Hematological indicators and their impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with thalassemia traits

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study is to compare the obstetric, neonatal, and hematological indicators of pregnant women with thalassemia traits with those of pregnant women without such traits. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2017 to October 2023 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University. The study included 185 cases of thalassemia traits and 185 control cases. Data were analysis using the SPSS program (Version 27.0). Results Significant differences were observed in gravidity and parity histories (p<0.05). Significant differences were also observed in the rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP), cesarean delivery, adherent placenta, and anemia in the second and third trimesters following the number of RR (95 % CI): 2.182 (1.101–4.324), 9.000 (1.152–70.325), 2.091 (1.555–2.811), 3.401 (1.280–9.009), 4.222 (2.102–8.481), and 2.053 (1.476–2.855), respectively (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were noted in the rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, macrosomia, intrauterine growth restriction, fetal distress, fetal malformation, and stillbirth (p>0.05). Furthermore, significant differences were noted in the levels of hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and red cell distribution width (RDW) during the first, second, and third trimesters (p<0.05). Conclusions As pregnancy progresses, the levels of Hb tend to decrease, while the MCH and RDW levels increase. On the other hand, the level of MCV remain the same overtime. Thalassemia traits are significantly associated with anemia during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters. Furthermore, thalassemia traits are related to an increased incidence of GDM, HDP, and cesarean delivery.