ABRUPTIO PLACENTAE: RISK FACTORS AND FETO MATERNAL OUTCOME

Abruptio Placentae

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of risk factors and feto-maternal outcome in patients with placental abruption.
Study Design: Descriptive study
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit-II, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi from January 2002 to December 2002
Patients and Methods: A total of 54 patients with placental abruption were studied. All the data collected through history, examination and investigations were recorded on a predesigned proforma and analyzed by computer
Results: During the study period of one year, 4121 deliveries were conducted and 54 (1.3%) cases of placental abruption were found. Hypertension was the most common risk factor for placental abruption followed by polyhydramnios, preterm premature rupture of membranes, twin pregnancy and trauma. 33 (61.11 %) delivered vaginally and remaining 21 (38.89%) had emergency caesarean section for various indications. Out of 57 babies delivered, 36 (63.16%) were born alive and 21 (36.84%) were still born. Total perinatal deaths were 24 (42.10 %). Twenty nine (50.87 %) of the babies were low birth weight and 14.24% babies were having congenital anomalies. Major maternal complication was primary postpartum haemorrhage. There was one maternal death due to disseminated intravascular coagulation secondary to massive haemorrhage.
Conclusion: Abruptio placentae is a major risk factor for maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Antenatal services should be provided to all women to reduce the incidence of abruptio placentae.