Morbidity and outcomes of pregnancy among women with sickle cell Disease: A Cross-Sectional study AT Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Abstract

BackgroundSickle cell disease increases the risks of maternal and foetal complications during pregnancy and delivery. Sickle cell disease refers to a group of inherited haemoglobinopathies that affects about 30 million individuals worldwide. It is more prevalent in the malaria-endemic sub-Saharan Africa, where 85% of total sickle cell patients are born. Hence this study investigated morbidity and pregnancy outcomes in sickle cell disease patients in the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. MethodsThis study was conducted at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital located in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional approach was used. Both primary and secondary data were collected. The target population for the study were women with sickle cell disease who delivered at the hospital. A total of 80 postnatal women with sickle cell disease were sampled for the study using Yamane’s formula for calculating sample sizes with a 5% acceptable margin of error. Descriptive statistics and correlations were performed. ResultsThe study found genotypes SS and SC to be the most prevalent haemoglobinopathies among women. Most of the respondents experienced painful crises, acute chest syndrome, jaundice, severe anaemia, infections, preeclampsia. Foetal outcomes found include prematurity, low birth weight, and birth asphyxia. The study established that the genotype (SS) is very likely to cause adverse foeto-maternal outcomes (r = 0.854, p = 0.010) than the genotypes (SC). ConclusionsWomen with sickle cell disease who are pregnant have a higher risk of foeto-maternal morbidity and mortality. It is therefore crucial that these women are cared for by a multidisciplinary health team to improve maternal and foetal outcomes. The study also highlights an increasing need for midwives who have specialized in haematology to be able to provide comprehensive and effective care to all pregnant women with sickle cell disease.