Morbidity and mortality in sickle cell pregnancies in Lagos, Nigeria: a case control study

Women with sickle cell disorder are historically known to have significant maternal and perinatal complications but recent studies from developed countries show a change in this trend. This study was a retrospective, case-controlled study of 75 women with haemoglobin SS (HbSS) and 150 with haemoglobin AA (HbAA). Data were analysed using chi(2)-test and independent t-test as appropriate. There were more perinatal (18.7 vs 8.8, p<0.05) and maternal (5.3% vs 0, p<0.05) deaths in HbSS women compared with HbAA. Birth weight, gestational age at delivery and 1 and 5 min Apgar scores were also significantly lower in the HbSS women. There was no significant difference in the incidence of pre-eclampsia and urinary tract infection between the two groups. Pregnancy in HbSS women is still fraught with maternal and fetal complications. Prospective studies may help clarify the relationship between SCD and specific maternal complications.