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What Causes Sickle Cell Syndrome During Pregnancy?

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Posted on Mon, 26 May 2014
Question: patient is suffering from sickle cell syndrome and her haemoglobin Level is 6.0.she is pregnant with twin babies.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It needs close frequent followups with your doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
I am DrAslam here to help you.

Pregnant ladies with sickle cell disease need extra care during the antenatal period,as there can be frequent sickling crises,and they are more prone for complications like Intra uterine growth restriction/hypertension/preterm delivery.The present Haemoglobin level is not sufficient,and should be corrected without delay.Your doctor will guide you.
You please take care of the following,
1)Maintaining proper hydration is very important.Dehydration should be avoided at any cost.It will precipitate sickling crisis.
So,avoid dry and hot atmosphere.Take enough oral fluids.Avoid out door activities as far as possible.
2)Oxygenation also must be adequate,as hypoxemia also causes sickling.
So,treat any respiratory infection as an emergency.Keep the room well ventilated.Avoid crowded,closed spaces for a long time.
3)Any fever/infection should be treated as emergency,as infections can cause sickling.
4)Take folic acid daily(usually 1 mg daily).Your doctor might have given this.
5)Pnumococcal vaccine is highly recommended,as they are more prone for this infection.You can discuss this with your doctor.
6)Also,it is better to have a fundoscopy and regular ophthalmology review,as there is increased chance of retinopathy.
7)Last but not least-always make blood donors available(not just one or two),as emergency transfusion may be needed anytime,especially towards delivery.

Hope I have answered your query.If you have further questions,I will be happy to help.
Wishing everything to be fine and uneventful,Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Muhammed Aslam (1 hour later)
Does the patient require any immediate blood transfusion in this case.
Please advise.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
That depends.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
That depends on many factors like,
1)Present gestational age.
2)How long she was on this hemoglobin level(if it was a rapid fall,may need transfusilon)
3)Any other pregnancy complications she may have.
4)The present vital values like oxygen saturation,pulse rate,BP,presence of edema etc.
Usually,with this hemoglobin level in the first half of pregnancy,it can be managed without transfusion,unless the fall was rapid.Otherwise,we usually go for transfusion.
In short,this is determined not just by the Hb level,but the entire medical and obstetric profile is taken into account,and decision is different from case to case.
You please stick on to your gynaec's advice.
Hope you got it.If you have no further questions,you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Take care,Thank you.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Muhammed Aslam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 987 Questions

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What Causes Sickle Cell Syndrome During Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: It needs close frequent followups with your doctor Detailed Answer: Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum. I am DrAslam here to help you. Pregnant ladies with sickle cell disease need extra care during the antenatal period,as there can be frequent sickling crises,and they are more prone for complications like Intra uterine growth restriction/hypertension/preterm delivery.The present Haemoglobin level is not sufficient,and should be corrected without delay.Your doctor will guide you. You please take care of the following, 1)Maintaining proper hydration is very important.Dehydration should be avoided at any cost.It will precipitate sickling crisis. So,avoid dry and hot atmosphere.Take enough oral fluids.Avoid out door activities as far as possible. 2)Oxygenation also must be adequate,as hypoxemia also causes sickling. So,treat any respiratory infection as an emergency.Keep the room well ventilated.Avoid crowded,closed spaces for a long time. 3)Any fever/infection should be treated as emergency,as infections can cause sickling. 4)Take folic acid daily(usually 1 mg daily).Your doctor might have given this. 5)Pnumococcal vaccine is highly recommended,as they are more prone for this infection.You can discuss this with your doctor. 6)Also,it is better to have a fundoscopy and regular ophthalmology review,as there is increased chance of retinopathy. 7)Last but not least-always make blood donors available(not just one or two),as emergency transfusion may be needed anytime,especially towards delivery. Hope I have answered your query.If you have further questions,I will be happy to help. Wishing everything to be fine and uneventful,Thank you.