Multidisciplinary obstetric care program for pregnant women with sickle cell disease in Ghana
Multi Disciplinary Sickle Cell Disease Obstetrics Care Program in Ghana: Non-academic vs Academic Hospital (Pilot Study)
This project will try a multidisciplinary obstetrics care program to see if it halves the risk of death for pregnant women with sickle cell disease at a non-academic hospital in Accra.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 198 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Ghana Medical School Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Accra) |
| Trial ID | NCT07488091 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This before-and-after observational study implements a multidisciplinary SCD obstetrics protocol adapted from an academic hospital into a non-academic regional hospital in Accra. Pregnant women with laboratory-confirmed sickle cell disease (aged 18–45) at ≤34 weeks' gestation who plan to deliver at the hospital are enrolled and managed with the program. Outcomes during the implementation period will be compared to historical institutional outcomes to test whether the program achieves a 50% relative reduction in maternal mortality and reduces severe SCD complications. The project is led by the University of Ghana Medical School in collaboration with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Fogarty International Center and includes structured follow-up through six weeks postpartum.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant women aged 18–45 with a confirmed laboratory diagnosis of sickle cell disease, ≤34 weeks' gestation, who attend and plan to deliver at the participating non-academic hospital.
Not a fit: Women who are already admitted for acute SCD complications, in active labor, who plan to deliver elsewhere, or who do not consent are unlikely to benefit from the program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could substantially lower maternal deaths and severe pregnancy complications among women with sickle cell disease in similar low-resource hospitals.
How similar studies have performed: A dedicated SCD obstetrics clinic at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (an academic center in Accra) showed improved outcomes, but this multidisciplinary model has not been widely tested in non-academic hospitals.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria * Pregnant women with a confirmed laboratory diagnosis of sickle cell disease * Pregnancy confirmed by a pelvic ultrasound scan * Pregnancy should be 34 weeks' gestation or less * Pregnant women should be aged 18 - 45 years * Pregnant women should be attendants at the non-academic hospital Exclusion criteria * All pregnant women with sickle cell disease who do not provide informed consent * All pregnant women with sickle cell disease who are referred for management of acute complications and hospital admission * All pregnant women with sickle cell disease who are referred for labor and delivery * All pregnant women with SCD who plan on delivering outside the non-academic hospital and won't be able to adhere to the follow-up procedures during the puerperium (the first six weeks after childbirth)
Where this trial is running
Accra
- Greater Accra Regional Hospital — Accra, Ghana (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dr. Eugenia Vicky N. K. Asare, Senior Specialist Hematologist, MBChB
- Email: evnkasare@ug.edu.gh
- Phone: +233 542354386 / 233 302660762
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.