Pregnancy outcomes in women with non-transfusion dependent thalassaemia (NTDT): A haematology centre experience

Non-transfusion dependent thalassaemia (NTDT) is a term used for thalassaemia patients who do not require lifelong regular transfusions for survival. Pregnancy in these women, whether spontaneous or through assisted reproductive technology, represents a challenge for the physician.

The maternal and foetal outcomes of patients with NTDT followed up in a tertiary haematology centre over 6 months period were studied. A total of 36 pregnancies in 26 pregnant women with NTDT were analysed.

Among these women, all of the pregnancies resulted in successful delivery of singleton live-born neonates. There were four clinically distinct forms of NTDT among these women which include Hb E/β-thalassemia (mild and moderate forms), HbH disease, HbH-Constant Spring, and homozygous δβ-thalassemia. No blood transfusion was needed in 15 of the 36 pregnancies (41.6%). The lowest mean Hb level in which no blood transfusion was given was 8.21 g/dL. The mean of packed-cell units received during pregnancy was 6.95 units per pregnancy. There was no worsening of serum ferritin observed during pregnancy with mean serum ferritin pre- and post-pregnancy of 409.35 ug/L and 418.18 ug/L respectively. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38.6 weeks with no preterm delivery reported. The mean foetal birth weight was 2729 grams. There was no intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or congenital malformation. There was a case of small for gestational age (SGA) and a case of oligohydramnios.

This study showed that pregnancy was possible, safe and has a favourable outcome in patients with NTDT with multidisciplinary care.