A. Aessopos et al., Pregnancy in patients with well-treated beta-thalassemia: Outcome for mothers and newborn infants, AM J OBST G, 180(2), 1999, pp. 360-365
OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to investigate the course and outcome of pregnan
cy in women with well-treated beta-thalassemia.
STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-two pregnancies, including one twin pregnancy, in 19 w
omen were studied. Pregnancy was advised when patients had received a prolo
nged intensive treatment with hypertransfusions and iron chelation and had
echocardiographically normal resting left ventricular performance. All conc
eptions were spontaneous. Cardiac function, along with hematologic, endocri
nologic, and hepatic parameters were initially assessed and monitored throu
ghout pregnancy and for 2 to 9 years post: partum. Babies were delivered by
elective cesarean section.
RESULTS: Twenty-one healthy newborn infants were delivered. A spontaneous a
bortion and a case of exomphalos also occurred. Gestation, delivery, and re
covery were surprisingly uneventful, and no significant cardiac complicatio
ns were encountered.
CONCLUSION: Pregnancy can be safe for mothers and babies, provided that wom
en with thalassemia have been started early on intensive treatment and have
a normal resting cardiac performance.