Previous cesarean delivery and risks of placenta previa and placental abruption

Placenta Previa

Placenta previa is an important and potentially life-threatening cause of bleeding. Historically, it was a major contributor to maternal mortality until advancements in obstetric care, including prenatal ultrasound, cesarean delivery, and transfusion medicine, drastically improved outcomes. Today, placenta previa is typically identified during routine second-trimester ultrasound, with the overwhelming majority of cases resolving before term. Key risk factors include prior cesarean delivery, advanced maternal age, and smoking. When placenta previa is diagnosed, it is essential to assess for associated conditions like placenta accreta and vasa previa. A planned cesarean delivery is recommended in cases that persist into the late third trimester.

Effect of short inter-pregnancy interval on perinatal and maternal outcomes among pregnant women in SSA 2023: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

After a live birth, the recommended interval before attempting the next pregnancy is at least 24 months (birth to pregnancy interval) in order to reduce the risk of adverse maternal, perinatal and infant outcomes. Short inter pregnancy interval associated with adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to determine the effect of short inter pregnancy interval on perinatal and maternal outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa 2023.

METHODS

A systematic and a comprehensive literature searching mechanism were used without any restriction, through Google scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Grey literature databases for reporting the effect of short inter pregnancy interval. The JBI approach to critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction, and data synthesis was used for this review. All statistical analyses were done using STATA version17 software for windows, and meta-analysis was used with a random-effects method. The results are presented using texts, tables and forest plots with measures of effect and 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included in this review and most of the studies level of heterogeneity across the study was considerable, mainly due to methodological variations, Statistical heterogeneity, and population and intervention variations of included studies. The effect of short inter pregnancy interval on perinatal and maternal outcome were low birth weight(RR (RR (95% CI) 1.98 (1.48, 2.47); I2:62.97%, preterm birth (RR (95% CI) 1.67 (1.31, 2.03); I2:51%, intra uterine growth retardation(RR (95% CI) 3.78 (2.07, 5.49); I2: 8.52%, low APGAR score(RR (95% CI) 3.49 (1.41, 5.57)); I2: 71.11%, premature rapture of membrane(RR (95% CI) 2.87 (1.22, 4.51)); I2: 49.22%, perinatal mortality(RR (95% CI) 2.95 (1.10, 4.81)); I2: 54.37% and maternal anemia(RR (95% CI) 3.06 (2.12, 3.99)); I2: 74.74%.

CONCLUSIONS

As per our review the main effect of short inter pregnancy interval is low birth weight, preterm birth, intra uterine growth retardation, low APGAR score, premature rapture of membrane, perinatal mortality and maternal anemia. This might be very useful for healthcare policymakers and NGOs to emphasize on it.

Current surgical treatment of uterine isthmocele: an update of existing literature

The prevalence of uterine isthmocele, also known as a uterine niche, has risen in parallel with increasing cesarean section (CS) rates, affecting approximately 60% of women depending on their history of cesarean deliveries. This condition, now categorized as cesarean scar disorder (CSD) by the "Delphi consensus," is characterized by one primary or two secondary symptoms. Diagnosis can be made through transvaginal ultrasound, sonohysterography, hysteroscopy, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Management of isthmocele may involve pharmacological or surgical interventions. This review aims to provide a thorough analysis of the surgical management options, focusing on postoperative symptom relief, intraoperative and postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and impact on secondary infertility. PubMed was comprehensively searched for observational studies from inception to 07.08.2024. Surgical treatments include hysteroscopic resection, laparoscopic procedures, and vaginal approaches, all of which offer comparable symptom relief. However, the vaginal approach is associated with a longer hospital stay. The robotic-assisted approach shows promising results but lacks extensive data. Among surgical options, hysteroscopic treatment has the fewest complications but is generally avoided when residual myometrial thickness (RMT) is less than 3 mm. While many CSDs remain asymptomatic, and some women with uterine isthmocele may not wish to conceive, symptomatic patients or those desiring to conceive may benefit from surgical intervention. The choice of procedure should be based on individual patient characteristics, particularly RMT, to define the most appropriate surgical approach.

Economic Analysis of Induction versus Elective Cesarean in Term Nulliparas with Supermorbid Obesity

OBJECTIVE

 We sought to evaluate the economic benefit of the induction of labor compared with elective cesarean delivery in individuals with supermorbid obesity (body mass index 60 kg/m2 or greater) at term.

STUDY DESIGN

 We developed an economic analysis model to compare induction of labor with elective cesarean delivery in nulliparous individuals with supermorbid obesity at term. The primary outcome was the total cost per strategy from a health system perspective with elective cesarean delivery as a reference group. Pregnancy outcomes for the index and subsequent pregnancies were considered. When available, probabilities of pregnancy outcomes were extracted from our institutions. Rare pregnancy outcomes, relative risks, and costs were derived from the literature. All costs in this analysis were inflated to 2022 USD (U.S. dollar). To determine the robustness of the decision model, we conducted one-way sensitivity analyses by changing point estimates of variables. We then performed a probabilistic sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulation repeating 1,000 times to test the robustness of the results in the setting of simultaneous changes in probabilities, relative risks, and costs.

RESULTS

 In the base-case analysis, assuming that 72.7% of nulliparous individuals undergoing induction of labor would have a cesarean delivery, induction of labor would cost $41,084 compared with $40,742 for elective cesarean delivery, resulting in a higher cost of $342 per nulliparous individuals with supermorbid obesity. In a sensitivity analysis, we found that induction of labor compared with elective cesarean is less economical if the probability of cesarean delivery after induction of labor exceeds 71%. Monte Carlo simulation suggests that elective cesarean delivery was the preferred cost-beneficial strategy with a frequency of 53.5%.

CONCLUSION

Among our patient population, induction of labor was less economical compared with elective cesarean delivery at term for nulliparous individuals with supermorbid obesity.

KEY POINTS

· The prevalence of obesity in the United States continues to rise.. · Morbid obesity compared with normal weight is associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes.. · Induction of labor was less economical compared with elective cesarean delivery at term for nulliparous individuals..

Mid-trimester sonographic placenta previa thickness and persistence at delivery

OBJECTIVE

Increasing placental thickness is associated with adverse outcomes including earlier gestational age at delivery, lower birthweight, and lower umbilical artery pH. We aim to determine whether mid-trimester placenta previa thickness is associated with persistence of previa at time of delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

Single-center retrospective cohort study of singleton gestations with previa diagnosed at 18-24 weeks delivering between 2015 and 2019. The thickest portion of the placenta was measured in a longitudinal plane on transabdominal imaging to determine placental thickness. We defined three cohorts: 1) thick placenta (>1 standard deviation above the mean), 2) thin placenta (>1 standard deviation below the mean), and 3) average placenta (within 1 standard deviation above or below the mean). Primary outcome was previa persistence at time of delivery. Secondary outcomes included postpartum hemorrhage, cesarean delivery, placenta accreta spectrum, and maternal morbidity composite (use of Bakri balloon, B-lynch, or O'Leary, peripartum hysterectomy, blood transfusion, ICU admission, or death). In all analyses, average thickness was used as the base comparator.

RESULTS

Of 239 pregnancies with mid-trimester previa there were 34 thin, 166 average, and 39 thick placentas. Patients with thick placenta were older, more likely to have prior cesarean delivery, fibroid uterus, and delivery at an earlier gestational age. After adjusting for confounders, thick placenta was associated with persistent previa (aOR 6.85 [3.13-15.00]) and cesarean delivery (aOR 2.76 [1.26-6.08]).

CONCLUSION

At diagnosis of mid-trimester previa, thick placenta is associated with persistence at time of delivery and delivery by cesarean section. This suggests placental thickness may assist with risk stratification and coordination of care.

Placental abruption: Incidence and risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies

AIM

To estimate the incidence of abruption in first births and recurrence in the subsequent birth in patients of a large US-based integrated health care system.

METHODS

Retrospective population-based cohort study of patients with first two consecutive singleton births using data from the Kaiser-Permanente South California health care system who delivered over a period of 30 years (1991-2021), using longitudinally linked electronic health records. ICD-9/ICD-10 codes "641.20" and "O45.x" identified placental abruption. We calculated the incidence and rates of abruption in first and second pregnancies. We used logistic regression to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for abruption in second pregnancies in patients with and without abruptions in their first pregnancies.

RESULTS

Of the 126 264 patients with first two consecutive singleton births over the period, 805 had abruptions in their first births, and 861 in their second births. Rates of abruption in first and second births were 0.63% and 0.68%, respectively. Twenty-seven patients had abruptions in both first and second births. Rates of abruption in the second birth among individuals with and without previous placental abruption were 3.35% and 0.66%, respectively, giving an approximately five-fold increased odds of abruption in a second pregnancy in individuals who had abruption in their first birth when compared with those who did not have placental abruption in their first birth (aOR: 4.95, 95% confidence interval: 3.35-7.31, p < 0.00001). Interpregnancy interval had no statistically significant association with recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Abruption in a first birth is associated with an approximately five-fold increased odds of abruption in a second birth.

Maternal Morbidity with Repeated Cesarean Deliveries

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate the association between adverse maternal outcomes and the number of repeated cesarean deliveries (CDs) in a single obstetrical practice.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of all CDs between 2005 and 2020 in a single maternal fetal medicine practice. We used electronic records to get baseline characteristics and pregnancy/surgical outcomes based on the number of prior CDs. We performed two subgroup analyses for women with and without placenta previa. Chi-square for trend and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used.

RESULTS

A total of 3,582 women underwent CD and met inclusion criteria. Of these women, 1,852 (51.7%) underwent their first cesarean, 950 (26.5%) their second, 382 (10.7%) their third, 191 (5.3%) their fourth, 117 (3.3%) their fifth, and 84 (2.3%) their sixth or higher CDs. The incidence of adverse outcomes (placenta accreta, uterine window, uterine rupture, hysterectomy, blood transfusion, cystotomy, bowel injury, need for a ventilator postpartum, intensive care unit admission, wound complications, thrombosis, reoperation, and maternal death) increased with additional CDs. However, the absolute rates remained low. In women without a placenta previa, the likelihood of adverse outcome did not differ across groups. In women with a placenta previa, adverse outcomes increased with increasing CDs. However, the incidence of placenta previa did not increase with increasing CDs (<5% in each group). The incidence of a uterine dehiscence increased significantly with additional CDs: first, 0.2%; second, 2.0%; third, 6.6%; fourth, 10.3%; fifth, 5.8%; and sixth or higher, 10.4% (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Maternal morbidity increases with CDs, but the absolute risks remain low. For women without placenta previa, increasing CDs is not associated with maternal morbidity. For women with placenta previa, risks are highest, but the incidence of placenta previa does not increase with successive CDs. The likelihood of uterine dehiscence increases significantly with increasing CDs which should be considered when deciding about timing of delivery in this population.

KEY POINTS

· Maternal morbidity increase with each CD.. · Absolute adverse outcomes remains low in highest order CDs.. · In women without placenta previa, there is no added morbidity with additional CDs..

Perinatal Outcomes of Pregnancy in Women with Scarred Uteri

Objective

Uterine scarring is risky for the pregnancy and is closely associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Here, we investigated risk factors and associated perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnant women with uterine scars.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted on singleton pregnant women who delivered at the West China Second University Hospital between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021.

Results

The control group included 13,433 cases without uterine scars. The study group involved 2397 cases with one previous cesarean delivery (PCD), 163 cases with two PCDs, 12 cases with three PCDs, and 184 cases with non-cesarean uterine scars. The study group had a significantly higher incidence of placenta previa (6.4%), placenta percreta (5.3%), preterm delivery (10.3%), postpartum hemorrhage (3.4%), uterine rupture (9.4%), hysterectomy (0.18%), and bladder injury (0.4%) when compared with the control group (P <0.05). The scarred uterus cases with 1, 2, or 3 PCDs had significantly different complications, with the higher PCD frequency correlating with increased rates of placenta previa, placenta percreta, postpartum hemorrhage, uterine rupture, and uterine resection. Moreover, the hospitalization time, cesarean operation time, and intrapartum bleeding in the current pregnancy significantly increased with increasing PCD frequency (P <0.05). Analysis of the association between the duration of the interval between PCD and re-pregnancy and pregnancy complication revealed that the incidence of pernicious placenta previa was statistically higher in cases with intervals of <2 years or ≥5 years (4.7%) than in cases with 2 years ≤ interval time <5 years (2.5%) (P <0.05).

Conclusion

Pregnancies with uterine scars may experience higher rates of adverse perinatal outcomes. This calls for increased observation during pregnancy and delivery to reduce maternal and fetal complications.

Risk Factors and Pregnancy Outcomes of Antepartum Hemorrhage in Women with Placenta Previa

Placenta previa (PP) is one such complication related to several adverse pregnancy outcomes. Adverse outcomes are likely greater if PP coexists with antepartum hemorrhage (APH). This study aims to evaluate the risk factors and pregnancy outcomes of APH in women with PP. This retrospective case-control study included 125 singleton pregnancies with PP who delivered between 2017 and 2019. Women with PP were divided into two groups: PP without APH (n = 59) and PP with APH (n = 66). We investigated the risk factors associated with APH and compared the differences between both groups in placental histopathology lesions due to APH and the resulting maternal and neonatal outcomes. Women with APH had more frequent antepartum uterine contractions (33.3% vs. 10.2%, P = .002) and short cervical length (< 2.5 cm) at admission (53.0% vs. 27.1%, P = .003). The placentas from the APH group had lower weight (442.9 ± 110.1 vs. 488.3 ± 117.7 g, P = .03) in the gross findings, and a higher rate of villous agglutination lesions (42.4% vs. 22.0%, P = .01) in the histopathologic findings. Women with APH in PP had higher rates of composite adverse pregnancy outcomes (83.3% vs. 49.2%, P = .0001). Neonates born to women with APH in PP had worse neonatal outcomes (59.1% vs. 23.9%, P = .0001). Preterm uterine contractions and short cervical length were the most significant risk factors for APH in PP.

Diagnosis and management of isthmocele (Cesarean scar defect): a SWOT analysis

The purpose of this State-of-the-Art Review was to provide a strategic analysis, in terms of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis), of the current evidence regarding the management of uterine isthmocele (Cesarean scar defect). Strengths include the fact that isthmocele can be diagnosed on two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound, and that surgical repair may restore natural fertility potential and prevent secondary infertility, as well as reduce the risk of miscarriage and other obstetric complications. However, there is a lack of high-quality evidence regarding the best diagnostic method and criteria, as well as the potential benefits of surgical repair with respect to fertility. There is a need for experienced surgeons skilled in the various isthmocele repair techniques. Isthmocele repair does not prevent the need for Cesarean delivery in subsequent pregnancies. There is increasing awareness regarding the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound in diagnosing isthmocele. This may lead to surgical correction and prevention of obstetric and perinatal complications in subsequent pregnancies, including Cesarean scar pregnancy. Regarding threats, the existence of different surgical techniques means that there is a risk of selecting an inadequate approach if the type of isthmocele and the patient's characteristics are not considered. There is a risk of overtreatment when asymptomatic defects are repaired surgically. Finally, there is an absence of cost-effectiveness analyses to justify routine repair. Thus, while there are many data suggesting that isthmocele has an adverse effect on both natural fertility and the outcome of assisted reproduction techniques, high-quality evidence to support surgical isthmocele repair in all asymptomatic patients desiring future fertility are lacking. There is increasing agreement to recommend hysteroscopic repair of isthmocele as a first-line approach as long as the residual myometrial thickness is at least 2.5-3.0 mm. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Ultrasonographical Evaluation of Placenta Previa in Scarred and Unscarred Uterus in a Tertiary Care Centre

Objectives Placenta previa is characterised as the placenta implant in the lower uterine segment, wholly or partially covering the internal os. Uterine scars from surgical operations are a potential factor of placenta previa. The present study aims to estimate the role of ultrasound in determining the incidence of placenta previa in the scarred and unscarred uterus. Also, it aims to evaluate the types of placenta previa in the scarred and unscarred uterus. Methods This hospital-based, prospective, observational study was performed from September 2021 to August 2022 among patients referred to the Department of Radiology, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital (FAAMCH), Barpeta, Assam. Written informed consent was obtained from the subjects. Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasonography methods were used to assess placenta previa. The data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) considering a p-value < 0.05 as significant. Results Out of the 517 subjects with bleeding per vagina, 41 (7.9%) were diagnosed with placenta previa by ultrasonography. The mean maternal age was 27.80 ± 5.36 years, and the most prevalent age group was 20-24 years (31.71%). The majority (70.73%) of cases had scarred uterus. The most prevalent placental position was fundo-body anterior. Complete placenta previa was present in 26% of the total cases in the present study. Conclusion The incidence of placenta previa in the scarred uterus was higher than that of the unscarred uterus. The high prevalence of placenta previa in women with scarred uterus necessitates improved monitoring and management to avoid disastrous outcomes.

Factors associated with poorer childbirth outcomes in pregnant women diagnosed with placenta previa

OBJECTIVE

Placenta previa is a health issue during pregnancy when the placenta wholly or partially covers the opening of the uterus. It can result in bleeding during pregnancy or after delivery, and preterm delivery. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors correlated with poorer childbirth outcomes of placenta previa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between May 2019 and January 2021, pregnant women diagnosed with placenta previa in our hospital were enrolled. Outcomes were postpartum hemorrhage after childbirth, and lower Apgar score and preterm delivery of the neonate. Laboratory blood examination data preoperatively were collected from medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 131 subjects were included, with a median age 31 years. Multivariate analysis showed that fibrinogen reduced risk for postpartum hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26-0.79, p = 0.005). Homocysteine (aOR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54-0.99, p = 0.04) reduced the risk while D-dimer (aOR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02-1.37, p = 0.02) increased the risk for low Apgar score. Age (aOR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77-0.96, p = 0.005) decreased the risk but history of full-term pregnancy more than twice (aOR: 8.58, 95% CI: 2.32-31.71, p = 0.001) increased the risk for preterm delivery.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that poorer childbirth outcomes in pregnant women with placenta previa are associated with young age, history of full-term pregnancy, and preoperative concentrations of low fibrinogen, low homocysteine and high D-dimer. This provides obstetricians adjunctive information for early screening of high-risk population and relevant treatment arrangement in advance.

Hemorrhagic morbidity in nulliparous patients with placenta previa without placenta accrete spectrum disorders

Background

Placental adhesion spectrum (PAS) is a disease in which the trophoblast invades the myometrium, and is a well-known high-risk condition associated with placental previa.

Aim

The morbidity of nulliparous women with placenta previa without PAS disorders is unknown.

Patients and Methods

The data from nulliparous women who underwent cesarean delivery were collected retrospectively. The women were dichotomized into malpresentation (MP) and placenta previa groups. The placenta previa group was categorized into previa (PS) and low-lying (LL) groups. When the placenta covers the internal cervical os, it is called placenta previa, when the placenta is near the cervical os, it is called the low-lying placenta. Their maternal hemorrhagic morbidity and neonatal outcomes were analyzed and adjusted using multivariate analysis based on univariate analysis.

Results

A total of 1269 women were enrolled: 781 women in the MP group and 488 women in the PP-LL group. Regarding packed red blood cell transfusion, PP and LL had adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 14.7 (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.6 - 32.5), and 11.3 (95% CI: 4.9 - 26) during admission, and 51.2 (95% CI: 22.1 - 122.7) and 10.3 (95% CI: 3.9 - 26.6) during operation, respectively. For intensive care unit admission, PS and LL had aOR of 15.9 (95% CI: 6.5 - 39.1) and 3.5 (95% CI: 1.1 - 10.9), respectively. No women had cesarean hysterectomy, major surgical complications, or maternal death.

Conclusion

Despite placenta previa without PAS disorders, maternal hemorrhagic morbidity was significantly increased. Thus, our results highlight the need for resources for those women with evidence of placenta previa including a low-lying placenta, even if those women do not meet PAS disorder criteria. In addition, placenta previa without PAS disorder was not associated with critical maternal complications.

Prospective evaluation of placental abruption in nulliparous women

INTRODUCTION

Because most data on placental abruption are derived from retrospective studies, multiple sources of bias may have affected the results. Thus, we aimed to characterize risk factors and outcomes for placental abruption in a large prospective cohort of nulliparous women.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of women enrolled in the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study Monitoring-to-be (nuMom2b) study, a prospective observational cohort. Participants were recruited in their first trimester of pregnancy from 8 sites and had 4 study visits, including at delivery. Placental abruption was defined by confirmed clinical criteria. The primary analysis was restricted to abruption identified antepartum and intrapartum. As a secondary analysis, we examined antepartum and intrapartum abruptions separately. We compared risk factors (maternal demographic and clinical characteristics) and outcomes in women with and without placental abruption using univariable and multivariable analyses as appropriate.

RESULTS

9450 women were included in the primary analysis. Abruption was identified in 0.66% (n = 62), of which 35 (56%) were antepartum and 27 (44%) intrapartum. For women with abruption, the mean gestational age at delivery was 35.6 ± 4.4 weeks and 38.8 ± 2.2 weeks for women without abruption. Gravidity was associated with abruption (OR 3.1, 95% CI: 1.6-6.0). In univariate analysis, abruption was associated with cesarean delivery (OR 3.7, 95% CI: 2.2-6.0), blood transfusion (OR 3.8, 95% CI: 1.4-10.7), PPROM (OR 9.0, 95% CI: 5.4-15.1), preterm birth (OR 8.5, 95% CI: 5.1-14.2), SGA (OR 4.0, 95% CI: 2.3-6.95), RDS (OR 5.5, 95% CI: 2.6-11.2), IVH 20.2 (OR 20.2, 95% CI: 5.9-68.8) and ROP (OR 12.2, 95% CI: 2.8-52.6). However, after adjustment for confounders including gestational age, abruption was only associated with increased odds of cesarean delivery and blood transfusion. Results were similar when restricted to antepartum and intrapartum abruptions.

CONCLUSION

Abruption was identified in <1% of nulliparous women. However, few maternal risk factors were identified. Neonatal morbidities were associated with an abruption and were primarily driven by gestational age due to preterm birth.

Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Diagnosing Placenta Accreta: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

The disease burden and incidence of placenta accreta are increasing worldwide. The morbidity and mortality associated with undiagnosed placenta accreta are both high, highlighting the important of early diagnosis and intervention. In recent years, increasing studies are exploring the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for placenta accreta. Compared with traditional ultrasound, MRI has the advantages of high-resolution, multiangle imaging, and less influence by amniotic fluid and intestinal gas. However, the reported diagnostic accuracy among studies was inconsistent. Therefore, this study is aimed at exploring the diagnostic value of MRI for placenta accreta by systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Relevant literature were systematically searched in PubMed, Ovid, Embase, ScienceDirect database, CNKI, and Wanfang database by using medical subject headings and relevant diagnostic terminologies such as sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, receiver-operating characteristic curve, and area under the curve. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and area under the curve of the included literature were analyzed using stata 17.0 software. Publication bias of the included studies was assessed by Deek's funnel plot. Cochrane Q statistics and I² statistics were used to test the heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 10 primary publications, comprising 4 retrospective studies and 6 prospective studies, were included in this meta-analysis. The gestational weeks of pregnant women ranged from 32 to 35 weeks, and the sample size ranged from 37 cases to 575 cases. Only 4 studies used the blind method in the process of clinical diagnosis by MRI. The combined sensitivity, specificity, and area of curve under summary receiver-operating characteristic for the diagnosis of placenta accreta by MRI were 0.88 (95% CI, 0.79-0.93), 0.79 (95% CI, 0.68-0.87), and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88.-0.93), respectively. The combined positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and diagnostic score were 4.17 (95% CI, 2.62-6.66), 0.16 (95% CI, 0.09-0.29), 26.61 (95% CI, 10.22-69.28), and 3.28 (95% CI, 2.32-4.24), respectively. No publication bias was noted.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of placenta accreta by MRI has good accuracy and predictive value that warrants clinical promotion.

Prevalence and Fetomaternal Outcome of Placenta Previa at Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain

Background

Placenta previa is a condition which occurs when the placenta implants in the lower uterine segment, thus obstructing delivery. It is considered a grave pregnancy complication as it is associated with massive maternal hemorrhage. The condition is associated with previous cesarean delivery, multiple gestations, and increased maternal age. The placental villi may abnormally adhere, invade, or penetrate the myometrium causing accreta, increta, or percreta, respectively. It is the most common indication of peripartum hysterectomy. The gold standard for diagnosis of placenta previa is transvaginal ultrasound. 

Objective

This study aims to calculate the prevalence of placenta previa in relation to the known risk factors and to determine the fetomaternal outcome which will aid in improving the obstetric care of patients with placenta previa. 

Methods

A total of 216 placenta previa cases diagnosed between October 2014 and December 2018 were evaluated in a retrospective cross-sectional study. Analysis of the data was conducted using SPSS software, version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).

Results

The total number of deliveries during the study period was 25,693 out of which 216 were diagnosed with placenta previa. Thus, the prevalence of placenta previa is 0.84%. The mean age at diagnosis was 32.8 years. At diagnosis, 23.1% of the cases were primiparous. Of the 216 patients, 1.9% were diagnosed with placenta percreta, of which 5.1% received a hysterectomy; 59.7% had uncomplicated elective cesarean delivery at 37-38 weeks of gestation. The mean gestational age at emergency delivery was 35.97 (+-3.1).

Conclusion

The study highlights that although risk factors increase the likelihood of placenta previa, it is necessary to rule it out in women with no known risk factors.

The role of intervening pregnancy loss in the association between interpregnancy interval and adverse pregnancy outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether intervening miscarriages and induced abortions impact the associations between interpregnancy interval after a live birth and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

DESIGN

Population-based cohort study.

SETTING

Norway.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 165 617 births to 143 916 women between 2008 and 2016.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We estimated adjusted relative risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes using log-binomial regression, first ignoring miscarriages and induced abortions in the interpregnancy interval estimation (conventional interpregnancy interval estimates) and subsequently accounting for intervening miscarriages or induced abortions (correct interpregnancy interval estimates). We then calculated the ratio of the two relative risks (ratio of ratios, RoR) as a measure of the difference.

RESULTS

The proportion of short interpregnancy interval (<6 months) was 4.0% in the conventional interpregnancy interval estimate and slightly increased to 4.6% in the correct interpregnancy interval estimate. For interpregnancy interval <6 months, compared with 18-23 months, the RoR was 0.97 for preterm birth (PTB) (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83-1.13), 0.97 for spontaneous PTB ( 95% CI 0.80-1.19), 1.00 for small-for-gestational age ( 95% CI 0.86-1.14), 1.00 for large-for-gestational age (95% CI 0.90-1.10) and 0.99 for pre-eclampsia (95% CI 0.71-1.37). Similarly, conventional and correct interpregnancy intervals yielded associations of similar magnitude between long interpregnancy interval (≥60 months) and the pregnancy outcomes evaluated.

CONCLUSION

Not considering intervening pregnancy loss due to miscarriages or induced abortions, results in negligible difference in the associations between short and long interpregnancy intervals and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Pregnancy complications and risk of uterine rupture among women with singleton pregnancies in China

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to investigate whether pregnancy complications are associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture (UR) and how that risk changes with gestational age.

METHODS

We obtained all data from China's National Maternal Near Miss Surveillance System (NMNMSS) between 2012 and 2018. Poisson regression analysis was used to assess the risk of UR with pregnancy complications (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, placental abruption, placenta previa and placenta percreta) among 9,454,239 pregnant women. Furthermore, we analysed the risks of UR with pregnancy complications in different gestational age groups.

RESULTS

The risk of UR was increased 2.0-fold (1.2-fold to 2.7-fold) in women with pregnancy complications (except for preeclampsia). These associations also persisted in women without a previous caesarean delivery. Moreover, an increased risk of UR before term birth was observed among women with gestational diabetes mellitus, placental abruption and placenta percreta. The risk of UR was slightly higher in women with gestational diabetes mellitus who had a large for gestational age (LGA) foetus, especially at 32 to 36 weeks gestation.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of UR is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus, placental abruption, placenta previa and placenta percreta, but varies in different gestational ages.

The risk factors associated with placenta previa: An umbrella review

We evaluated in this umbrella review a systematic collection from meta-analyses conducted on risk factors associated with placenta previa. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until April 2021 assessing the risk factors associated with placenta previa. We calculated summary effect estimates odds ratio, relative risk, 95% CI, heterogeneity I2, 95% prediction interval, small-study effects, excess significance biases, and sensitive analysis. The quality of the meta-analyses was evaluated with AMSTAR 2. We included nine studies in the present umbrella review. Seven risk factors including prior induced abortion (OR 1·36, 95% CI: 1·02, 1·69), prior spontaneous abortion (OR 1·77, 95% CI: 1·60, 1·94), male fetus (OR 1·2, 95% CI: 1·2, 1·3), smoking (OR 1·42, 95% CI 1·30, 1·54) (RR 1·27, 95% CI: 1·18, 1·35) advanced maternal age (OR 3·16, 95% CI: 2·79, 3·57), cesarean (OR 1·60, 95% CI: 1·44, 1·76) and ART (singleton pregnancy) (RR 3·71, 95% CI: 2·67, 5·16) were graded as highly suggestive evidence (class III). Endometriosis (OR 3·03, 95% CI: 1·50, 6·13) and maternal cocaine use (OR 2·9, 95% CI: 1·9, 4·3) were graded as risk factors with weak evidence (class IV). This study provides suggestive evidence about prior spontaneous abortion, prior induced abortion, male fetus, smoking, advanced maternal age, cesarean section, and assisted reproductive techniques (singleton pregnancy) as risk factors associated with placenta previa.

The association of endometriosis with placenta previa and postpartum hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to review the effect of endometriosis on the prevalence of placenta previa and postpartum hemorrhage in pregnant patients and the surgical outcomes of pregnant patients with endometriosis developing placenta previa.

DATA SOURCES

In compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic review of the literature was conducted on December 31, 2020, using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Comparative studies between pregnant women with and without endometriosis and studies that investigated the surgical outcomes of patients with and without endometriosis developing placenta previa were included.

METHODS

Here, 2 reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts, completed data extraction, and assessed the reporting quality using the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions tool.

RESULTS

Overall, 19 studies (from 2010 to 2020) met the inclusion criteria (98,463 pregnancies with endometriosis and 7,184,313 pregnancies without endometriosis). In the adjusted pooled analysis, endometriosis was associated with a higher rate of placenta previa (adjusted odds ratio, 3.17; 95% confidence interval, 2.58-3.89), whereas the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage was similar between pregnant women with and without endometriosis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.34). When the analysis was restricted to histologically confirmed endometriosis cases, the relationship of endometriosis with placenta previa (adjusted odds ratio, 4.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.74-10.30) and postpartum hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-3.34) was consistent with results from the nonrestricted analysis. There was no study that examined the surgical outcomes of patients with endometriosis developing placenta previa patients. However, there are 3 studies that examined the effect of endometriosis on surgical outcomes during cesarean delivery: 1 study showing that endometriosis was associated with increased intraoperative bleeding during emergent cesarean delivery; the other study showing that endometriosis was associated with an increased incidence of postpartum hemorrhage during cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.2), especially in primiparous women with singleton pregnancies (adjusted odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-2.0); and another study suggesting a significantly higher rate of hysterectomy (7.1%) and bladder injury (7.1%) in patients with endometriosis than in those without endometriosis.

CONCLUSION

Endometriosis can potentially be associated with adverse surgical outcomes during cesarean delivery. Although there is a correlation between endometriosis and increased rate of placenta previa, the surgical outcomes of patients with endometriosis developing placenta previa remain understudied.

Placental thickness correlates with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder in women with placenta previa

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association of placental thickness with placenta accreta spectrum disorder in placenta previa.

METHODS

In this IRB-approved, retrospective study, ultrasound (US) reports were retrospectively queried for keyword previa. US performed closest to mid-gestation were included. Three measurements were performed at the thickest portion of the placenta on longitudinal transabdominal images. Operative reports and surgical pathology were used as the reference standard. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired T-tests and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients with placenta previa were included: 38 with PAS disorder and 27 without PAS disorder, clinically or pathologically. 38/38 (100%) patients of PAS group and 16/27 (59.3%) patients of non-PAS group had history of prior cesarean section. The average placental thickness was 4.3 cm (range 1.8 cm to 7.8 cm) for PAS group and 3.0 cm (range 0.6 cm to 5.3 cm) for non-PAS group (p < 0.001). Placental thickness in patients without PAS disorder and history of prior cesarean section was 3.1 (± 1.1) cm. This was statistically different from patients who had history of prior cesarean section with PAS diagnosis (4.3 cm, P<0.01). Using ROC analysis, a threshold measurement of 4.5 cm leads to sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 96%.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that among women with placenta previa, increased placental thickness at lower uterine segment correlates with placenta accreta spectrum disorder. A threshold of 4.5 cm can be useful for screening patients with placenta previa and risks factors for PAS.

Factors Associated with the Type of Cesarean Section in Greece and Their Correlation with International Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Cesarean section (CS) rates have been increasing worldwide with different effects on maternal and neonatal health. Factors responsible for the growing trend of CSs, include maternal characteristics, medical insurance and convenient scheduling or financial incentives. Effective interventions and guidelines are required to reduce CS rates.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this research was to investigate the factors contributing to CS rate increase and their correlation with international guidelines.

METHODS

The performed analysis included the available socio-demographic and medical information retrieved from the medical records and a related questionnaire in both emergency and elective CSs.

RESULTS

Out of the included 633 births, the cesarean delivery rate was 58%. Women with a previous CS showed higher percentages for Elective CS (66.1%) compared to Emergency CSs for the same reasons (8.9%). Furthermore, 23% of the patients underwent an Emergency CS because of failure of labor to progress while 18% of CSs were due to maternal desire.

CONCLUSION

The high rates of CS in Greece demonstrate the lack of use of international obstetric protocols, national strategies, Cesarean Section audits and a significant shortage of midwives. A decrease in iatrogenic and non-iatrogenic factors leading to the primary CS will decrease CS rates.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes of repeated antepartum bleeding in 493 placenta previa cases: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of antepartum bleeding caused by PP on pregnancy outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively analyzed 493 pregnant women complicated with PP. Patients were divided into antepartum repeated bleeding and non-bleeding groups. Maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

The risk of antepartum hemorrhage was 2.038 times higher when gravidity was 5 (95% CI 1.104-3.760, p = .023). Pregnant women with a history of more than three intrauterine procedures had a 1.968 times higher risk of antepartum hemorrhage (95% CI 1.135-3,412, p = .016) compared to pregnant women without any intrauterine procedures. The risk of antepartum bleeding was found to be decreasing with the pregnancy advancing; When the placenta edge was noted to be over cervical os, the risk of antepartum bleeding was 4.385-fold than the low-lying plcaenta cases (95%CI2.454-8.372, p = .000). In the respect of maternal outcomes, the repeated bleeding group, the risk of emergency surgery was 7.213 times higher than elective surgery (95% CI 4.402-11.817, p = .000). As for the neonatal outcomes, the risk of asphyxia was 2.970 times and the risk of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was 2.542-fold higher in repeated bleeding group compared to non-bleeding group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Obstetricians should be aware of the increased risk of antepartum bleeding especially for ≤34 weeks and placenta edge over cervical os PP patients, they have a higher risk of antepartum bleeding. These women have higher possibility of emergency C-section and need preterm newborn resuscitation.

Predictors of adverse neonatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by placenta previa

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to underline the determinants of adverse neonatal outcome in gestations complicated by placenta previa (PP).

METHODS

A retrospective study including all women diagnosed with placenta previa carrying a singleton gestation who delivered between 2011 and June 2019. Gestations with adverse neonatal outcomes were compared to those without. In a secondary analysis, we further studied the rate of Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in relation to number of previous cesarean deliveries.

RESULTS

Overall, 548/84,558 (0.6%) singleton deliveries were complicated by PP (0.6%). PAS was noted in 105 (19.2%) cases. After exclusion of PAS cases, adverse neonatal outcome occurred in 149/443 (33.6%), median gestational age of delivery was 37 ^0/7 with a median birthweight of 2780 g. In a univariate analysis, adverse neonatal outcome was associated with emergent delivery and general anesthesia [56.8% vs. 20.8%, OR 5.00 (95% CI) 3.24-7.72, p < 0.001 and 54.4% vs. 24.8%, OR 3.60 (95% CI) 2.37-5.47, p < 0.001, respectively]. Gestational age at delivery was lower in the adverse outcome group (mean 35 ^1/7 vs. 37 ^3/7, p < 0.001). In a multivariate regression analysis, general anesthesia and gestational age at delivery were independently associated with adverse neonatal outcome [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.26 (95% CI) 1.18-4.31, p = 0.01, aOR 1.10 (95% CI) 1.05-1.16, p < 0.001. Analysis of the rate of PAS among women with previous cesarean delivery and PP revealed that no cases of PAS were noted when no prior cesarean delivery was present. The rate of PAS for previous 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 cesarean deliveries was 26.7%, 43.5%, 65.5%, 55.6% and 66.7% respectively.

DISCUSSION

Efforts should be made to avoid general anesthesia in deliveries of PP.

Does caesarean delivery in the first pregnancy increase the risk for adverse outcome in the second? A registry-based cohort study on first and second singleton births in Norway

OBJECTIVE

To explore if newborns in the second pregnancy following a previous caesarean delivery (CD) have higher risk of perinatal mortality or cerebral palsy than newborns in pregnancies following a previous vaginal delivery (VD).

DESIGN

Cohort study with information from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway and the Cerebral Palsy Registry of Norway.

SETTING

Births in Norway.

PARTICIPANTS

294 598 women with their first and second singleton delivery during 1996-2015.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Stillbirth, perinatal mortality, neonatal mortality and cerebral palsy.

RESULTS

Among 294 598 included women, 42 962 (15%) had a CD in their first pregnancy while 251 636 (85%) had a VD. Compared with the second delivery of mothers with a previous VD, the adjusted OR (adjOR), for stillbirth in the second pregnancy following a previous CD was 1.45, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.73; for perinatal death the adjOR was 1.42 (1.22 to 1.73) and for neonatal death 1.13 (0.86 to 1.49). Among children who survived the neonatal period, the adjOR for cerebral palsy was 1.27 (0.99 to 1.64). Secondary outcomes, including small for gestational age, preterm and very preterm birth, uterine rupture and placental complications (eg, postpartum haemorrhage and pre-eclampsia) were more frequent in the subsequent pregnancy following a previous CD compared with a previous VD, in particular for uterine rupture adjOR 86.7 (48.2 to 156.1). Adjustment for potential confounders attenuated the ORs somewhat, but the excess risk in the second pregnancy persisted for all outcomes.

CONCLUSION

A previous CD was in this study associated with increased risk for stillbirth and perinatal death compared with a previous VD. Although less robust, we also found that a previous CD was associated with a slightly increased risk of cerebral palsy among children surviving the neonatal period. The aetiology behind these associations needs further investigation.

Prediction of Delivery Complications by First-Trimester Ultrasound Measurement of the Gestational Sac's Distance From a Previous Cesarean Section Scar

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to investigate the clinical relationship between labor complications in the second and third trimesters and the distance from the gestational sac to a previous cesarean section (CS) scar.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of the electronic medical records and included all 7- to 9-week transvaginal ultrasound examination reports from pregnancies with a history of a single cesarean delivery in our hospital between January 2015 and December 2017. Women were divided into 6 groups according to the distance of the gestational sac to the CS scar (groups A-F). A composite of pregnancy outcomes (gestational age at birth, delivery mode, placental abnormality, blood loss, uterine rupture, and hysterectomy) and other maternal and neonatal outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 699 cases were included in our study. The median gestational age was 39.0 (range, 38.1-39.9) weeks. The median intrapartum blood loss volume was 400 (range, 300-500) mL. The results showed no statistically significant difference in blood loss (P = .297) or birth weight of the neonate (P = .318) among the distance subgroups. Overall, the fetuses were stillborn in 9 of 699 cases (1.29%). There was a statistically significant difference in a morbidly adherent placenta, placenta previa, and preterm labor, and their incidence increased with decreasing distance (P < .001; P for trend < .05). There was no statistically significant difference in uterine rupture (P = .597) or the delivery mode (P = .187) among the subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

The relative positions of a CS scar and the gestational sac in the first trimester are associated with the incidence of placental abnormalities. As the distance decreases, the extent of a morbidly adherent placenta increases.

Maternal height associated with cesarean section. A cross-sectional study using the 2014-2015 national maternal-child health survey in Guatemala

BACKGROUND

Socioeconomic status is associated with cesarean section (CS). Maternal height, however, may be another related factor to CS. In Guatemala, a quarter of women between 15 and 49 years of age are shorter than 145 cm. Therefore, this study aims to examine the association of maternal height with cesarean section in Guatemala.

METHODS

We carried out a secondary analysis study using data from the 2014-15 Guatemalan national maternal and child health survey-9542 mothers aged 15-49 and 12,426 live births were analyzed. We obtained the prevalence ratio of the association between maternal height and CS based on three Poisson regression models. One model included all live births, another the first live birth, and a third model the last live birth. For each model, we accounted for covariates and sampling design.

RESULTS

The national prevalence of CS was 26.3% (95%CI: 25.0, 27.7). The adjusted prevalence ratio of CS, including all live births, was 1.63 (95%CI: 1.37, 1.94) more likely in mothers shorter than 145 cm compared with those equal or greater than 170 cm. This figure was 1.45 (95%CI: 1.19, 1.76) in the model with the first live birth. In the model with the last birth, maternal height was not associated with CS after accounting for previous CS as one of the covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of CS in this setting was high and above international recommendations. Further, very short mothers were more likely to experience CS compared to taller mothers after accounting for covariates, except when a previous CS was present. Maternal height should be included in clinical assessments during prenatal care.

Comparison of Labor and Delivery Complications and Delivery Methods Between Physicians and White-Collar Workers

To evaluate labor and delivery complications and delivery modes between physicians and white-collar workers in Taiwan, this retrospective population-based study used data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. We compared 1530 physicians aged 25 to 50 years old who worked and had singleton births between 2007 and 2013 with 3060 white-collar workers matched by age groups, groups of monthly insured payroll-related premiums, previous cesarean delivery, perinatal history anemia, and gestational diabetes mellitus. The logistic regression models were used to assess the labor and delivery complications between the two groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that physicians had a significantly higher risk of placenta previa (odds ratio (OR) 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–1.69) and other malpresentation (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.45–2.39) than white-collar workers, whereas they had a significantly lower risk of placental abruption (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.40–0.71), preterm delivery (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61–0.92), and premature rupture of membranes (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59–0.88). Increased risks of some adverse labor and delivery complications were observed among physicians, when compared to white-collar workers. These findings suggest that working women should take preventative action to manage occupational risks during pregnancy.

Risk of preterm birth after prior term cesarean

Objective

To determine the risk of overall preterm birth (PTB) and spontaneous PTB in a pregnancy after a caesarean section (CS) at term.

Design

Longitudinal linked national cohort study.

Setting

The Dutch Perinatal Registry (1999–2009).

Population

268 495 women with two subsequent singleton pregnancies were identified.

Methods

A cohort study based on linked registered data from two subsequent pregnancies in the Netherlands.

Main outcome measures

The incidence of overall PTB and spontaneous PTB with subgroup analysis on gestational age at first delivery and type of CS (planned or unplanned).

Results

Of 268 495 women with a singleton first pregnancy who delivered at term, 15.76% (n = 42 328) had a CS. The incidence of PTB in the second pregnancy was 2.79% (n = 1182) in women with a previous CS versus 2.46% (n = 5570) in women with a previous vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.21). This increased risk is mainly driven by an increased risk of spontaneous PTB after previous CS at term (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.38–1.70). Analysis for type of CS compared with vaginal delivery showed an aOR on spontaneous PTB of 1.86 (95% CI 1.58–2.18) for planned CS and an aOR of 1.40 (95% CI 1.24–1.58) for unplanned CS.

Conclusions

CS at term is associated with a marginally increased risk of spontaneous PTB in a subsequent pregnancy.

Tweetable abstract

Caesarean section at term is associated with a marginally increased risk of spontaneous PTB in a subsequent pregnancy.

Caesarean section at term is associated with a marginally increased risk of spontaneous PTB in a subsequent pregnancy.

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.

Clinical outcomes of hysteroscopy-assisted transvaginal repair of cesarean scar defect

AIM

This study was conducted to evaluate comparative clinical outcomes of hysteroscopy-assisted transvaginal repair in the treatment of cesarean scar defect (CSD) in patients desirous of conceiving again.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 63 patients with CSD who were treated at Beijing Hospital between January 2014 and January 2016. Patients were divided into the hysteroscopic electrocauterization group (electrocauterization group, n = 28) and hysteroscopy-assisted transvaginal repair group (transvaginal group, n = 35). Perioperative parameters including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, time to passage of flatus, hospitalization duration, duration of postoperative vaginal bleeding, pre- and postoperative myometrial thickness, rate of full-term births and surgical complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

At the 6-month follow-up, myometrial thickness was significantly greater in the transvaginal group (9.8 ± 1.0 mm) compared to the electrocauterization group (3.3 ± 0.7 mm, P < 0.05). One patient in the transvaginal group required intraoperative conversion to laparotomy because of surgical complications. The transvaginal group had a significantly higher rate of full-term live birth compared to the electrocauterization group (92% vs 46%, P < 0.05). There were no significant between-group differences in the other pre-, intra-, and postoperative parameters. The maximum postoperative diameter of the CSD in the transvaginal and electrocauterization groups was 1.6 ± 0.8 and 17 ± 2.0 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Compared to hysteroscopic electrocauterization, hysteroscopy-assisted transvaginal repair of CSD was associated with better clinical outcomes and higher rate of full-term live births.

Placental Implantation Disorders

Primary disorders of placental implantation have immediate consequences for the outcome of a pregnancy. These disorders have been known to clinical science for more than a century, but have been relatively rare. Recent epidemiologic obstetric data have indicated that the rise in their incidence over the last 2 decades has been iatrogenic in origin. In particular, the rising numbers of pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the increased use of caesarean section for delivery have been associated with higher frequencies of previa implantation, accreta placentation, abnormal placental shapes, and velamentous cord insertion. These disorders often occur together.

Variation in relationships between maternal age at first birth and pregnancy outcomes by maternal race: a population-based cohort study in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To estimate absolute risks of obstetric outcomes in the USA according to maternal age at first birth from age 15 to 45 separately by maternal race.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Population-based cohort study.

SETTING

Vital statistics Birth Cohort-Linked Birth- Infant Death Data Files and Fetal Death Data Files in the USA.

PARTICIPANTS

16 514 849 births to nulliparous women from 2004 to 2013.

OUTCOME MEASURES

We estimated absolute risks of obstetric outcomes (multiple gestations, caesarean delivery, early and late preterm birth, small for gestational age birth, stillbirth, neonatal mortality, postneonatal infant mortality) at each year of maternal age from 15 to 45 years using logistic regression in the overall population and stratified by maternal race. We modelled maternal age flexibly to allow curvilinear shapes and plotted risk curves for each outcome.

RESULTS

In the overall population, multiple gestations, caesarean delivery and stillbirth risks were lowest at young maternal ages with linear or quadratic increases with age. Curves for preterm birth, small for gestational age, neonatal mortality and postneonatal mortality were u or j shaped, with nadirs between 20 and 29 years, and elevated risks at both younger and older maternal ages. In race-stratified analyses, the shapes of the curves were generally similar across races. Risks increased for all women for all outcomes after age 30. However, increased risks at young maternal ages were most pronounced for white and Asian/Pacific Islander women, for whom young childbearing was least common. Conversely, risks at older ages were more pronounced for Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women, for whom delayed childbearing was least common.

CONCLUSION

Our findings confirm risks associated with first births to women younger than 20 and older than 30 years, provide easily interpretable risk curves and illuminate variability in these relationships across categories of maternal race in the USA.

Intramuscular 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate to decrease preterm delivery in women with placenta praevia: a randomised controlled trial

We tested the hypothesis that 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17α-OHP-C) may decrease preterm delivery (PTD) in women with placenta praevia. This was a randomised controlled trial included 114 women with placenta praevia (between 24 and 28 weeks). They were randomly assigned to group I (17α-OHP-C) who received weekly injection of 17α-OHP-C (250 mg/IM) till completing 37 weeks' gestation or group II (Non 17α-OHP-C). The percentage of placenta praevia patients went into PTD in the 17α-OHP-C group was significantly less in comparison to the PTD in the Non 17α-OHP-C group (∼37% vs. 63.5%, p = .004). Furthermore, the mean gestational age was significantly longer (36.7 ± 0.7 vs. 34.9 ± 1.2 weeks, p < .000), the mean number of bleeding attacks was significantly less and the mean birth weight was significantly higher (2841 ± 159 vs. 2561 ± 168 g, p < .000). In conclusion, maintenance tocolysis with intramuscular 17α-OHP-C in placenta praevia women appears beneficial in decreasing the number of bleeding attacks, the percentage of PTD and the neonatal ICU admission.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Over the last two decades, a large number of studies indicated that placenta praevia is a major risk factor for preterm labour and prematurity with its neonatal complications. Increasing caesarean section rates had proportionally increased the incidence of placenta praevia.What do the results of this study add? Up to now, the effective and safe tocolytic agent among these patients is not established. The results of this study (prospective, randomised and controlled with calculated sample size) added a considerable support for hydroxyprogesterone caproate as an effective, safe and cheap tocolytic agent with excellent patient compliance.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our findings may prompt researchers to conduct a large multicentre study to evaluate the prophylactic use of hydroxyprogesterone caproate to decrease preterm labour due to placenta praevia.

Maternal risk factors and neonatal outcomes in placental abruption among patients with equal access to health care

INTRODUCTION

Placental abruption complicates 1% of pregnancies, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The objective was to examine risk factors and outcomes in pregnancies complicated by abruption in a health care system with equal access to care.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of all deliveries at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) between 1 January 2014 and 1 June 2017. The primary outcome was maternal factors that influenced abruption. The secondary outcome evaluated the neonatal outcomes after abruption.

RESULTS

A total of 4351 patients delivered at WRNMMC and met the inclusion criteria. 52 patients (1.2%) had a pathology confirmed abruption. There was an association with smoking (p < .05; OR 4.25) and African American race (p = .005). Neonatal variables demonstrated an association between abruption and gestational age at delivery, low birth weight, Apgar scores, NICU admissions, and fetal demise all with p < .005.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate an association between both smoking and African American race with placental abruption. Unlike previous studies, there were no barriers to access to care. Further, there was no association with age, hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disease, or trauma. Results did reaffirm an association between abruption and preterm birth, low birth weight, lower Apgars, NICU admissions, and fetal demise.PrécisIn a medical system with no barriers to access to care, maternal risk factors and neonatal outcomes associated with placental abruptions were investigated in over 4300 deliveries.

Cumulative Antenatal Risk and Kindergarten Readiness in Preterm-Born Preschoolers

A suboptimal intrauterine environment is thought to increase the probability of deviation from the typical neurodevelopmental trajectory, potentially contributing to the etiology of learning disorders. Yet the cumulative influence of individual antenatal risk factors on emergent learning skills has not been sufficiently examined. We sought to determine whether antenatal complications, in aggregate, are a source of variability in preschoolers’ kindergarten readiness, and whether specific classes of antenatal risk play a prominent role. We recruited 160 preschoolers (85 girls; ages 3–4 years), born ≤33⁶/₇ weeks’ gestation, and reviewed their hospitalization records. Kindergarten readiness skills were assessed with standardized intellectual, oral-language, prewriting, and prenumeracy tasks. Cumulative antenatal risk was operationalized as the sum of complications identified out of nine common risks. These were also grouped into four classes in follow-up analyses: complications associated with intra-amniotic infection, placental insufficiency, endocrine dysfunction, and uteroplacental bleeding. Linear mixed model analyses, adjusting for sociodemographic and medical background characteristics (socioeconomic status, sex, gestational age, and sum of perinatal complications) revealed an inverse relationship between the sum of antenatal complications and performance in three domains: intelligence, language, and prenumeracy (p = 0.003, 0.002, 0.005, respectively). Each of the four classes of antenatal risk accounted for little variance, yet together they explained 10.5%, 9.8%, and 8.4% of the variance in the cognitive, literacy, and numeracy readiness domains, respectively. We conclude that an increase in the co-occurrence of antenatal complications is moderately linked to poorer kindergarten readiness skills even after statistical adjustment for perinatal risk.

Clinical and economic outcomes of cesarean deliveries with skin closure through skin staples plus waterproof wound dressings versus 2-octyl cyanoacrylate plus polymer mesh tape

PURPOSE

To compare clinical and economic outcomes of cesarean deliveries with skin closure through skin staples plus waterproof wound dressings (SSWWD) versus 2-octyl cyanoacrylate plus polymer mesh tape (2OPMT). We hypothesized that cesarean deliveries with skin closure through 2OPMT may be associated with a lower rate of wound complications and infections as compared with skin closure through SSWWD; we also hypothesized that, accordingly, 2OPMT may be associated with lower hospital length of stay (LOS), hospital costs, and all-cause readmissions as compared with SSWWD.

METHODS

Retrospective, observational study using a research database derived from administrative records routinely contributed by hundreds of hospitals in the USA. We queried the database for patients aged 18-49 years who had an in-hospital low transverse cesarean delivery between 1 January, 2012 and 31 March, 2017. Using records of medical supplies used during deliveries, we identified deliveries for which skin closure was performed by either SSWWD (SSWWD group) or 2OPMT (2OPMT group). Our primary study outcome was a composite endpoint of infection/wound complication diagnosis during the hospital stays in which the deliveries were performed. Our secondary outcomes included: length of stay (LOS) and total hospital costs for the hospital stays in which the deliveries were performed, and all-cause readmissions (30/60/90 days post discharge) to the same hospital in which the delivery was performed. We compared outcomes between propensity-score matched groups using regressions accounting for hospital-level clustering and non-Gaussian empirical outcome distributions.

RESULTS

Each group comprised 2133 patients (4266 total patients; mean age = 30.3 years [SD = 4.6]). Compared with the SSWWD group, the 2OPMT group had statistically significant lower rates of complications (infection, 0.7 versus 1.6%, p = .011; wound complication, 0.6 versus 1.3%, p = .036; composite, 0.9 versus 2.0%, p = .002), shorter LOS (mean = 3.5 days [SD = 1.6] versus 3.7 days [SD = 1.8], p = .007), and lower total hospital costs (mean = $8879 [SD = $3157] versus $9313 [SD = $3311], p = .025). Between-group differences for 30/60/90-day all-cause readmissions were statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

This large observational study is the first of its kind and provides evidence that cesarean delivery skin closure with 2OPMT is associated with lower rates of in-hospital infection and wound complications, lower LOS, lower total hospital costs as compared with SSWWD.

Understanding and comparing practices of managing patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in urban China and the United States

OBJECTIVES

To describe patient outcomes, management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and evaluate provider knowledge of practice guidelines at a tertiary care center in urban China.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review of patients admitted between September 2017 and March 2018 with a diagnosis of any hypertensive disorder at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Medical Center in China. Healthcare providers including physicians, midwives, nurses and medical students were surveyed. Patient outcomes were compared to those at the University of Chicago, USA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, comparative rates of medication administration, mode of delivery, and other pregnancy characteristics were abstracted. Responses regarding definitions, treatment and outcomes of hypertension were analyzed using survey data.

RESULTS

Among 2834 patients, the prevalence of hypertensive disorders at the Zhongnan Hospital was 7.1%, with a 6.4% prevalence of preeclampsia. Compared to hypertensive women from the University of Chicago, hypertensive patients at Zhongnan Hospital were more likely to be older and weigh less but had higher rates of antihypertensive drug administration and delivery via cesarean section. Infants born at Zhongnan Hospital were less likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Survey respondents demonstrated poor knowledge of preeclampsia diagnoses and first line treatments for severe hypertension in pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Although several clinical characteristics of preeclampsia were similar between hospitals, the rates of cesarean section were higher in China. Provider knowledge was most lacking in areas about diagnostic criteria and medication use for preeclampsia. Future studies are needed to explore these differences.

Systematic review of the effects of birth spacing after cesarean delivery on maternal and perinatal outcomes

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the association between birth spacing and subsequent pregnancy outcomes after cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the effects of birth spacing after previous caesarean on maternal and perinatal outcomes.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Four online databases were searched via a multistage search strategy.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies assessing the effects of birth spacing on any adverse pregnancy outcome after cesarean were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

A narrative synthesis was completed.

MAIN RESULTS

Fifteen studies were included. Eight reported that interpregnancy interval (IPI) shorter than 6 months or birth interval (BI) shorter than 16-18 months increased the risk of uterine rupture during trial of labor after previous cesarean. Most studies found no association of birth spacing with vaginal delivery success following spontaneous labor, but the association with vaginal delivery after induced labor was less certain. BI shorter than 12 months was associated with increased risk of placenta previa and placental abruption. Few studies examined the effect of birth spacing after previous cesarean on perinatal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

IPI longer than 6-8 months or BI longer than 18 months was related to decreased risk of maternal morbidity and failed vaginal delivery after previous cesarean.

Pregnancy outcomes of women with previous caesarean sections: Secondary analysis of World Health Organization Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health

Secondary analysis of World Health Organization Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health (WHOMCS) was undertaken among 173,124 multiparous women to assess the association between previous caesarean sections (CS) and pregnancy outcomes. Maternal outcomes included maternal near miss (MNM), maternal death (MD), severe maternal outcomes (SMO), abnormal placentation, and uterine rupture. Neonatal outcomes were stillbirth, early neonatal death, perinatal death, neonatal near miss (NNM), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and preterm birth. Previous CS was associated with increased risks of uterine rupture (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR); 7.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.48, 10.92); morbidly adherent placenta (aOR 2.60; 95% CI 1.98, 3.40), MNM (aOR 1.91; 95% CI 1.59, 2.28), SMO (aOR 1.80; 95% CI 1.52, 2.13), placenta previa (aOR 1.76; 95% CI 1.49, 2.07). For neonatal outcomes, previous CS was associated with increased risks of NICU admission (aOR 1.31; 95% CI 1.23, 1.39), neonatal near miss (aOR 1.19; 95% CI 1.12, 1.26), preterm birth (aOR 1.07; 95% CI 1.01, 1.14), and decreased risk of macerated stillbirth (aOR 0.80; 95% CI 0.67, 0.95). Previous CS was associated with serious morbidity in future pregnancies. However, these findings should be cautiously interpreted due to lacking data on indications of previous CS.

Cervical Pessary versus Expectant Management for the Prevention of Delivery Prior to 36 Weeks in Women with Placenta Previa: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective  This multicenter randomized controlled trial compared cervical pessary (CP) versus expectant management (EM) in women with placenta previa between 22.0 and 32.0 in prolonging gestation until ≥ 36.0 weeks' gestation. Study Design  This study took place from November 2016 to June 2018. Women were randomized to receive either the Bioteque CP or EM. The pessary was removed at ≥ 36.0 weeks unless indicated. The primary outcome was gestational age (GA) at delivery, with secondary outcomes including need for transfusion, number and duration of antepartum admissions, type of delivery, and neonatal outcomes. A total of 140 patients were needed to show a 3-week prolongation of pregnancy in the pessary group; however, the trial was stopped early due to budgetary issues. Results  Of the 33 eligible women, 17 were enrolled. Although not statistically significant, the mean GA at delivery in the CP group was greater than women in the EM group (36.5 ± 1.23 vs. 36.0 ± 2.0; p  = 0.1673). The number and duration of antepartum admissions was greater in the EM group (2.7 ± 0.58 vs. 16.0 ± 22.76 days; p  = 0.1264) as well. Conclusion  Although the study was underpowered to determine the primary outcome, safety and feasibility of CP in pregnancies complicated with previa were demonstrated.

Does an increased number of cesarean sections result in greater risk for mother and baby in low-risk, late preterm and term deliveries?

Objective:

To compare surgical complications and maternal and neonatal outcomes of low-risk, late preterm and term pregnant women who have had one or two previous cesarean sections (CSs) with those who have had three or more CSs.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective study of 850 patients undergoing repeat CS at a tertiary level maternity hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Of those, 380 had previously undergone one or two CSs (Group-I: second or third CS) and 470 had previously undergone three or four CSs (Group-II: fourth or fifth CS). Outcomes and complications were compared between the groups.

Results:

The two groups were statistically significantly different in terms of maternal age, parity, body mass index, maternal weight gain during pregnancy, and length of hospital stay (all p<0.001). Although the prevalence of intraperitoneal adhesions and placenta previa was higher in Group-II than in Group-I (p<0.001), there was no statistically significant difference in terms of cesarean hysterectomy and adjacent organ injuries (p>0.05). There were also no significant differences between the groups in terms of neonatal outcomes (p>0.05).

Conclusion:

Although the increase in the number of CSs appears to be associated with intraperitoneal adhesions and placenta previa, adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were not observed in those women with low-risk pregnancies who underwent CS for the fourth or fifth time. Therefore, fourth and fifth CSs may be considered relatively safe surgical procedures in this cohort.

Short interpregnancy intervals and adverse maternal outcomes in high-resource settings: An updated systematic review

BACKGROUND

Currently, no federal guidelines provide recommendations on healthy birth spacing for women in the United States. This systematic review summarises associations between short interpregnancy intervals and adverse maternal outcomes to inform the development of birth spacing recommendations for the United States.

METHODS

PubMed/Medline, POPLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and a previous systematic review were searched to identify relevant articles published from 1 January 2006 and 1 May 2017. Included studies reported maternal health outcomes following a short versus longer interpregnancy interval, were conducted in high-resource settings, and adjusted estimates for at least maternal age. Two investigators independently assessed study quality and applicability using established methods.

RESULTS

Seven cohort studies met inclusion criteria. There was limited but consistent evidence that short interpregnancy interval is associated with increased risk of precipitous labour and decreased risks of labour dystocia. There was some evidence that short interpregnancy interval is associated with increased risks of subsequent pre-pregnancy obesity and gestational diabetes, and decreased risk of preeclampsia. Among women with a previous caesarean delivery, short interpregnancy interval was associated with increased risk of uterine rupture in one study. No studies reported outcomes related to maternal depression, interpregnancy weight gain, maternal anaemia, or maternal mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In studies from high-resource settings, short interpregnancy intervals are associated with both increased and decreased risks of adverse maternal outcomes. However, most outcomes were evaluated in single studies, and the strength of evidence supporting associations is low.

Reducing Primary Cesareans: An Innovative Multipronged Approach to Supporting Physiologic Labor and Vaginal Birth

Primary cesarean birth increases a woman's risk for hemorrhage, infection, pain, and cesarean births with subsequent pregnancies. A woman may experience difficulties with breastfeeding, bonding, and incorporating the newborn into the family structure. One urban, academic hospital in the Midwest participated in the American College of Nurse-Midwives Healthy Birth Initiative: Reducing Primary Cesarean Births Project. The project purpose was to reduce the rate of cesarean births in nulliparous, term, singleton, and vertex pregnancies. Strategies employed included use of intermittent auscultation, upright labor positioning, early labor lounge, one-to-one labor support, and team huddles. The baseline nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex cesarean rate in 2015 was 29.3%. In 2016, after 1 year of implementation of the project, the hospital decreased nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex cesarean rate to 26.1%-a reduction of 10%. In 2017, the rate was decreased to 25.3%-a reduction by 3.7%.

Cesarean delivery rate and staffing levels of the maternity unit

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether staffing levels of maternity units affect prelabor urgent, elective, and intrapartum cesarean delivery rates.

METHODS

This population-based retrospective cohort study covers the deliveries of the 11 hospitals of a French perinatal network in 2008-2014 (N = 102 236). The independent variables were women's demographic and medical characteristics as well as the type, organization, and staffing levels for obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and midwives of each maternity unit. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted with multilevel logistic models.

RESULTS

Overall, 23.9% of the women had cesarean deliveries (2.4% urgent before labor, 10% elective, and 11.5% intrapartum). Independently of individual- and hospital-level factors, the level of obstetricians, measured by the number of full-time equivalent persons (i.e., 35 working hours per week) per 100 deliveries, was negatively associated with intrapartum cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 0.55, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.36-0.83, P-value = 0.005), and the level of midwives negatively associated with elective cesarean delivery (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69-0.90, P-value < 0.001). Accordingly, a 10% increase in obstetrician and midwife staff levels, respectively, would have been associated with a decrease in the likelihood of intrapartum cesarean delivery by 2.5 percentage points and that of elective cesarean delivery by 3.4 percentage points. These changes represent decreases in intrapartum and elective cesarean delivery rates of 19% (from 13.1% to 10.6%) and 33% (from 10.3% to 6.9%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Staffing levels of maternity units affect the use of cesarean deliveries. High staffing levels for obstetricians and midwives are associated with lower cesarean rates.

Development of a scoring system for prediction of placenta accreta and determine the accuracy of its results

Background: Optimal management of women with placenta accreta requires accurate preoperative diagnosis. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim to evaluate a new prediction scoring items for risk assessment on placenta accreta and determine its accuracy ratio.Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out on 159 suspected pregnant women morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) in Shariati, Imam Khomeini, and Yas Hospitals in Tehran from October 2016 to May 2018. The number of previous cesarean deliveries; lacunae stage, location of placenta; Doppler assessment; and loss of clear zone were used for review and scoring of ultrasound images. Ultimately after collecting scores, subjects fall into one of the following three categories: low (≤5 points), moderate (6-7 points), or high (8-10 points) probability for placenta accreta. Ultimately, diagnosis of accreta was based on hysterectomy during surgery or reports of pathology. A logistic regression model was used to calculate the probability of placenta accreta on univariable analysis, to assess the discriminant power of all explanatory variables assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results: The area-under-the-ROC curve of the composite scores was 98% and the overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of our developed scoring system were 91.84%, 87.27%, 86.54%, and 92.31%, respectively.Conclusion: Combination of several simple ultrasound and clinical characteristics in a scoring system may be highly effective for prenatal risk assessment and prediction of placenta accreta. Output of scoring system helps medical staff to prepare appropriately before surgery and avoid perinatal mortality and morbidity.