Case Report | | Peer-Reviewed

Manual Exchange Transfusion Role in the Management of a Pregnancy Compromised by Sickle Cell Disease in a Tertiary Hospital in Burkina Faso: A Case Report

Received: 22 April 2024     Accepted: 9 May 2024     Published: 24 May 2024
Views:       Downloads:
Abstract

Sickle cell disease in pregnant women can lead to potentially serious complications for both the mother and fetus. Its management remains a major public health challenge, particularly in resource-limited regions. Here, we report the management of a case at the Regional University Hospital (RUH) of Ouahigouya. A 30-year-old patient with 2 pregnancies, 1 miscarriage following a vaso-occlusive crisis. The current pregnancy was monitored at a peripheral health center until 25 weeks of gestation when the patient experienced a vaso-occlusive crisis, prompting her evacuation to the CHUR-OHG. Electrophoresis of hemoglobin revealed 53% hemoglobin S fraction and 47% hemoglobin C fraction, with mild anemia at 9.6g/dl. After symptomatic treatment and hydration, the first crisis improved; however, due to the succession of crises, manual exchange transfusion was discussed and indicated by the care team. Initially, this exchange was not performed due to a lack of blood products. Thanks to the opening of the new transfusion center in the region, the required blood bags were available for the procedure. Manual exchange transfusion was performed, using AA red blood cell concentrate. The immediate aftermath of the exchange transfusion was straightforward, and the patient was able to carry her pregnancy to term without further complications. Delivery was by caesarean section, at 38 weeks of gestation. The newborn, a female, had Apgar scores of 9/10 and 10/10, with a weight of 2600 grams. Postoperative recovery was uneventful with no vaso-occlusive crises.

Published in Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Volume 12, Issue 3)
DOI 10.11648/j.jgo.20241203.12
Page(s) 57-60
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Sickle Cell Disease, Pregnancy, Vaso-Occlusive Crises, Manual Exchange Transfusion

1. Introduction
Sickle cell disease, a genetic condition causing chronic anemia, remains a major public health challenge, particularly in resource-limited regions, significantly impacting maternal and child health . Women with sickle cell disease face increased risks during pregnancy, with potentially serious complications for both the mother and fetus . Managing pregnancies in these women is crucial to prevent maternal and fetal complications. Indeed, pregnancy poses a high-risk situation for women with sickle cell disease, particularly during the third trimester, delivery, and postpartum, due to chronic hypoxia and vaso-occlusive phenomena in the maternal-fetal microcirculation . Risks include increased incidence of hypertension, preeclampsia, infections, and maternal death for the mother, and high rates of growth restriction, prematurity, and fetal death for the fetus. Moreover, pregnancy often exacerbates sickle cell disease . Manual versus automated exchange transfusion emerges as a promising strategy in resource-limited countries, albeit controversial, to improve obstetric outcomes . However, this must be balanced with transfusion side effects, including the risk of alloimmunization and delayed hemolytic reactions . This study aims to evaluate its effectiveness in a specific context in Burkina Faso, thus providing essential data to guide clinical practices and public health policies in resource-limited settings and hopes to pave the way for better management of pregnancies in this vulnerable population.
2. Case Presentation
This concerned a 30-year-old patient, pregnant with her second pregnancy. The first pregnancy was monitored at a health center and ended in a miscarriage following vaso-occlusive crises. The patient is a known carrier of sickle cell disease but was not under regular medical care. She reported intermittent painful osteoarticular crises since childhood, with an increase in frequency and intensity of crises during periods of high heat and cool weather. Apart from childhood vaccinations received as part of the expanded vaccination program, she had only received vaccinations against tetanus and meningitis. There was no history of previous blood transfusion.
Her current pregnancy was diagnosed at 8 weeks of gestation, and she had three visits to the health center in her neighborhood for prenatal care. Following a painful osteoarticular crisis at around 25 weeks of gestation, she was transferred to the obstetrics and gynecology department of the RUH in Ouahigouya for better management. She underwent electrophoresis with fraction dosage, etiological investigation, and assessment of her condition. The patient had 53% hemoglobin S fraction and 47% hemoglobin C fraction. She had mild anemia at 9.6g/dl. The identified etiology was insufficient hydration in the current hot climate. She received hydration and pain management treatment, resulting in symptom improvement. An exchange transfusion was considered but it was not feasible.
Three weeks after her discharge from the hospital, the patient experienced another vaso-occlusive crisis and was hospitalized. No infection was found. Hydration and pain management treatment were administered. Exchange transfusion was discussed by the care team but not performed due to a lack of blood product. Upon returning home, the patient again experienced increasingly severe vaso-occlusive crises after two weeks. Given her condition, we recommended a manual exchange transfusion. Thanks to the opening of the new transfusion center in the region, the necessary blood bags were available for the procedure. Manual exchange transfusion was performed, using AA red blood cell concentrate. The immediate aftermath of the exchange transfusion was straightforward, and the patient was monitored at the RUH de Ouahigouya. Fractional hemoglobin measurement revealed a decrease in hemoglobin S, which was at 31%. She was able to carry her pregnancy to term without further complications. Delivery was by caesarean section, at 38 weeks of gestation. The newborn, a female, had Apgar scores of 9/10 and 10/10, with a weight of 2600 grams. Postoperative recovery was uneventful with no vaso-occlusive crises.
3. Discussion
This case study highlights the importance of access to blood transfusion services in managing pregnancies in women with sickle cell disease. Manual exchange transfusion has proven effective in reducing vaso-occlusive crises, preventing obstetrical complications, and ensuring favorable outcomes for both the mother and fetus. The earliest studies on manual exchange transfusion date back to the 1960s, demonstrating its efficacy despite some side effects . In developed countries, manual exchange transfusion has been replaced by automated exchange and has become an established practice in managing pregnancies complicated by sickle cell disease. These technological advancements and sufficient medical resources enable the procedure to be performed safely and effectively. Clinical protocols are well established, and medical teams are trained in the practice of exchange transfusion, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients .
General advice given to pregnant women with sickle cell disease is to drink plenty of water, avoid extreme temperatures, and seek immediate medical attention if they begin to feel unwell. However, they often do not report early due to these constraints in accessing healthcare, and when they do present to the hospital, they are often at an advanced stage of complications .
Studies conducted in Burkina Faso in 2016 and 2019 by Zamané et al. illustrate these differences between developed and developing country contexts . Although these studies have shown that manual exchange transfusion can be an effective therapeutic option in an African context, they have also highlighted specific challenges faced by local clinicians, such as the lack of access to compatible blood bags and limitations in diagnostic resources.
As a result, managing sickle cell disease during pregnancy in developing countries and particularly in our context remains a major challenge. Although manual exchange transfusion may offer potential benefits, its effectiveness is often hindered by the structural and systemic obstacles faced by these countries.
It is therefore essential to work towards reducing these barriers by strengthening the capacity of healthcare systems in the most affected regions. This requires ongoing commitment to the development of medical infrastructure, training of healthcare personnel, and improving access to safe and quality blood products.
4. Conclusion
This case study highlights the critical management challenges and potential complications associated with sickle cell disease in pregnant women, particularly in resource-limited countries. The case presented at the Regional University Hospital of Ouahigouya underscores the importance of timely intervention and access to appropriate medical resources. The establishment of a new transfusion center in the region played a pivotal role in ensuring the availability of necessary blood products for the exchange transfusion, ultimately contributing to a positive outcome for both the mother and newborn. Further investigation into the long-term health outcomes for both the mother and newborn following manual exchange transfusion in similar cases would provide valuable insights for clinical practice and guideline development meanwhile waiting to catch up with developed countries in the use of automated exchange transfusion.
Abbreviations

RUH

Regional University Hospital

Consent
The patient provided written informed consent for the publication of her data in the manuscript.
Author Contributions
Djerma Corneille Ydris: Conceptualization, Project administration, Supervision, Writing – original draft, Investigation, Validation, Writing – review & editing, Formal Analysis, Methodology
Sanogo Moussa: Conceptualization, Writing – original draft, Validation, Writing – review & editing, Formal Analysis
Sib Sansan Rodrigue: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Formal Analysis
Ouedraogo Salam: Writing – review & editing, Formal Analysis
Kafando Amadou: Writing – review & editing
Yameogo Barnabé: Writing – review & editing
Sawadogo Salam: Writing – review & editing, Validation, Formal Analysis
Nébié Yacouba: Writing – review & editing, Validation, Formal Analysis
Kafando Eléonore: Writing – review & editing, Validation, Formal Analysis
All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Funding
The writing of this article did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies.
Data Availability Statement
All data are already included in this manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
References
[1] Marouf R. Blood Transfusion in Sickle Cell Disease. Hemoglobin. oct 2011; 35(5-6): 495-502.
[2] Driss F, Tertian G, Becquemont L, Haddad B, Cynober T, Raphael M, et al. [Management of high risk pregnancy in sickle cell disease by a strategy of prophylactic red cell transfusion or automated red cell exchange]. Transfus Clin Biol J Soc Francaise Transfus Sang. oct 2007; 14(4): 386-92.
[3] Smith-Whitley K. Complications in pregnant women with sickle cell disease. Hematol 2014 Am Soc Hematol Educ Program Book. 2019; 2019(1): 359-66.
[4] Afolabi BB, Babah OA, Adeyemo TA. Evidence-based obstetric management of women with sickle cell disease in low-income countries. Hematol Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 9 déc 2022; 2022(1): 414-20.
[5] Asma S, Kozanoglu I, Tarım E, Sarıturk C, Gereklioglu C, Akdeniz A, et al. Prophylactic red blood cell exchange may be beneficial in the management of sickle cell disease in pregnancy. Transfusion (Paris). janv 2015; 55(1): 36-44.
[6] Benites BD, Benevides TCL, Valente IS, Marques JF, Gilli SCO, Saad STO. The effects of exchange transfusion for prevention of complications during pregnancy of sickle hemoglobin C disease patients. Transfusion (Paris). janv 2016; 56(1): 119-24.
[7] Zamané H, Kain DP, Kiemtoré S, Diallo AA, Valéa JB, Diallo S, et al. Preventive Exchange Blood Transfusion in Pregnant Women with Sickle Cell Disease: Maternal and Perinatal Prognosis in a Country with Limited Resources, Burkina Faso. Open J Obstet Gynecol. 10 mai 2016; 6(6): 373-8.
[8] Oteng-Ntim E, Shangaris P. Evidence-based management of pregnant women with sickle cell disease in high-income countries. Hematol Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 9 déc 2022; 2022(1): 408-13.
[9] Brumfield CG, Huddleston JF, DuBois LB, Harris BA. A delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction after partial exchange transfusion for sickle cell disease in pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature. Obstet Gynecol. mars 1984; 63(3 Suppl): 13S-15S.
[10] Han H, Hensch L, Tubman VN. Indications for transfusion in the management of sickle cell disease. Hematology. 2021; 2021(1): 696-703.
[11] Sharif J, Byrd L, Stevenson K, Raddats J, Morsman E, Ryan K. Transfusion for sickle cell disease in pregnancy: a single-centre survey. Transfus Med. juin 2018; 28(3): 231-5.
[12] Buckle AE, Price TM, Whitmore DN. Exchange and simple transfusion in sickle-cell diseases in pregnancy. Postgrad Med J. nov 1969; 45(529): 722-5.
[13] Ricks P. Further experience with exchange transfusion in sickle cell anemia and pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 15 avr 1968; 100(8): 1087-91.
[14] Fullerton WT, Turner AG. EXCHANGE TRANSFUSION IN TREATMENT OF SEVERE ANÆMIA IN PREGNANCY. The Lancet. 13 janv 1962; 279(7220): 75-8.
[15] Morrison JC, Fort AT, Wiser WL, Fish SA. The modern management of pregnant sickle cell patients: a preliminary report. South Med J. mai 1972; 65(5): 533-6.
[16] Morrison JC, Wiser WL. The effect of maternal partial exchange transfusion on the infants of patients with sickle cell anemia. J Pediatr. août 1976; 89(2): 286-9.
[17] Morrison JC, Morrison FS, Floyd RC, Roberts WE, Hess LW, Wiser WL. Use of continuous flow erythrocytapheresis in pregnant patients with sickle cell disease. J Clin Apheresis. janv 1991; 6(4): 224-9.
[18] Morrison JC, Whybrew WD, Bucovaz ET. Use of partial exchange transfusion preoperatively in patients with sickle cell hemoglobinopathies. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1978; 132(1): 59-63.
[19] Morrison JC, Wiser WL. The use of prophylactic partial exchange tranfusion in pregnancies associated with sickle cell hemoglobinopathies. Obstet Gynecol. nov 1976; 48(5): 516-20.
[20] Davey RJ, Esposito DJ, Jacobson RJ, Corn M. Partial exchange transfusion as treatment for hemoglobin SC disease in pregnancy. Arch Intern Med. juin 1978; 138(6): 937-9.
[21] Nagey DA, Garcia J, Welt SI. Isovolumetric partial exchange transfusion in the management of sickle cell disease in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1981; 141(4): 403-7.
[22] Zamané H, Sanou F, Kiemtoré S, Kain DP, Sawadogo AK, Bonané-Thiéba B. Transfusion practices in the care of pregnant women with sickle cell disease in Ouagadougou. Int J Gynaecol Obstet Off Organ Int Fed Gynaecol Obstet. déc 2019; 147(3): 363-7.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Ydris, D. C., Moussa, S., Rodrigue, S. S., Salam, O., Amadou, K., et al. (2024). Manual Exchange Transfusion Role in the Management of a Pregnancy Compromised by Sickle Cell Disease in a Tertiary Hospital in Burkina Faso: A Case Report. Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 12(3), 57-60. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20241203.12

    Copy | Download

    ACS Style

    Ydris, D. C.; Moussa, S.; Rodrigue, S. S.; Salam, O.; Amadou, K., et al. Manual Exchange Transfusion Role in the Management of a Pregnancy Compromised by Sickle Cell Disease in a Tertiary Hospital in Burkina Faso: A Case Report. J. Gynecol. Obstet. 2024, 12(3), 57-60. doi: 10.11648/j.jgo.20241203.12

    Copy | Download

    AMA Style

    Ydris DC, Moussa S, Rodrigue SS, Salam O, Amadou K, et al. Manual Exchange Transfusion Role in the Management of a Pregnancy Compromised by Sickle Cell Disease in a Tertiary Hospital in Burkina Faso: A Case Report. J Gynecol Obstet. 2024;12(3):57-60. doi: 10.11648/j.jgo.20241203.12

    Copy | Download

  • @article{10.11648/j.jgo.20241203.12,
      author = {Djerma Corneille Ydris and Sanogo Moussa and Sib Sansan Rodrigue and Ouedraogo Salam and Kafando Amadou and Yameogo Barnabé and Sawadogo Salam and Nébié Yacouba and Kafando Eléonore},
      title = {Manual Exchange Transfusion Role in the Management of a Pregnancy Compromised by Sickle Cell Disease in a Tertiary Hospital in Burkina Faso: A Case Report
    },
      journal = {Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics},
      volume = {12},
      number = {3},
      pages = {57-60},
      doi = {10.11648/j.jgo.20241203.12},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20241203.12},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jgo.20241203.12},
      abstract = {Sickle cell disease in pregnant women can lead to potentially serious complications for both the mother and fetus. Its management remains a major public health challenge, particularly in resource-limited regions. Here, we report the management of a case at the Regional University Hospital (RUH) of Ouahigouya. A 30-year-old patient with 2 pregnancies, 1 miscarriage following a vaso-occlusive crisis. The current pregnancy was monitored at a peripheral health center until 25 weeks of gestation when the patient experienced a vaso-occlusive crisis, prompting her evacuation to the CHUR-OHG. Electrophoresis of hemoglobin revealed 53% hemoglobin S fraction and 47% hemoglobin C fraction, with mild anemia at 9.6g/dl. After symptomatic treatment and hydration, the first crisis improved; however, due to the succession of crises, manual exchange transfusion was discussed and indicated by the care team. Initially, this exchange was not performed due to a lack of blood products. Thanks to the opening of the new transfusion center in the region, the required blood bags were available for the procedure. Manual exchange transfusion was performed, using AA red blood cell concentrate. The immediate aftermath of the exchange transfusion was straightforward, and the patient was able to carry her pregnancy to term without further complications. Delivery was by caesarean section, at 38 weeks of gestation. The newborn, a female, had Apgar scores of 9/10 and 10/10, with a weight of 2600 grams. Postoperative recovery was uneventful with no vaso-occlusive crises.
    },
     year = {2024}
    }
    

    Copy | Download

  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Manual Exchange Transfusion Role in the Management of a Pregnancy Compromised by Sickle Cell Disease in a Tertiary Hospital in Burkina Faso: A Case Report
    
    AU  - Djerma Corneille Ydris
    AU  - Sanogo Moussa
    AU  - Sib Sansan Rodrigue
    AU  - Ouedraogo Salam
    AU  - Kafando Amadou
    AU  - Yameogo Barnabé
    AU  - Sawadogo Salam
    AU  - Nébié Yacouba
    AU  - Kafando Eléonore
    Y1  - 2024/05/24
    PY  - 2024
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20241203.12
    DO  - 10.11648/j.jgo.20241203.12
    T2  - Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
    JF  - Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
    JO  - Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
    SP  - 57
    EP  - 60
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2376-7820
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jgo.20241203.12
    AB  - Sickle cell disease in pregnant women can lead to potentially serious complications for both the mother and fetus. Its management remains a major public health challenge, particularly in resource-limited regions. Here, we report the management of a case at the Regional University Hospital (RUH) of Ouahigouya. A 30-year-old patient with 2 pregnancies, 1 miscarriage following a vaso-occlusive crisis. The current pregnancy was monitored at a peripheral health center until 25 weeks of gestation when the patient experienced a vaso-occlusive crisis, prompting her evacuation to the CHUR-OHG. Electrophoresis of hemoglobin revealed 53% hemoglobin S fraction and 47% hemoglobin C fraction, with mild anemia at 9.6g/dl. After symptomatic treatment and hydration, the first crisis improved; however, due to the succession of crises, manual exchange transfusion was discussed and indicated by the care team. Initially, this exchange was not performed due to a lack of blood products. Thanks to the opening of the new transfusion center in the region, the required blood bags were available for the procedure. Manual exchange transfusion was performed, using AA red blood cell concentrate. The immediate aftermath of the exchange transfusion was straightforward, and the patient was able to carry her pregnancy to term without further complications. Delivery was by caesarean section, at 38 weeks of gestation. The newborn, a female, had Apgar scores of 9/10 and 10/10, with a weight of 2600 grams. Postoperative recovery was uneventful with no vaso-occlusive crises.
    
    VL  - 12
    IS  - 3
    ER  - 

    Copy | Download

Author Information
  • Medical Sciences Training and Research Unit, Félix Houphouet Boigny University, Abidjan, Ivory Coast

  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional University Hospital of Ouahigouya, Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso

  • Health Sciences Training and Research Unit, University of Ouahigouya, Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso

  • Health Sciences Training and Research Unit, University of Ouahigouya, Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso

  • National Blood Transfusion Center of Burkina, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sanou Souro University Hospital, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

  • Health Sciences Training and Research Unit, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

  • Health Sciences Training and Research Unit, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

  • Health Sciences Training and Research Unit, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso