ADVERSE MATERNALAND PERINATAL OUTCOMES IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE (Hb-SS) AND SICKLE CELL TRAIT (Hb-AS) COMPARED TO NORMAL PREGNANCIES (Hb-AA) : A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY FROM RURAL INDIA

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses signicant maternal and perinatal risks, particularly in rural areas. This study compares adverse outcomes in pregnancies with SCD (SS), sickle cell trait (AS), and non-SCD controls (AA) in a tertiary care hospital. Objectives: To evaluate and compare maternal and perinatal outcomes among mothers with hemoglobin SS, AS, and AA , focusing on complications like anemia, preterm labor, and neonatal morbidity. Methodology: Aretrospective study of 145 pregnant women (123 AS, 22 SS) and 200 AAcontrols was conducted at VNGMC, Yavatmal, Maharshtra. Data on demographics, obstetric history, and complications were analyzed using logistic regression. Outcomes included anemia, preterm labor, preeclampsia, neonatal weight, and mortality. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Results: The SS group exhibited severe anemia (59.1% vs. 31.7% AS, 6.5% AA), higher transfusion needs (50% vs. 10.6% AS, 6% AA), and increased sickle cell crises (45.5%). Maternal mortality was 4.5% in SS vs. 1.6% AS and 0% AA. Preterm labor (18.2% SS, 7.3% AS, 4% AA), UTI (27.3% SS), and puerperal sepsis (13.6% SS) were more prevalent in SS. Neonatal outcomes showed lower mean birth weight (1.9 kg SS vs. 2.1 kg AS, 2.4 kg AA), higher IUGR (59.1% SS), and perinatal mortality (13.6% SS) in SS. PIH incidence was comparable (18.2% SS, 17.9% AS, 12.5% AA). Conclusion: SCD pregnancies (SS) face elevated risks of maternal and perinatal complications, necessitating targeted interventions for improved outcomes.