title: Sickle cell disease in pregnancy.
abstract: The term sickle cell disease (SSD) encompasses several different sickle hemoglobinopathies. The ability to predict the clinical course of SSD during pregnancy is difficult. This article examines pregnancy-associated complications in SSD and the management of sickle cell disorders in pregnant women. Outcomes have improved for pregnant women with SSD and nowadays the majority can achieve a successful live birth. However, pregnancy is still associated with an increased incidence of morbidity and mortality. Optimal management during pregnancy should be directed at preventing pain crises, chronic organ damage, optimization of fetal health and minimizing early maternal mortality using a multidisciplinary team approach and prompt, effective and safe relief of acute pain episodes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 820 South Wood Street, M/C 808, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. droger3@uic.edu
authors.forename: Dennie T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Molokie
mesh_terms: D000698:Analgesia; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D016742:Preconception Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000628:therapy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011644:Puerperal Disorders