fetal well-being.
- Vaso-occlusive crises in mothers with SCT can impact fetal development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate subtle fetal hypoxia in pregnancies complicated by maternal sickle cell trait.
- To compare markers of fetal hypoxia between neonates born to mothers with SCT and controls.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study comparing 20 mothers with SCT to 20 control mothers.
- Analysis of circulating nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) in cord blood as a marker of fetal hypoxia.
- Assessment of other markers of fetal hypoxia at birth.
Main Results:
- Neonates born to mothers with SCT exhibited significantly higher levels of circulating NRBC in cord blood compared to controls.
- Elevated NRBC suggests evidence of intrauterine fetal hypoxia in pregnancies with maternal SCT.
- A subtle degree of fetal hypoxia was associated with maternal SCT.
Conclusions:
- Maternal sickle cell trait may be associated with intrauterine fetal hypoxia.
- Elevated NRBC in cord blood serves as a potential indicator of fetal stress in SCT pregnancies.
- Further prospective research is warranted to confirm and elaborate on this association.
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