Case Report
Sickle Cell Vasoocclusive Crisis and Acute Chest Syndrome at Term Pregnancy
Abstract
Women with sickle cell anemia are surviving longer and may desire pregnancy. Rare, life-threatening complications of sickle cell anemia, such as acute chest syndrome, may occur at the time of delivery. A 22-year-old woman with sickle cell (HbS/β+ thalassemia) at 35 weeks of gestation presented with shortness of breath and generalized pain. She was diagnosed with vasoocclusive crisis and acute chest syndrome, managed with exchange transfusion and cesarean delivery, and discharged home with her newborn one week later. Prompt recognition of life-threatening complications of sickle cell anemia in a pregnant woman and collaborative medical and obstetric management are essential to optimize maternal and fetal outcome.
Key Points
* Life-threatening complications of sickle cell disease may occur in the pregnant patient near term.
* Management of acute chest syndrome at term pregnancy may include exchange transfusion before cesarean delivery to optimize maternal and fetal outcome.
This content is limited to qualifying members.
Existing members, please login first
If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.
Purchase only this article ($25)
Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.
Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)
Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.
Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)
Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.