WHO Issues New Guidelines on Managing SCD During Pregnancy

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released new recommendations on the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) during pregnancy, childbirth and the interpregnancy period. The guidelines aim to support clinicians, health system leaders and policymakers in improving outcomes for pregnant individuals with SCD.

Among the recommendations is consideration of prophylactic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion for pregnant individuals with SCD who have a history of severe intractable crises or prior benefit from transfusion outside of pregnancy. This guidance is based on available evidence from the broader management of SCD in both pregnant and nonpregnant populations.