Sickle Cell Trait and Pregnancy

The obstetrical experiences of 500 Negro women with sickle cell trait have been compared with those of 500 Negro women whose red blood cells did not sickle. There was no difference between the two groups of women in frequency of abortion, toxemia of pregnancy, prematurity, or perinatal death. The incidence of pyelonephritis during pregnancy and the puerperium, however, was definitely higher in women with S-A hemoglobin. It is suggested that sickling of red blood cells in the vasa recti of the renal medulla may be responsible for the increased susceptibility of pregnant women with sickle cell trait to the development of pyelonephritis.