Homozygous sickle cell anemia at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, revisited

The outcome of 78 pregnancies in 47 patients with homozygous sickle cell anemia managed at the University College Hospital, Ibadan between January 1, 1975 to December 31, 1984 is reviewed. There were two maternal deaths giving a maternal mortality rate of 25 per thousand. Abortion rate was 155 per thousand. The overall perinatal mortality rate was 188 per thousand. Forty-five percent of the babies were of low birthweight and 29% were preterm. Anemia was the commonest antenatal complication and the highest indication for hospitalization. The data were compared with previous ones from this hospital and with similar reports by other investigators outside Nigeria. A need for meticulous antenatal care and prenatal diagnosis to eliminate the homozygous sickle cell anemia is stressed.