[The value of systematic prophylactic blood transfusions in the outcome of pregnancies in patients with severe sickle cell anemia. Study of 63 deliveries in Guadeloupe]. / De l'intérêt des transfusions prophylactiques systématiques dans l'évolution des grossesses chez les drépanocytaires majeures. Etude de 63 accouchements en Guadeloupe.

When pregnancy occurs in women suffering from major sickle cell disease there is a double risk for the mother and for the fetus. Pregnancy favours the development of the classical complications of the disease and fetal distress in utero or prematurity bring with them an increased level of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Routine blood transfusion carried out prophylactically might seem to be a solution that lessens the risk. In fact, a comparative study of two series of patients did not give rise to the conclusion that there was any benefit from carrying out the procedure. Careful supervision of the progress of the pregnancy would seem to be the one essential factor to improve the prognosis.