First trial of its kind for pregnant women with sickle cell disease

In a first-of-its-kind trial, a hospital has assessed the health benefits of pregnant women with sickle cell disease having regular blood transfusions. 

Published last month in Blood Advances, the new study at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust will help to improve treatments for women with the condition. 

Professor Eugene Oteng-Ntim, clinical director of women’s services at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and study lead, said: “I’d like to thank all the women who took part in the study. 

“You have shown that women with sickle cell disease are willing to get involved in studies while pregnant and to undergo planned regular exchange blood transfusions. 

“You have given us confidence that a larger, more detailed clinical trial is possible.”

Sickle cell disease is a common inherited condition that causes anaemia, severe pain episodes, and long-term health issues like lung and kidney problems, strokes, and high blood pressure in the lungs. 

Around 110 women with sickle cell become pregnant each year.

While in the UK most children with sickle cell disease now live into adulthood and can start families, pregnancies for women with the condition are still high risk.

Sickle cell complications may increase due to the added pressures of pregnancy, resulting in more frequent hospital and critical care admissions. 

Treatments that can control the disease, like hydroxycarbamide and others, are currently not recommended in pregnancy. In the UK, the standard care for pregnant women with sickle cell disease is to have blood transfusions if they become unwell due to the effects of the condition.

This latest trial has paved the way for future studies to show if regular transfusions or planned Serial Prophylactic Exchange Blood Transfusions can help women and their babies remain healthier. 

One of the women who took part in the trial at Guy’s and St Thomas’ was Dr Ore-Ofe Ajeigbe who had regular planned exchange blood transfusions. 

She had blood tests before each blood transfusion as part of her involvement in the trial.

Her final blood transfusion was in October 2022 and she gave birth to her healthy baby girl Ise Oluware in November 2022.

Dr Ore-Ofe said: “I cannot thank the Guy’s and St Thomas’ team enough. They looked after me, and the consultant leading this trial cared about me and my family. 

“He knew I had concerns and called me to reassure me about the transfusions, he really did go above and beyond for me. 

“I never felt like I was a number or just another patient. I will never forget what they did for me.”

The National Institute for Health and Care Research Clinical Research Network South London supported the study by recruiting participants.

John James, Sickle Cell Society chief executive, said: “We extend our gratitude to Professor Eugene Oteng-Ntim and the team at Guy’s and St Thomas’ for conducting the study, and to all the pregnant women who participated.

“Their involvement will contribute to better understanding of safe treatment options for sickle cell during pregnancy and provide reassurance to others with the condition who are considering starting a family.”

Pictured top: Dr Ore-Ofe Ajeigbe with her family (Picture: Dr Ore-Ofe Ajeigbe)