This section is only updated periodically, may not be complete, and does not replace a search for the most current available data and literature!

Comprehensive Reviews

How I treat sickle cell disease in pregnancy.	The authors emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary care to address both maternal and fetal complications, including chronic organ dysfunction, acute SCD complications, and pregnancy-related issues such as preeclampsia and thromboembolism.	James AH, Strouse JJ. How I treat sickle cell disease in pregnancy. Blood. 2024 Feb 29;143(9):769-776.	https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37979134/
A comprehensive view of pregnancy in patients with sickle cell disease in high-income countries: the need for robust data and further decline in morbidity and mortality.	Discusses the most common issues during pregnancy, including SCD induced organ dysfunction, vaso-occlusive crises, thromboembolism, and pregnancy-related complications.	Joseph L, Driessen M. A comprehensive view of pregnancy in patients with sickle cell disease in high-income countries: the need for robust data and further decline in morbidity and mortality. Lancet Haematol. 2024 Jan;11(1):e75-e84.	https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38135375/
Management of sickle cell disease in pregnancy. A British Society for Haematology Guideline.	A very comprehensive guideline with concrete recommendations and tables for follow-up during pregnancy. Although the guidelines were published in 2021 and some recommendations are not fully up to date, it remains a helpful document for the management of patients with SCD around pregnancy.	Oteng-Ntim E, Pavord S, Howard R, Robinson S, Oakley L, Mackillop L, Pancham S, Howard J; British Society for Haematology Guideline. Management of sickle cell disease in pregnancy. A British Society for Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol. 2021 Sep;194(6):980-995.	https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34409598/

More in-depth literature

Guidelines on red cell transfusion in sickle cell disease Part II: indications for transfusion	A guideline on indications for transfusion in sickle cell disease, including a section addressing transfusion during pregnancy, was published in 2017. As no practice-changing studies have emerged since its release, it remains a valuable reference.	https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27858994/
Managing pregnancy in patients with sickle cell disease from a transfusion perspective	A review focused more on the risks (especially hyperhemolysis) of transfusion during pregnancy in sickle cell disease, presented in a case-based format.	https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38066847/
Prophylactic red cell transfusions for sickle cell disease pregnancy: increased use of therapy could transform outcomes	A review advocating for more exchange transfusions in pregnancy. It discusses the benefits and potential risks of prophylactic transfusions for SCD pregnancy.	https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39177058/

Podcasts

Although these two podcasts are not pregnancy-specific, alloimmunization and transfusion management remain key concepts in the care of pregnant women with sickle cell disease. Therefore, I highly recommend these two episodes hosted by the Blood Bank Guy at www.bbguy.org.