A score to predict the risk of emergency caesarean delivery in women with antepartum bleeding and placenta praevia

Placenta accreta spectrum care infrastructure: an evidence-based review of needed resources supporting placenta accreta spectrum care

The incidence of placenta accreta spectrum, the deeply adherent placenta with associated increased risk of maternal morbidity and mortality, has seen a significant rise in recent years. Therefore, there has been a rise in clinical and research focus on this complex diagnosis. There is international consensus that a multidisciplinary coordinated approach optimizes outcomes. The composition of the team will vary from center to center; however, central themes of complex surgical experts, specialists in prenatal diagnosis, critical care specialists, neonatology specialists, obstetrics anesthesiology specialists, blood bank specialists, and dedicated mental health experts are universal throughout. Regionalization of care is a growing trend for complex medical needs, but the location of care alone is just a starting point. The goal of this article is to provide an evidence-based framework for the crucial infrastructure needed to address the unique antepartum, delivery, and postpartum needs of the patient with placenta accreta spectrum. Rather than a clinical checklist, we describe the personnel, clinical unit characteristics, and breadth of contributing clinical roles that make up a team. Screening protocols, diagnostic imaging, surgical and potential need for critical care, and trauma-informed interaction are the basis for comprehensive care. The vision from the author group is that this publication provides a semblance of infrastructure standardization as a means to ensure proper preparation and readiness.

General Management Considerations for Placenta Accreta Spectrum

The ideal management of a patient with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) includes close antepartum management culminating in a planned and coordinated delivery by an experienced multidisciplinary PAS team. Coordinated team management has been shown to optimize outcomes for mother and infant. This section provides a consensus overview from the Pan-American Society for the Placenta Accreta Spectrum regarding general management of PAS.

Clinical significance of retained products of conception in placenta previa: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Retained products of conception (RPOC) often cause severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) but the clinical significance of RPOC in placenta previa is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of RPOC in women with placenta previa. The primary outcome was to evaluate risk factors of RPOC and the secondary outcome was to consider risk factors of severe PPH.

METHODS

Singleton pregnant women with placenta previa who underwent cesarean section (CS) and placenta removal during the operation at the National Defense Medical College Hospital between January 2004 and December 2021 were identified. A retrospective analysis was performed to examine the frequency and risk factors of RPOC and the association of RPOC with severe PPH in pregnant women with placenta previa.

RESULTS

This study included 335 pregnant women. Among these, 24 (7.2%) pregnant women developed RPOC. Pregnant women with prior CS (Odds Ratio (OR) 5.98; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.35-15.20, p < 0.01), major previa (OR 3.15; 95% CI 1.19-8.32, p < 0.01), and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) (OR 92.7; 95% CI 18.39-467.22, p < 0.01) were more frequent in the RPOC group. Multivariate analysis revealed that prior CS (OR 10.70; 95% CI 3.47-33.00, p < 0.01,) and PAS (OR 140.32; 95% CI 23.84-825.79, p < 0.01) were risk factors for RPOC. In pregnant women who have placenta previa with RPOC or without RPOC, the ratio of severe PPH were 58.3% and 4.5%, respectively (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the occurrence of prior CS (OR 9.23; 95% CI 4.02-21.20, p < 0.01), major previa (OR 11.35; 95% CI 3.35-38.38, p < 0.01), placenta at the anterior wall (OR 3.44; 95% CI 1.40-8.44, p = 0.01), PAS (OR 16.47; 95% CI 4.66-58.26, p < 0.01), and RPOC (OR 29.70; 95% CI 11.23-78.55, p < 0.01) was more in pregnant women with severe PPH. In the multivariate analysis for severe PPH, prior CS (OR 4.71; 95% CI 1.29-17.13, p = 0.02), major previa (OR 7.50; 95% CI 1.98-28.43, p < 0.01), and RPOC (OR 13.26; 95% CI 3.61-48.63, p < 0.01) were identified as risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Prior CS and PAS were identified as risk factors for RPOC in placenta previa and RPOC is closely associated with severe PPH. Therefore, a new strategy for RPOC in placenta previa is needed.

Use of tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce preterm birth and other adverse obstetrical outcomes among pregnant individuals with placenta previa: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Placenta previa is a placental implantation pathology where the placenta overlies the internal endocervical os. Placenta previa affects approximately 4 per 1000 pregnancies and increases the risk of antepartum bleeding, emergent preterm labour and emergency caesarean sections. Currently, placenta previa is managed through expectant management. Guidelines primarily revolve around the mode and timing of delivery, in-hospital admissions and surveillance. However, the methods to prolong pregnancy have not proven to be clinically effective. Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, is effectively used to prevent and treat postpartum haemorrhage as well as menorrhagia, with limited adverse effect, and may prove to be an effective treatment for placenta previa. The objective of this systematic review protocol is to review and synthesise the evidence of TXA use for antepartum haemorrhage in placenta previa.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Preliminary searches were conducted on 12 July 2022. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Grey literature resources such as clinical trials registries (ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO's International Clinical Trials Registry) and preprint servers (Europe PMC and Open Science Framework) will also be searched. The search terms will comprise of index headings and keyword searches related to TXA and the placenta or antepartum bleeding. Cohort and randomised and non-randomised trials will be considered. The target population is pregnant people, of any age, with placenta previa. The intervention is TXA given in the antepartum period. The main outcome of interest is preterm birth before 37 weeks, however, all perinatal outcomes will be collected. Title and abstract will be screened by two reviewers and any conflict will be discussed and evaluated by a third reviewer. The literature will be summarised in narrative form.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

No ethics approval is required for this protocol. Findings will be disseminated through peer-review publication, lay summaries and conference presentations.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022363009).

Emergent prelabor cesarean delivery in solid organ transplant recipients: associated risk factors and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Pregnancies after solid organ transplant are at a higher risk of antepartum admission and pregnancy complications including cesarean delivery. Emergent prelabor cesarean delivery is associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity in other high-risk populations, but its incidence and impact in transplant recipients is not well-understood.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to characterize the risk factors and outcomes of emergency prelabor cesarean delivery in kidney and liver transplant recipients.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of all kidney and liver transplant recipients at >20 weeks gestation enrolled in the Transplant Pregnancy Registry International between 1976 and 2019. Participants admitted antepartum who required emergency prelabor cesarean delivery were compared with those admitted antepartum who underwent nonemergent birth. The primary outcomes were severe maternal morbidity and neonatal composite morbidity. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted for neonatal composite morbidity.

RESULTS

Of 1979 births, 181 pregnancies (188 neonates) with antepartum admission were included. 51 pregnancies (53 neonates, 28%) were delivered by emergent prelabor cesarean delivery compared with 130 pregnancies (135 neonates, 72%) admitted antepartum who subsequently did not require emergent delivery. The most common indication for emergent delivery was nonreassuring fetal heart tracing (44 pregnancies /51 emergent deliveries = 86%). Pregnant people who underwent emergent prelabor cesarean delivery were less likely to deliver at a transplant center (37.3% vs 41.5%; P=.04) and had increased rates of chronic hypertension (33.3% vs 16.2%; P=.02). There was no significant difference in severe maternal morbidity (3.9% vs 4.6%; P=.84), though there was an increase in surgical site infection in the emergent prelabor cesarean delivery cohort (3.9% vs 0%; P=.02). Among those with emergent prelabor cesarean delivery, there was a significant increase in neonatal composite morbidity (43.4% vs 19.3%; P<.001) with earlier gestational age at delivery (33.4 vs 34.7 weeks; P=.02), lower birthweight (1899 g vs 2321 g; P<.001), lower birthweight percentile (30.3% vs 40.6%; P=.03), increased neonatal intensive care unit admission (52.8% vs 35.6%; P=.03), and increased neonatal mortality (11.3% vs 1.5%; P=.002). After adjusting for year of conception, race, hypertensive disorders, and fetal malformations, there was a persistent increased risk of neonatal morbidity (adjusted odds ratio, 3.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.50-6.08; P=.002) associated with emergent prelabor cesarean delivery after transplant.

CONCLUSION

Almost one-third of kidney and liver transplant recipients admitted antepartum had an emergency prelabor cesarean delivery, and 63% of this cohort delivered outside of a transplant center. Pregnancies after transplantation should involve multidisciplinary transplant-obstetrics collaboration to ensure optimal antepartum disease management, especially for preexisting hypertension, to prevent and mitigate obstetrical and neonatal morbidity in the setting of emergent cesarean delivery.

Pregnancy and Delivery Outcomes in Women With Persistent Versus Resolved Low-Lying Placenta in the Late Third Trimester

OBJECTIVES

The safest mode of delivery in low-lying placenta is debatable. Little is known about outcomes in low-lying placenta resolved during the late third trimester. We compare outcomes of women with persistent versus resolved low-lying placenta.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis on a prospective cohort of women with low-lying placenta confirmed at 28-30 weeks sonography (01/2009 to 03/2018). Women were followed up serially every 2 to 3 weeks until delivery to assess the placental edge-to-internal os distance (IOD), and included if scan was performed within 28 days before delivery.

RESULTS

There were 86 women: in 21 the low-lying placenta resolved, whereas in 65 persisted (n = 15 IOD 1-10 mm, n = 50 IOD 11-20 mm). Antepartum bleeding associated with higher rates of urgent cesarean delivery in 1-10 mm (P = .041) but not in 11-20 mm (P = 1.000) and >20 mm (P = .333). Among women with IOD >10 mm allowed to labor, vaginal delivery occurred in 76.7% (11-20 mm) and 94.1% (>20 mm) (P = .155), with no difference according to parity (70% and 80% in multiparas, P = .696; 60% and 72.7% in nulliparas, P = .698). Severe PPH (P = .922) and hemoglobin drop (P = .109) were similar among groups. Women with IOD 11-20 mm and >20 mm and vaginal delivery bled less than women with similarly located placenta and cesarean delivery (P = .009 and P = .048).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with IOD >10 mm have high chances of deliver vaginally with no further increase of their hemorrhagic risk. Success of vaginal delivery is independent of parity and antepartum bleeding. Labor should be managed in an adequate hospital setting.

Delta Neutrophil Index as a Promising Biomarker for Placental Implantation Disorders

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the value of maternal serum delta neutrophil index (DNI) levels in predicting placenta accreta spectrum in patients with placenta previa.

METHODS

The patients who were found to have placenta previa totalis were included in our study. Location of placental implantation and depth of myometrial invasion were defined by transabdominal and transvaginal 2D gray scale and Doppler sonography and confirmed during cesarean section and histopathological evaluation. Patients were subjected to complete blood counts, including prenatal hemoglobin level, total white blood cell count, differential leukocyte count, and platelet count. The following formula was used to calculate the DNI level: DNI (%)=(leukocyte subfraction analyzed by cytochemical reaction in the MPO channel) - (leukocyte subfraction analyzed using the nuclear lobularity channel with reflected light beam measurements).

RESULTS

Placenta previa was detected in 295 patients; 31 of them had PAS. As the control group, 189 patients were evaluated. In the group with PAS, the DNI value was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the other groups. DNI value in the group with previa only was also significantly higher (p<0.05) than the control group. In the univariate model, a significant (p<0.05) effect of DNI value and number of cesarean sections was observed in separating patients with previa only and PAS. In the multivariate model, a significant independent (p>0.05) effect of the DNI value was observed in separating patients with previa only and PAS. Significant efficiency of DNI value [area under the curve 0.899 (0.814-0.984)] was observed in differentiating patients with previa only and PAS. Significant efficacy of DNI 5 cut-off value [area under the curve 0.858 (0.770-0.946)] was observed in distinguishing patients with previa only and PAS (sensitivity 80.0%, positive predictive value 64.9%, specificity 91.6%, negative predictive value 95.9%) CONCLUSION: Maternal DNI values seem to be beneficial with respect to both previa and invasion prediction. Although more comprehensive studies are needed to test this proposition, prediction studies of this practical test should be done in different trimesters and its usability with respect to preventing maternal-fetal morbidity should be investigated.

Guideline No. 402: Diagnosis and Management of Placenta Previa

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the current evidence and to make recommendations for diagnosis and classification of placenta previa and for managing the care of women with this diagnosis.

OPTIONS

To manage in hospital or as an outpatient and to perform a cesarean delivery preterm or at term or to allow a trial of labour when a diagnosis of placenta previa or a low-lying placenta is suspected or confirmed.

OUTCOMES

Prolonged hospitalization, preterm birth, rate of cesarean delivery, maternal morbidity and mortality, and postnatal morbidity and mortality.

INTENDED USERS

Family physicians, obstetricians, midwives, and other maternal care providers.

TARGET POPULATION

Pregnant women with placenta previa or low-lying placenta.

EVIDENCE

Medline, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to October 2018. Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms and key words related to pregnancy, placenta previa, low-lying placenta, antepartum hemorrhage, short cervical length, preterm labour, and cesarean. This document represents an abstraction of the evidence rather than a methodological review.

VALIDATION METHODS

This guideline has been reviewed by the Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging committees of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and approved by the SOGC Board of Directors.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND/OR COSTS

Women with placenta previa or low-lying placenta are at increased risk of maternal, fetal and postnatal adverse outcomes that include a potentially incorrect diagnosis and possibly unnecessary hospitalization, restriction of activities, early delivery, or cesarean delivery. Optimization of diagnosis and management protocols has potential to improve maternal, fetal and postnatal outcomes.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS (GRADE RATINGS IN PARENTHESES)

RECOMMENDATIONS (GRADE RATINGS IN PARENTHESES).

Is it Possible to Predict Massive Bleeding in Nulliparous Women with Placenta Previa?

OBJECTIVE

 We evaluated risk factors to determine if there were specific risk factors that could predict massive bleeding in nulliparous women with placenta previa.

METHODS

 The participants were classified into two groups. Women with a calculated blood loss ≥ 1,000 mL were included in the massive bleeding group. Women without any signs or symptoms related with hypovolemia or with a calculated bleeding volume < 1,000 mL were categorized into the non-massive bleeding group.

RESULTS

 There were 28 patients (40.6%) with massive bleeding and 41 cases (59.4%) with non-massive bleeding. The calculated blood loss and number of cases that required red cell transfusions were statistically different between the groups (< 0.005 and 0.002, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of maternal or fetal factors, placental location, or delivery characteristics between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

 We could not determine the predictive features for massive hemorrhage based on clinical features, delivery features, or placental location.

Retrospective Evaluation of Anesthetic Management in Cesarean Sections of Pregnant Women with Placental Anomaly

Background

In this study, patients who underwent cesarean section and had placenta previa and placenta accreta were examined and compared in terms of haemorrhagic indicators and perioperative anesthetic management.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in a university hospital in Kahramanmaras, Turkey. It included 95 pregnant women who had placental anomaly and underwent cesarean section between December 15, 2014, and February 15, 2016.

Results

The pregnant women were divided into two groups: Group P (previa) (n = 67) and Group A (accreta) (n = 28). The types of anesthesia administered were general anesthesia (GA), which was administered to 50 patients (74.6%) in Group P and 27 patients (96.4%) in Group A, and spinal anesthesia (SA), which was administered to 17 patients (25.4%) in Group P and one patient (3.6%) in Group A.. The mean blood loss was 685.82 ± 262.82 in Group P and 1582.14 ± 790.71 in Group A, and the given amount of crystalloid was higher in Group A with an average of 1628.57 ± 728.19 ml. The use of erythrocyte and fresh frozen plasma solution was higher in Group A than Group P. Eleven patients were intubated and taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Group A. Postoperative mechanical ventilation duration was significantly higher in Group A (75.14 ± 43.84 h) (p < 0.001). ICU stay was longer in Group A with 2.80 ± 1.13 days. (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The intraoperative management and the availability of postoperative ICU conditions are important in placental anomalies cases. The communication between operation team with regard to the development of a standard protocol for these cases will be of great benefit in reducing morbidity and mortality.

Prediction Model for Massive Transfusion in Placenta Previa during Cesarean Section

PURPOSE

Recently, obstetric massive transfusion protocols have shifted toward early intervention. This study aimed to develop a prediction model for transfusion of ≥5 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) during cesarean section in women with placenta previa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cohort study including 287 women with placenta previa who delivered between September 2011 and April 2018. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to test the association between clinical factors, ultrasound factors, and massive transfusion. For the external validation set, we obtained data (n=50) from another hospital.

RESULTS

We formulated a scoring model for predicting transfusion of ≥5 units of PRBCs, including maternal age, degree of previa, grade of lacunae, presence of a hypoechoic layer, and anterior placentation. For example, total score of 223/260 had a probability of 0.7 for massive transfusion. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test indicated that the model was suitable (p>0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was 0.922 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89-0.95]. In external validation, the discrimination was good, with an AUC value of 0.833 (95% CI 0.70-0.92) for this model. Nomogram calibration plots indicated good agreement between the predicted and observed outcomes, exhibiting close approximation between the predicted and observed probability.

CONCLUSION

We constructed a scoring model for predicting massive transfusion during cesarean section in women with placenta previa. This model may help in determining the need to prepare an appropriate amount of blood products and the optimal timing of blood transfusion.

Planned versus urgent deliveries in placenta previa: maternal, surgical and neonatal results

PURPOSE

Placenta previa is abnormal localization of the placenta, associated with high rates of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. This abnormal implantation may also be in the form of invasion to surroundings defined as placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). The increasing rates of cesarean section raise the frequency of placenta previa and PAS in recent years. Although there are some recommendations, the optimal timing of caesarean delivery concerning fetal and maternal benefits is still unclear. The aim of this study is to compare maternal, surgical and perinatal outcomes of placenta previa cases who underwent emergency or planned surgery.

METHODS

The women who underwent cesarean section for placenta previa between October 2013 and February 2019 at a tertiary care center were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two main groups as planned and urgent, and into two subgroups as complicated (PAS) and uncomplicated (non-PAS).

RESULTS

Of the 313 women who met the inclusion criteria, 176 were planned and 137 were urgent cesarean sections. In the urgent group, gestational age, duration of surgery, maternal preoperative and pre-discharge hemoglobin levels, requirement of blood and blood product, additional surgical interventions, length of maternal postoperative intensive care unit and hospital stay, neonatal birthweight, Apgar scores, length of the follow-up in neonatal intensive care unit, invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation were significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal complication rates are increased in women who are operated on emergency conditions due to placenta previa. Perinatal outcomes are better in women who underwent planned surgery and in those with gestational age greater than 37 weeks.

Risk scoring system with MRI for intraoperative massive hemorrhage in placenta previa and accreta

BACKGROUND

Placenta previa and accreta are serious obstetric conditions that are associated with a high risk of intraoperative massive hemorrhage.

PURPOSE

To develop a scoring system for intraoperative massive hemorrhage combining MRI and clinical characteristics to predict the risk of massive hemorrhage in placenta previa and accreta STUDY TYPE: Retrospective cohort study.

SUBJECTS

In all, 374 patients consisting of 259 patients with placenta previa and accreta after previous cesarean section (CS) for the derivation cohort and 115 patients for the validation cohort.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

1.5T single-shot fast spin-echo sequence. [Correction added on October 23, 2019, after first online publication: The field strength in the preceding sentence was corrected.] ASSESSMENT: Using the derivation cohort, clinical and MRI data were collected and multivariable logistic regressions analysis was conducted to develop a scoring system for prediction of intraoperative massive bleeding (blood loss volume > 2000 mL). Finally, the scoring system was validated on 115 patients.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, X ² statistics, multivariable analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

Ten indicators, including clinically maternal age (1 point), preoperative hemoglobin level (1 point), gravidity number (1 point), number of CS (1 point), and MRI T₂ dark intraplacental bands (4 points), cervical canal length (3 points), placenta thickness on the uterine scar area (4 points), empty vascular shadow of the uterus (1 point), low signal discontinuity in the muscular layer of the posterior wall of the bladder (6 points) and attachment position of the placenta (1 point) were imputed. From the ROC analysis, a total score of 7 points was identified as the optimal cutoff value, allowing good differentiation of intraoperative massive bleeding in the derivation cohort (AUC, 0.863; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.811-0.916) and in the validation cohort (AUC, 0.933; 95% CI: 0.885-0.980).

DATA CONCLUSION

The scoring system for intraoperative massive hemorrhage consists of MRI and clinical indicators, and using a cutoff value of 7 points for a high risk of massive bleeding, the developed scoring system could accurately assess the risk of intraoperative massive hemorrhage in patients with placenta previa and accreta. This scoring system can potentially reduce the incidence of intraoperative massive bleeding by identifying patients at high risk.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 5 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:947-958.

Vaginal Bleeding in Late Pregnancy

Bleeding in late-term pregnancy can present as an innocuous start to parturition or a catastrophic maternal-fetal hemorrhage masked by the physiologic adaptations of pregnancy. The emergency management of late-term bleeding can be challenging, especially when providing stabilizing care in a limited-resource environment. Early recognition of life-threatening vaginal bleeding, potential causes, and emergency management of maternal-fetal distress is reviewed. Maternal resuscitation with balanced versus targeted blood products replacement is presented for low-resource versus high-resource environments. Emergency department readiness for such a patient, in combination with appropriate consultation or transfer, is essential to the effective management of late-term vaginal bleeding.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum

Placenta accreta spectrum, formerly known as morbidly adherent placenta, refers to the range of pathologic adherence of the placenta, including placenta increta, placenta percreta, and placenta accreta. The most favored hypothesis regarding the etiology of placenta accreta spectrum is that a defect of the endometrial-myometrial interface leads to a failure of normal decidualization in the area of a uterine scar, which allows abnormally deep placental anchoring villi and trophoblast infiltration. Maternal morbidity and mortality can occur because of severe and sometimes life-threatening hemorrhage, which often requires blood transfusion. Although ultrasound evaluation is important, the absence of ultrasound findings does not preclude a diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum; thus, clinical risk factors remain equally important as predictors of placenta accreta spectrum by ultrasound findings. There are several risk factors for placenta accreta spectrum. The most common is a previous cesarean delivery, with the incidence of placenta accreta spectrum increasing with the number of prior cesarean deliveries. Antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum is highly desirable because outcomes are optimized when delivery occurs at a level III or IV maternal care facility before the onset of labor or bleeding and with avoidance of placental disruption. The most generally accepted approach to placenta accreta spectrum is cesarean hysterectomy with the placenta left in situ after delivery of the fetus (attempts at placental removal are associated with significant risk of hemorrhage). Optimal management involves a standardized approach with a comprehensive multidisciplinary care team accustomed to management of placenta accreta spectrum. In addition, established infrastructure and strong nursing leadership accustomed to managing high-level postpartum hemorrhage should be in place, and access to a blood bank capable of employing massive transfusion protocols should help guide decisions about delivery location.

Scoring model to predict massive post-partum bleeding in pregnancies with placenta previa: A retrospective cohort study

AIM

We aimed to identify factors associated with massive post-partum bleeding in pregnancies with placenta previa and to establish a scoring model to predict post-partum severe bleeding.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed in 506 healthy singleton pregnancies with placenta previa from 2006 to 2016. Cases with intraoperative blood loss (≥2000 mL), packed red blood cells transfusion (≥4), uterine artery embolization, or hysterectomy were defined as massive bleeding. After performing multivariable analysis, using the adjusted odds ratios (aOR), we formulated a scoring model.

RESULTS

Seventy-three women experienced massive post-partum bleeding (14.4%). After multivariable analysis, seven variables were associated with massive bleeding: maternal old age (≥35 years; aOR 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-3.20, P = 0.049), antepartum bleeding (aOR 4.76, 95%CI 2.01-11.02, P < 0.001), non-cephalic presentation (aOR 3.41, 95%CI 1.40-8.30, P = 0.007), complete placenta previa (aOR 1.93, 95%CI 1.05-3.54, P = 0.034), anterior placenta (aOR 2.74, 95%CI 1.54-4.89, P = 0.001), multiple lacunae (≥4; aOR 2.77, 95%CI 1.54-4.99, P = 0.001), and uteroplacental hypervascularity (aOR 4.51, 95%CI 2.30-8.83, P < 0.001). We formulated a scoring model including maternal old age (<35: 0, ≥35: 1), antepartum bleeding (no: 0, yes: 2), fetal non-cephalic presentation (no: 0, yes: 2), placenta previa type (incomplete: 0, complete: 1), placenta location (posterior: 0, anterior: 1), uteroplacental hypervascularity (no: 0, yes: 2), and multiple lacunae (no: 0, yes: 1) to predict post-partum massive bleeding. According to our scoring model, a score of 5/10 had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 77% for predicting massive post-partum bleeding. The area under the receiver-operator curve was 0.856 (P < 0.001). The negative predictive value was 95.9%.

CONCLUSION

Our scoring model might provide useful information for prediction of massive post-partum bleeding in pregnancies with placenta previa.

Risk factors for massive postpartum bleeding in pregnancies in which incomplete placenta previa are located on the posterior uterine wall

Objective

To identify factors associated with massive postpartum bleeding in pregnancies complicated by incomplete placenta previa located on the posterior uterine wall.

Methods

A retrospective case-control study was performed. We identified 210 healthy singleton pregnancies with incomplete placenta previa located on the posterior uterine wall, who underwent elective or emergency cesarean section after 24 weeks of gestation between January 2006 and April 2016. The cases with intraoperative blood loss (≥2,000 mL) or transfusion of packed red blood cells (≥4) or uterine artery embolization or hysterectomy were defined as massive bleeding.

Results

Twenty-three women experienced postpartum profuse bleeding (11.0%). After multivariable analysis, 4 variables were associated with massive postpartum hemorrhage (PPH): experience of 2 or more prior uterine curettage (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 15.48; P=0.018), short cervical length before delivery (<2.0 cm) (aOR, 7.13; 95% CI, 1.01 to 50.25; P=0.049), fetal non-cephalic presentation (aOR, 12.48; 95% CI, 1.29 to 121.24; P=0.030), and uteroplacental hypervascularity (aOR, 6.23; 95% CI, 2.30 to 8.83; P=0.001).

Conclusion

This is the first study of cases with incomplete placenta previa located on the posterior uterine wall, which were complicated by massive PPH. Our findings might be helpful to guide obstetric management and provide useful information for prediction of massive PPH in pregnancies with incomplete placenta previa located on the posterior uterine wall.

Anesthesia management of complete versus incomplete placenta previa: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Placenta previa (PP) is a major cause of obstetric hemorrhage. Clinical diagnosis of complete versus incomplete PP has a significant impact on the peripartum outcome. Our study objective is to examine whether distinction between PP classifications effect anesthetic management.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This multi-center, retrospective, cohort study was performed in two tertiary university-affiliated medical centers between the years 2005 and 2013. Electronic delivery databases were reviewed for demographic, anesthetic, obstetric hemorrhage, and postoperative outcomes for all cases.

RESULTS

Throughout the study period 452 cases of PP were documented. We found 134 women (29.6%) had a complete PP and 318 (70.4%) had incomplete PP. Our main findings were that women with complete PP intraoperatively had higher incidence of general anesthesia (p = .017), higher mean estimated blood loss (p < .001), increased blood components transfusions (p < .001), and significant increase in cesarean hysterectomy rate (p < .001) than women with incomplete PP. Additionally, complete PP was associated with more postoperative complications: higher incidence of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) (p < .001), more mechanical ventilation (p = .02), a longer median postoperative care unit (PACU) (p = .02), ICU (p = .002), and overall length of stay in the hospital (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Complete PP is associated with increased risk of hemorrhage compared with incomplete PP. Therefore distinction between classifications should be factored into anesthetic management protocols.

Placenta previa and maternal hemorrhagic morbidity

OBJECTIVE

Placenta previa is associated with maternal hemorrhage, but most literature focuses on morbidity in the setting of placenta accreta. We aim to characterize maternal morbidity associated with previa and to define risk factors for hemorrhage.

METHODS

This is a secondary cohort analysis of the NICHD Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Cesarean Section Registry. This analysis included all women undergoing primary Cesarean delivery without placenta accreta. About 496 women with previa were compared with 24,201 women without previa. Primary outcome was composite maternal hemorrhagic morbidity. Non-hemorrhagic morbidities and risk factors for hemorrhage were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Maternal hemorrhagic morbidity was more common in women with previa (19 versus 7%, aRR 2.6, 95% CI 1.9-3.5). Atony requiring uterotonics (aRR 3.1, 95% CI 2.0-4.9), red blood cell transfusion (aRR 3.8, 95% CI 2.5-5.7), and hysterectomy (aRR 5.1, 95% CI 1.5-17.3) were also more common with previa. For women with previa, factors associated with maternal hemorrhage were pre-delivery anemia, thrombocytopenia, diabetes, magnesium use, and general anesthesia.

CONCLUSION

Placenta previa is an independent risk factor for maternal hemorrhagic morbidity. Some risk factors are modifiable, but many are intrinsic to the clinical scenario.

Prevalence of antepartum hemorrhage in women with placenta previa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Antepartum hemorrhage (APH) is an important cause of perinatal mortality and maternal morbidity in pregnant women with placenta previa in the world. However, the epidemiological characteristics are not completely understood. We performed an initial systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of APH in pregnant women with placenta previa. It was totally performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. PubMed, Elsevier Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library were searched before April 2016. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model based on a proportions approach was performed to determine the prevalence. Stratified analyses, meta-regression method, and sensitivity analysis were utilized to analyze the heterogeneity. A total of 29 articles were included. The pooled overall prevalence of APH among pregnant women with placenta previa was 51.6% (95% CI 42.7-60.6) in a heterogeneous set of studies (I2 = 97.9). Correlation analysis found that there was a positive correlation between prevalence and percentage of multiparous (r = 0.534, P = 0.027) and a negative correlation between prevalence and survey year (r = -0.400, P = 0.031). In conclusion, the prevalence of APH was a high condition among pregnant women with placenta previa.

Placenta previa associated with severe bleeding leading to hospitalization and delivery: a retrospective population-based cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of our study was to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with placenta previa complicated with severe bleeding leading to hospitalization until delivery versus those without severe bleeding episodes.

METHODS

This is a population-based retrospective cohort study including all pregnant women with placenta previa who delivered at our medical center in the study period, divided into the following groups: 1) women with severe bleeding leading to hospitalization resulting with delivery (n = 32); 2) patients with placenta previa without severe bleeding episodes (n = 1217).

RESULTS

Out of all women with placenta previa who delivered at our medical center, 2.6% (32/1249) had an episode of severe bleeding leading to hospitalization and resulting with delivery. The rate of anemia was lower (43.8% versus 63.7%, p = 0.02) while the need for blood transfusion higher (37.5% versus 21.1%, p = 0.03) in the study group. The rate of cesarean sections was significantly different between the groups, and a logistic regression model was constructed in order to find independent risk factors for cesarean section in our patients.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the impact of severe bleeding on the outcome of pregnancies complicated with placenta previa. Our study demonstrates that, in women with placenta previa, severe bleeding does not lead to increased adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes.