An Effective Management for Thalassaemic Patients during Pregnancy

ABSTRACT

Background: Presence of thalassaemia is considered high risk in pregnancy. The present study find out the role of antenatal and intrapartum care to improve the outcome of pregnancy in thalassaemia. Materials and Method: The prospective longitudinal study was carried out on 25 patients. CBC, LFT, Ferritin, Hb electrophoresis, serial USG was done. Chorionic villous sampling was offered to thalassaemic women to decrease the number of babies born with Thalassaemia. Furthermore, management and treatment options provided to mother to overcome the incidence of maternal and neonatal complications during current pregnancy. Results: 44% of thalassaemic pregnant women had HbE ? thalassaemia, 8% ? thalassaemia major and others had thalassaemia carriers, while only 20% of their partners showed ? thalassaemia trait. All patients were anemic and during delivery mean Hb% were 8.42 g/dl, MCH 22.09 pg, MCV 73.56 fl, MCHC 29.86 g/dl and ferritin 241.51 ng/ ml. Third trimester USG exhibited 32% developed IUGR (Intrauterine growth restriction). 40% patients received blood transfusion after delivery. ? thalassaemia trait was identified in 20% babies at 6 month. Conclusion: Postpartum haemorrhage is a major complication of thalassaemia in pregnancy. After delivery a thorough neonatal check-up and haematological work-up is important for prevention of neonatal mortality and early detection of thalassaemia.