Severe Obstetric Complications Research Articles

The value and impact of anti-Xa activity monitoring for prophylactic dose adjustment of low-molecular-weight heparin during pregnancy: a retrospective study.

: Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is the anticoagulant drug class of choice for the prevention of thrombosis during pregnancy and often used for prevention of severe obstetrical complications, yet the optimal dosage is still a matter of debate. Although several studies have evaluated LMWH dose adjustment methods based on anti-Xa levels, no definitive conclusion as yet exists. This extensive retrospective study sought to address the rationale of regular anti-Xa activity monitoring in pregnant patients given LMWH prophylaxis. We evaluated pregnant patients receiving LMWH prophylaxis with three or more anti-Xa measurements. The initial LMWH dose was fixed and adjusted for obesity. The desired anti-Xa activity was 0.2-0.6 IU/ml and LMWH dose was increased for anti-Xa levels less than 0.3 IU/ml. Of the 173 enrolled women, 79% required LMWH dose adjustment (56%: one dose increase; 20%: two; 3%: three). In the vast majority of patients, LMWH dose was increased before substantial body weight gain. The number of dose adjustments positively correlated with BMI, though not with body weight gain. Based on our study findings, we recommend conducting LMWH dose adjustments based on anti-Xa levels, monitored regularly during pregnancy to keep the anti-Xa activity within the desired range.

Elevated microRNA-520g in pre-eclampsia inhibits migration and invasion of trophoblasts

IntroductionPre-eclampsia (PE) is a common and severe obstetric complication. MicroRNAs (miRs) have emerged as molecules that are associated with the disease. MethodsQuantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) was used for serum miR-520g characterization from 19 severe pre-eclamptic and 19 normal pregnancies. In situ hybridation was adopted to localize microRNA-520g (miR-520g). Migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells were evaluated after miR-520g mimic treatment with transwell system. MiR-520g target gene was verified in luciferase reporter system. ResultsThe expression of serum miR-520g displayed an upward trend as pregnancies progress. At first-trimester, miR-520g in pre-eclampsia was significantly higher than that in the control, but no significant differences were found in the second and last trimesters. MiR-520g localized in cytoplasm of early trimester placental trophoblasts. The migration and invasion of HTR8/SVneo were inhibited by miR-520g mimic treatment. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) was verified as a direct target of miR-520g. ConclusionsElevated maternal serum level of miR-520g level in first trimester was detected in patients with severe PE. By suppressing the migration and invasion of trophoblast via at least partial inhibition of MMP2 translation inhibition, miR-520g might play a role in the defective spiral artery remodeling, and thus contribute to pre-eclampsia pathophysiology.

The impact of resilience on psychological outcomes in women with threatened premature labor and spouses: a cross-sectional study in Southwest China

BackgroundThreatened premature labor (TPL) is a severe obstetric complication which affects the mental and physical health of both the mother and fetus. Family resilience may have protective role against psychological distress in women experiencing these pregnancy complications. There may be resilience related risk factors in TPL women, and interplays may exist among psychological variables and within couples. This study aims to examine psychological outcomes influenced by different levels of resilience, and explore psychological interactions in TPL women, spouses, and between women and spouses.MethodsSix validated questionnaires were used to measure the psychological outcomes (Connor-Davidson resilience scale CD-RISC, Edinburgh postnatal depression scale EPDS, positive and negative affect scale PANAS, pregnancy pressure scale PPS, simplified coping style questionnaire SCSQ, social support rating scale SSRS) in 126 TPL women hospitalized in three tertiary hospitals and 104 spouses in Southwest China.ResultsLow resilient women had significantly more complicated placenta praevia, longer pediatric observation, more pressure than high resilient women. They also had significantly less active coping and positive affect, more negative affect and depression compared to high resilient women and their spouses. Although the socio-demographic characteristics of both TPL women and spouses and psychometric parameters of spouses had no significant differences, the prevalence rates of depression in spouses were notable. Compared with spouses, TPL women had a more complex interaction among these psychometric factors, with women’s resilience negatively associated with their partners’ negative affect, and their pressure positively correlated with pressure and negative affect of spouses.ConclusionsPregnancy complicated with placenta praevia and pediatric observation may be risk factors for resilience of women with TPL. Maternal resilience has an important impact on the psychological outcomes in TPL women. A screening for resilience, depression and other psychological outcomes in couples with TPL and early psychological intervention of low resilient couples may be appropriate to promote resilience and well-being of these families.

CLINICAL AND PATHOGENETIC VARIANTS OF MALADAPTATION TO PREGNANCY AT EARLY STAGES OF GESTATION

The aim of the study was to classify clinical and pathogenetic variants of early toxicosis in pregnant women based on clinical manifestations and markers of gestational maladaptation. Materials and methods. In the first trimester of gestation, 45 healthy pregnant women and 160 pregnant women with early toxicosis of varying severity were examined. The comparison group was comprised of 33 healthy non-pregnant women. In addition to the clinical symptoms, a number of laboratory markers were measured. Those included the indicators of inflammation, energy balance of the reproductive system, endometrial functional activity, vascular endothelial and hemostatic disorders, as well as blood biochemistry. Results. The obtained data were used to quantify the factors of damage and mechanisms of gestational adaptation in the case of physiological gestation, and to identify the embryo-placental dysfunction as a major mechanism of maladaptation in the early stages of pregnancy. The results allowed us to propose four clinical and pathogenetic variants of early toxicosis. Conclusion. The suggested selective approach to clinical and laboratory manifestations of early toxicosis based on its classification and severity, makes it possible to rationalize the therapy, predict the risk of severe and late obstetrical complications, and reduce the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes.

STRATIFICATION OF PREGNANT WOMEN AT EARLY GESTATIONAL AGES BY MEANS OF OBJECTIVATION OF "PHYSIOLOGICAL ALTERATION" FACTORS, MECHANISMS OF GESTATIONAL ADAPTATION AND FETOPLACENTAL DYSFUNCTION

Aim - allocation of clinical and pathogenetic variants of early gestosis in pregnant women based on clinical manifestations and markers of leading pathogenetic syndromes of gestational maladjustment. Materials and methods. 45 healthy pregnant women and 160 pregnant women with early morning sickness of varying severity were examined in the 1st trimester of gestation. The comparison group consisted of 33 healthy non-pregnant women. The survey included assessment of clinical symptoms, identification of the markers of inflammatory response, energy balance of reproductive system, functional activity of the endometrium, vascular endothelial and hemostatic disorders, and blood biochemical indices. Results. The study enabled quantitative objectivation of the factors of “physiological damage” and “the mechanisms of gestational adaptation” during physiological gestation, defining fetoplacental dysfunction as the key link of maladjustment in early pregnancy. The prevalence of pathogenetic mechanisms of the formation of early pregnancy toxicosis determined the allocation of 4 clinical-pathogenetic variants of the course of this complication of gestation. Conclusion. Differentiated approach to clinical and laboratory manifestations of early gestosis in pregnant women, taking into account the variants of the clinical course of this complication and severity assessment, enables targeted therapy and predicting the risk of development of severe forms and late obstetric complications, reduces the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes.

Relation between Birth Weight and Intraoperative Hemorrhage during Cesarean Section in Pregnancy with Placenta Previa.

BackgroundPlacenta previa, one of the most severe obstetric complications, carries an increased risk of intraoperative massive hemorrhage. Several risk factors for intraoperative hemorrhage have been identified to date. However, the correlation between birth weight and intraoperative hemorrhage has not been investigated. Here we estimate the correlation between birth weight and the occurrence of intraoperative massive hemorrhage in placenta previa.Materials and MethodsWe included all 256 singleton pregnancies delivered via cesarean section at our hospital because of placenta previa between 2003 and 2015. We calculated not only measured birth weights but also standard deviation values according to the Japanese standard growth curve to adjust for differences in gestational age. We assessed the correlation between birth weight and the occurrence of intraoperative massive hemorrhage (>1500 mL blood loss). Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine the cutoff value of intraoperative massive hemorrhage.ResultsOf 256 pregnant women with placenta previa, 96 (38%) developed intraoperative massive hemorrhage. Receiver-operating characteristic curves revealed that the area under the curve of the combination variables between the standard deviation of birth weight and intraoperative massive hemorrhage was 0.71. The cutoff value with a sensitivity of 81.3% and specificity of 55.6% was −0.33 standard deviation. The multivariate analysis revealed that a standard deviation of >−0.33 (odds ratio, 5.88; 95% confidence interval, 3.04–12.00), need for hemostatic procedures (odds ratio, 3.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.79–6.25), and placental adhesion (odds ratio, 12.68; 95% confidence interval, 2.85–92.13) were independent risk of intraoperative massive hemorrhage.ConclusionIn patients with placenta previa, a birth weight >−0.33 standard deviation was a significant risk indicator of massive hemorrhage during cesarean section. Based on this result, further studies are required to investigate whether fetal weight estimated by ultrasonography can predict hemorrhage during cesarean section in patients with placental previa.

C4. Maternal cardiac changes during uncomplicated twin pregnancy: does the chorionicity matter?

Objectives: To assess longitudinally the echocardiographic findings in a cohort of women carrying an uncomplicated monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancy and compare them with those obtained from dichorionic (DC) twin gestations.Methods: Healthy women with MC twin pregnancies were submitted to serial transthoracic maternal echocardiography during the first, second and third trimester. Cases with severe obstetric complications after enrollment were eventually excluded. The cardiac findings obtained at different time frames within the MC group were compared. Moreover, these data were compared with those obtained longitudinally in a cohort of uncomplicated DC twin pregnancies.Results: From 2012 to 2016, 19 women with an uncomplicated MC twin pregnancy were included in this study group. Among this group no significant changes were documented from 1st to 3rd trimester with the exception of an ejection fraction decrease. In respect of 48 DC uneventful twin gestations in the MC set the following significant differences were observed: reduced cardiac output (midtrimester) and ejection fraction (1st and 2nd trimester), increased total vascular resistance (1st trimester). Regarding the diastolic function in the MC versus DC twins a significant increase of the following parameters was noted: mitral valve E/A (early diastolic – atrial contraction) ratio (3rd trimester); MSE1 (1st and 2nd trimester), MS E1/A1 (3rd trimester); ML E1 (2nd and 3rd trimester); ML E1/A1 (3rd trimester). The longitudinal trend of the following data showed a significant difference between the MC and the DC set: increase of ML E1 and MLE1/A1, decrease of ML A1.Conclusions: In uncomplicated MC twin pregnancies maternal cardiac changes seem to differ significantly from the DC set. In particular, in the former group the diastolic function impairment is less pronounced presumably due to the lower circulating volume.

Pre-delivery fibrinogen predicts adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes in patients with placental abruption.

Placental abruption is a severe obstetric complication of pregnancy that can cause disseminated intravascular coagulation and progress to massive post-partum hemorrhage. Coagulation disorder due to extreme consumption of fibrinogen is considered the main pathogenesis of disseminated intravascular coagulation in patients with placental abruption. The present study sought to determine if the pre-delivery fibrinogen level could predict adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes in patients with placental abruption. This retrospective medical chart review was conducted in a center for maternal, fetal, and neonatal medicine in Japan with 61 patients with placental abruption. Fibrinogen levels prior to delivery were collected and evaluated for the prediction of maternal and neonatal outcomes. The main outcome measures for maternal outcomes were disseminated intravascular coagulation and hemorrhage, and the main outcome measures for neonatal outcomes were Apgar score at 5 min, umbilical artery pH, and stillbirth. The receiver-operator curve and multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that fibrinogen significantly predicted overt disseminated intravascular coagulation and the requirement of ≥6 red blood cell units, ≥10 fresh frozen plasma units, and ≥20 fresh frozen plasma units for transfusion. Moderate hemorrhage occurred in 71.5% of patients with a decrease in fibrinogen levels to 155 mg/dL. Fibrinogen could also predict neonatal outcomes. Umbilical artery pH < 7.00 occurred in 77.1% of patients with a decrease in fibrinogen levels to≤250 mg/dL. Pre-delivery fibrinogen can predict adverse maternal as well as neonatal outcomes with placental abruption. © 2016 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Spontaneous first‐trimester perforation of the uterus following Cesarean scar pregnancy choriocarcinoma

Spontaneous first‐trimester perforation of the uterus following Cesarean scar pregnancy choriocarcinoma

Maternal near misses from two referral hospitals in Uganda: a prospective cohort study on incidence, determinants and prognostic factors.

BackgroundMaternal near misses occur more often than maternal deaths and could enable more comprehensive analysis of risk factors, short-term outcomes and prognostic factors of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The study determined the incidence, determinants and prognostic factors of severe maternal outcomes (near miss or maternal death) in two referral hospitals in Uganda.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted between March 1, 2013 and February 28, 2014, where cases of severe pregnancy and childbirth complications were included. The clinical conditions included abortion-related complications, obstetric haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, obstructed labour, infection and pregnancy-specific complications such as febrile illness, anemia and premature rupture of membranes. Near miss cases were defined according to the WHO criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify prognostic factors for severe maternal outcomes.ResultsOf 3100 women with severe obstetric complications, 130 (4.2 %) were maternal deaths and 695 (22.7 %) were near miss cases. Severe pre-eclampsia was the commonest morbidity (incidence ratio (IR) 7.0 %, case-fatality rate (CFR) 2.3 %), followed by postpartum haemorrhage (IR 6.7 %, CFR 7.2 %). Uterine rupture (IR 5.5 %) caused the highest CFR (17.9 %), followed by eclampsia (IR 0.4 %, CFR 17.8 %). The three groups (maternal deaths, near misses and non-life-threatening obstetric complications) differed significantly regarding gravidity and education level. The commonest diagnostic criteria for maternal near miss were admission to the high dependency unit (HDU) or to the intensive care unit (ICU). Thrombocytopenia, circulatory collapse, referral to a more specialized unit, intubation unrelated to anaesthesia, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were predictive of maternal death (p < 0.05). Gravidity (ARR 1.4, 95 % C1 1.0–1.2); elevated serum lactate levels (ARR 4.5, 95 % CI 2.3–8.7); intubation for conditions unrelated to general anaesthesia (ARR 2.6 (95 % CI 1.2–5.7), cardiovascular collapse (ARR 4.9, 95 % CI 2.5–9.5); transfusion of 4 or more units of blood (ARR 1.9, 95 % CI 1.1–3.1); being an emergency referral (ARR 2.6, 95 % CI 1.2–5.6); and need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ARR 6.1, 95 % CI 3.2–11.7), were prognostic factors.ConclusionsThe analysis of near misses is a useful tool in the investigation of severe maternal morbidity. The prognostic factors for maternal death, if instituted, might save many women with obstetric complications.

Тяжелые акушерские осложнения («near miss »): проблемы, поиски, решения

Тяжелые акушерские осложнения («near miss »): проблемы, поиски, решения

Тяжелые акушерские осложнения («near miss »): проблемы, поиски, решения

Тяжелые акушерские осложнения («near miss »): проблемы, поиски, решения

Severe obstetric complications as a manifestation of thrombotic microangiopathy

Thrombotic microangiopathy is one of the most serious thrombotic complications characterized by microvascular thrombosis in various organs and accompanied by thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia. The term thrombotic microangiopathy has incorporated several nosology, which are characterized by different mechanisms of microvascular thrombosis. Currently thrombotic microangiopathy include thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, HELLP-syndrome. Pregnancy presents one of the key triggers to the development of thrombotic microangiopathy. This fact gives us a significant opportunity to study the pathogenesis of thrombotic microangiopathy in the context of the physiological changes of hemostasis during pregnancy. At the same time the discovery of molecular mechanisms of thrombotic microangiopathy allows for a new research on the field of pathogenesis of thrombotic complications associated with pregnancy, as well as the pathogenesis of so-called placental obstetric complications, including severe preeclampsia, premature detachment of normally situated placenta, septic shock.

Q fever and pregnancy: experience from the Limoges Regional University Hospital.

Q fever is an ubiquitous zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii. Its tropism for the uterus is a potential source of obstetric complications. We describe the obstetric consequences of Q fever diagnosed during pregnancy from a series of cases. When an antenatal diagnosis was made, antibiotic therapy with roxithromycin (Rulid(®)) was started until delivery. Between 2007 and 2012, 30 patients were treated for Q fever diagnosed during pregnancy, i.e. 1.9 cases per 1000 people. The most common reasons for performing serology was intrauterine growth retardation, preterm labor and oligoamnios. Q fever was diagnosed as acute and chronic in 26 and 4 cases, respectively. Progression to chronic disease occurred in 8% of acute forms of the diseases. The prevalence of obstetric complications was 66%, including 10% foetal deaths, 31% preterm delivery and 27% low birthweight<10th percentile. The obstetric complication rate amongst the 22 patients treated with ante partum macrolides was 60, 30% of which involved prematurity and 33% involved low growth. No cases of foetal death were found on treatment and no congenital malformation and placental or neonatal injury was found. No case of disease reactivation was diagnosed in the eight patients who became pregnant again. Q fever during pregnancy is responsible for severe obstetric complications. It must be diagnosed early and its clinical forms known in order to start appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Consequences of severe obstetric complications on women's health in Morocco: please, listen to me!

In Morocco, medical care for women with severe obstetric complications (near-miss cases) ends at discharge from the hospital. Little information exists regarding what happens after returning home. The aim of the study was to assess the physical and mental health consequences of near-miss events on Moroccan women 8months after childbirth. A prospective cohort study of 76 near-miss women was conducted in three hospitals. For every case, we recruited at least two women from the same hospital who had uncomplicated deliveries (n=169). We used a mixed-methods approach. For the quantitative part, we analysed sociodemographic characteristics collected via a questionnaire and medical complications extracted from the medical records during a medical consultation at 8months post-partum. Forty in-depth interviews were also conducted with 20 near-miss cases and 20 women with uncomplicated deliveries. The near-miss women were poorer and less educated than those who had uncomplicated deliveries. The proportion of physical consequences (serious illness) was higher among near-miss cases (22%) than uncomplicated deliveries (6%, P=0.001). The risk of depression was significantly higher among near-miss cases with perinatal death (OR=7.16; [95% CI: 2.85-17.98]) than among those who had an uncomplicated delivery. Interviews revealed that the economic burden of near-miss care contributed to social problems among the women and their households. A near-miss event has consequences that go beyond the first days after delivery. Developing new mechanisms for maternal and newborn health follow-up is essential and should address the mother's physical and mental health problems and involve husbands and family members.

Still births, neonatal deaths and neonatal near miss cases attributable to severe obstetric complications: a prospective cohort study in two referral hospitals in Uganda.

BackgroundNeonatal near miss cases occur more often than neonatal deaths and could enable a more comprehensive analysis of risk factors, short-term outcomes and prognostic factors in neonates born to mothers with severe obstetric complications. The objective was to assess the incidence, presentation and perinatal outcomes of severe obstetric morbidity in two referral hospitals in Central Uganda.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted between March 1, 2013 and February 28, 2014, in which all newborns from cases of severe pregnancy and childbirth complications were eligible for inclusion. The obstetric conditions included obstetric haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, obstructed labour, chorioamnionitis and pregnancy-specific complications such as malaria, anemia and premature rupture of membranes. Still births, neonatal deaths and neonatal near miss cases (defined using criteria that employed clinical features, presence of organ-system dysfunction and management provided to the newborns were compiled). Stratified and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors for perinatal death.ResultsOf the 3100 mothers, 192 (6.2%) had abortion complications. Of the remainder, there were 2142 (73.1%) deliveries, from whom the fetal outcomes were 257 (12.0%) still births, 369 (17.2%) neonatal deaths, 786 (36.7%) neonatal near misses and 730 (34.1%) were newborns with no or minimal life threatening complications. Of the 235 babies admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the main reasons for admission were prematurity for 64 (26.8%), birth asphyxia for 59 (23.7%), and grunting respiration for 26 (11.1%). Of the 235 babies, 38 (16.2%) died in the neonatal period, and of these, 16 died in the first 24 hours after admission. Ruptured uterus caused the highest case-specific mortality of 76.8%, and led to 16.9% of all newborn deaths. Across the four groups, there were significant differences in mean birth weight, p = 0.003.ConclusionsAntepartum hemorrhage, ruptured uterus, severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, and the syndrome of Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelets (HELLP syndrome), led to statistically significant attributable risk of newborn deaths (still birth or neonatal deaths). Development of severe maternal outcomes, the mothers having been referred, and gravidity of 5 or more were significantly associated with newborn deaths.

The Nordic Obstetric Surveillance Study: a study of complete uterine rupture, abnormally invasive placenta, peripartum hysterectomy, and severe blood loss at delivery.

To assess the rates and characteristics of women with complete uterine rupture, abnormally invasive placenta, peripartum hysterectomy, and severe blood loss at delivery in the Nordic countries. Prospective, Nordic collaboration. The Nordic Obstetric Surveillance Study (NOSS) collected cases of severe obstetric complications in the Nordic countries from April 2009 to August 2012. Cases were reported by clinicians at the Nordic maternity units and retrieved from medical birth registers, hospital discharge registers, and transfusion databases by using International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision codes on diagnoses and the Nordic Medico-Statistical Committee Classification of Surgical Procedure codes. Rates of the studied complications and possible risk factors among parturients in the Nordic countries. The studied complications were reported in 1019 instances among 605362 deliveries during the study period. The reported rate of severe blood loss at delivery was 11.6/10000 deliveries, complete uterine rupture was 5.6/10000 deliveries, abnormally invasive placenta was 4.6/10000 deliveries, and peripartum hysterectomy was 3.5/10000 deliveries. Of the women, 25% had two or more complications. Women with complications were more often >35years old, overweight, with a higher parity, and a history of cesarean delivery compared with the total population. The studied obstetric complications are rare. Uniform definitions and valid reporting are essential for international comparisons. The main risk factors include previous cesarean section. The detailed information collected in the NOSS database provides a basis for epidemiologic studies, audits, and educational activities.

Male partners' perceptions of maternal near miss obstetric morbidity experienced by their spouses.

BackgroundSevere obstetric complications have potential negative impact on the family and household of the survivors, with potential negative effects during (and in the aftermath of) the traumatic obstetric events. The objective was to gain deeper understanding of how severe obstetric complications are perceived by male partners, and their impact on the livelihoods of the family and community.MethodsData was collected through 25 in-depth narrative interviews with male partners of women with severe obstetric morbidity. The interviews occurred 4-12 months after the traumatic childbirth events. To gain a deeper understanding of the meanings and spouses attach to the experiences, we employed the notions of social capital and resilience.ResultsMale partners’ perceptions and experiences were mostly characterized by losses, dreams and dilemmas, disempowerment and alienation, seclusion and self isolation or reliance on the social networks. During the aftermath of the events, there was disruption of the livelihoods of the partners and the whole family.ConclusionWhile a maternal near miss obstetric event might appear as a positive outcome for the survivors, partners and caregivers of women who experience severe obstetric morbidity are deeply affected by the experiences of this life-threatening episode.

Luxation antérieure d’un utérus rétroversé incarcéré à 21 semaines d’aménorrhée : à propos d’un cas

BackgroundAn incarcerated uterus refers to the retroversion of a pregnant uterus within the pelvis due to the absence of a forward tilt at the end of the first trimester. An incarcerated uterus that is overlooked or only discovered perpartum can cause severe obstetrical complications. Several authors have shared their experience with uterine incarceration management at 12, 14, and 16weeks of amenorrhea. CaseOur report concerns a case of uterine incarceration management at 21weeks of amenorrhea, achieved by way of a specific anesthesia protocol and the positioning of the patient, which allowed the disimpaction of the uterus with the help of external maneuvers. No recurrence was observed. ConclusionUterine incarceration management is possible beyond 16weeks of amenorrhea.

Clinical complications in pregnant women with sickle cell disease: prospective study of factors predicting maternal death or near miss.

ObjectiveTo evaluate complications in pregnant women with sickle cell disease, especially those leading to maternal death or near miss (severe obstetric complications).MethodsA prospective cohort of 104 pregnant women registered in the Blood Center of Belo Horizonte (Hemominas Foundation) was followed up at high-risk prenatal units. They belonged to Group I (51 hemoglobin SS and three hemoglobin S/β0-thalassemia) or Group II (49 hemoglobin SC and one hemoglobin S/β+-thalassemia). Both groups had similar median ages. Predictive factors for ‘near miss’ or maternal death with p-value ≤ 0.25 in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate logistic model (significance set for p-value ≤ 0.05).ResultsGroup I had more frequent episodes of vaso-occlusive crises, more transfusions in the antepartum and postpartum, and higher percentage of preterm deliveries than Group II. Infections and painful crises during the postpartum period were similar in both the groups. The mortality rate was 4.8%: three deaths in Group I and two in Group II. One-third of the women in both the groups experienced near miss. The most frequent event was pneumonia/acute chest syndrome. Alpha-thalassemia co-inheritance and β-gene haplotypes were not associated with near miss or maternal death. In multivariate analysis predictors of near miss or death were parity above one and baseline red blood cell macrocytosis. In Group I, baseline hypoxemia (saturation < 94%) was also predictive of near miss or death.ConclusionOne-third of pregnant women had near miss and 4.8% died. Both hemoglobin SS and SC pregnant women shared the same risk of death or of severe complications, especially pulmonary events.