Perinatal morbidity and mortality in neonates of mothers with sickle cell disease at the Teaching Hospital of Borgou /Alibori (Benin)-II

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy in women with sickle cell disease exposes the neonate to an increased risk of perinatal mortality. Objective: To determine perinatal morbidity and mortality in neonates of mothers with sickle cell disease at the teaching hospital of Borgou/Alibori in northen Benin. Patients and methods: This was a descriptive and observational study conducted in maternity and neonatology departments at the teaching hospital of Borgou/Alibori from January 1, 2015 to August 31, 2019. It included neonates of at least 22 weeks or weighing more than 500g, alive or not at birth from mothers with sickle cell disease. The variables studied were sociodemographic, clinical and evolutionary. The protocol was submitted to the ethics committee of the University of Parakou and obtained its approval under the reference 0289/CLERB-UP/P /SP/R/SA. Results: During the period, 130 pregnant women with sickle cell disease were admitted out of a total of 10,087, representing a frequency of 1.3%. The main perinatal morbidities were: acute fetal distress (10,4%), prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction (49.5%), respiratory distress (40%), bacterial infections (30.5%) and perinatal asphyxia (21.1%). Perinatal deaths occurred in 28 neonates and the perinatal mortality rate was 243.5‰. Conclusion: Acute fetal distress and low birth weight are the main perinatal morbidities observed. Perinatal mortality in these neonates is higher than in the general population in our context. Hence the need for early multi-disciplinary care.