Publication:

A prospective study of foetomaternal outcome in placenta praevia

Background Placenta praevia is one of the serious obstetric problems with far reaching effects and a major cause of antepartum haemorrhage. The aim of the study was to evaluate the foetomaternal outcome of pregnancies with placenta praevia.

Methods The present study was a prospective case control study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lal Ded Hospital, Srinagar from August 2009 to October 2010.

Results Among the 100 cases of placenta praevia studied bleeding per vaginum was the most common presenting symptom. Major placenta praevia was more common (53%) than minor placenta praevia. 43% of the cases of placenta praevia delivered before 37 completed weeks as compared to only 6% in the control group. All cases of placenta praevia delivered by caesarean section. Maternal morbidity in terms of postpartum haemorrhage (32%), intraoperative bowel and bladder injury (2%) and intensive care unit admission (1%) was more in cases of placenta praevia. Foetal complications in terms of neonatal intensive care unit admission (19%), neonatal death (10%) and stillbirth (5%) were more in pregnancies with placenta praevia as compared to controls. 48% of patients with placenta praevia required transfusion of blood and blood products as compared to 4.5% among controls.

Conclusions There is a significant increase in maternal morbidity in pregnancies complicated with placenta praevia. Also, there is a higher incidence of foetal complications and neonatal death. Managing a case of placenta praevia is a challenge in present day obstetrics and it creates a huge burden on the health care system.