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Herrera CL, Kim MJ, Do QN, Owen DM, Fei B, Twickler DM, Spong CY. The human placenta project: Funded studies, imaging technologies, and future directions. Placenta 2023; 142:27-35. [PMID: 37634371 PMCID: PMC11257151 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.08.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The placenta plays a critical role in fetal development. It serves as a multi-functional organ that protects and nurtures the fetus during pregnancy. However, despite its importance, the intricacies of placental structure and function in normal and diseased states have remained largely unexplored. Thus, in 2014, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development launched the Human Placenta Project (HPP). As of May 2023, the HPP has awarded over $101 million in research funds, resulting in 41 funded studies and 459 publications. We conducted a comprehensive review of these studies and publications to identify areas of funded research, advances in those areas, limitations of current research, and continued areas of need. This paper will specifically review the funded studies by the HPP, followed by an in-depth discussion on advances and gaps within placental-focused imaging. We highlight the progress within magnetic reasonance imaging and ultrasound, including development of tools for the assessment of placental function and structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Herrera
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Parkland Health Dallas, Texas, USA; Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Meredith J Kim
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Quyen N Do
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David M Owen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Parkland Health Dallas, Texas, USA; Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Baowei Fei
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Advanced Imaging Research Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Diane M Twickler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Parkland Health Dallas, Texas, USA; Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Catherine Y Spong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Parkland Health Dallas, Texas, USA
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Khoury-Collado F, Newton JM, Brook OR, Carusi DA, Shrivastava VK, Crosland BA, Fox KA, Khandelwal M, Karam AK, Bennett KA, Sandlin AT, Shainker SA, Einerson BD, Belfort MA. Surgical Techniques for the Management of Placenta Accreta Spectrum. Am J Perinatol 2023; 40:970-979. [PMID: 37336214 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1761636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
The surgical management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is often challenging. There are a variety of techniques and management options described in the literature ranging from uterine sparing to cesarean hysterectomy. Following the inaugural meeting of the Pan-American Society for Placenta Accreta Spectrum a multidisciplinary group collaborated to describe collective recommendations for the surgical management of PAS. In this manuscript, we outline individual components of the procedure and provide suggested direction at key points of a cesarean hysterectomy in the setting of PAS. KEY POINTS: · The surgical management of PAS requires careful planning and expertise.. · Multidisciplinary team care for pregnancies complicated by PAS can decrease morbidity and mortality.. · Careful surgical techniques can minimize risk of significant hemorrhage by avoiding pitfalls..
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Affiliation(s)
- Fady Khoury-Collado
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
| | - J M Newton
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Olga R Brook
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniela A Carusi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vineet K Shrivastava
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Memorial Care Miller Children's & Women's Hospital, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Brian A Crosland
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Karin A Fox
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Meena Khandelwal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey
| | - Amer K Karam
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Kelly A Bennett
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Adam T Sandlin
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Scott A Shainker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brett D Einerson
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Michael A Belfort
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery, Anesthesiology and Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
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Abstract
Placenta accreta spectrum is a group of disorders involving abnormal trophoblastic invasion to the deep layers of endometrium and myometrium. Placenta accrete spectrum is one of the major causes of severe maternal morbidity, with increasing incidence in the past decade mainly secondary to an increase in cesarean deliveries. Severity varies depending on the depth of invasion, with the most severe form, known as percreta, invading uterine serosa or surrounding pelvic organs. Diagnosis is usually achieved by ultrasound, and MRI is sometimes used to assess invasion. Management usually involves a hysterectomy at the time of delivery. Other strategies include delayed hysterectomy or expectant management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Abdelwahab
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
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Nassar M, Abdallah W, Atallah D. Intraoperative Ultrasound in the Management of Placenta Accreta Spectrum: Waste of Time or Valuable Step. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2023; 42:931-933. [PMID: 36031777 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is increasing worldwide paralleling the rising surge of the cesarean section rate. It is well known that sonographic screening for PAS in the second trimester in high-risk patients can predict and reduce major intraoperative hemorrhage during a cesarean hysterectomy. We report the importance of intraoperative ultrasound in the management PAS disorders. It has a crucial role in the reassessment of the placenta location and invasion, reconsidering the cesarean hysterectomy, localization of the hysterotomy, the bladder dissection, and in the conservative treatment. Workshops and hands-on training in intraoperative ultrasound among surgeons must be supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malek Nassar
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Clinique de Diagnostic Prénatal, Zalka, Lebanon
| | - Wael Abdallah
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Clinique de Diagnostic Prénatal, Zalka, Lebanon
| | - David Atallah
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Al-Khan A, Alshowaikh K, Krishnamoorthy K, Saber S, Alvarez M, Pappas L, Mannion C, Kayaalp E, Francis A, Alvarez-Perez J. Pulsatile vessel at the posterior bladder wall: A new sonographic marker for placenta percreta. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2022; 48:1149-1156. [PMID: 35233884 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated using "pulsatile vessels at the posterior bladder wall" as a novel sonographic marker to demonstrate the severity of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). METHODS This observational case-control study of 30 pregnant women was performed at Hackensack Meridian Health's Center for Abnormal Placentation in 2020. The case group was made up of women with historically described sonographic signs of PAS and was compared against two control groups: (1) women with uncomplicated placenta previa and (2) women with no evidence of placenta previa sonographically. All patients were evaluated with Color Flow Doppler ultrasound to assess the presence of arterial vessels at the posterior bladder wall. The flow characteristics and resistance indices (RI) were noted in the presence of pulsatile vessels. All patients' placentation was clinically confirmed at delivery. Patients with clinical invasive placentation underwent histopathological diagnosis to confirm disease presence. RESULTS Hundred percent of subjects in our series with suspected PAS exhibited pulsatile arterial vessels at the posterior bladder wall sonographically with a low RI of 0.38 ± 0.1 at an average of 24.6 ± 5.2 gestational weeks. Cases were histopathologically confirmed to have placenta percreta after delivery. Patients in either of the control groups did not display pulsatile vessels at the posterior bladder wall during antenatal sonographic evaluations and had no clinical evidence of PAS. CONCLUSION The presence of posterior urinary bladder wall pulsatile arterial vessels with low RI, in addition to traditional sonographic markers increases the suspicion of severe PAS. Thus, these findings allow for the greater opportunity for coordination of patient care prior to delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulla Al-Khan
- Center for Abnormal Placentation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Hackensack-Meridian Health, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack, New Jersey, USA
| | - Khadija Alshowaikh
- Center for Abnormal Placentation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Hackensack-Meridian Health, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kaila Krishnamoorthy
- Center for Abnormal Placentation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Hackensack-Meridian Health, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Shelley Saber
- Center for Abnormal Placentation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Hackensack-Meridian Health, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack, New Jersey, USA
| | - Manuel Alvarez
- Center for Abnormal Placentation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Hackensack-Meridian Health, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack, New Jersey, USA
| | - Leigh Pappas
- Center for Abnormal Placentation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Hackensack-Meridian Health, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ciaran Mannion
- Center for Abnormal Placentation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Hackensack-Meridian Health, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack, New Jersey, USA
| | - Emre Kayaalp
- Center for Abnormal Placentation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Hackensack-Meridian Health, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack, New Jersey, USA
| | - Antonia Francis
- Center for Abnormal Placentation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Hackensack-Meridian Health, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jesus Alvarez-Perez
- Center for Abnormal Placentation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Hackensack-Meridian Health, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack, New Jersey, USA
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Shih JC, Kang J, Tsai SJ, Lee JK, Liu KL, Huang KY. The "rail sign": an ultrasound finding in placenta accreta spectrum indicating deep villous invasion and adverse outcomes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 225:292.e1-292.e17. [PMID: 33744177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasound has demonstrated a high accuracy in the prenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum. However, it is not known whether ultrasound findings can pinpoint the depths of villous invasion, recommend surgical strategies, and predict clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE We described an ultrasound descriptor for the placenta accreta spectrum and investigated whether it can predict the severity of villous invasion and clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN The patients with placenta accreta spectrum in this retrospective cross-sectional study were diagnosed and managed in our hospital from 2002 to 2017. The placenta, with overlying myometrium and bladder, was mapped with color Doppler sonography while the patient's bladder was full. A "rail sign" was defined as 2 parallel neovascularizations depicted by color Doppler sonography over the uterovesical junction and bladder mucosa, with interconnecting bridging vessels perpendicular to both. The patients received serial ultrasound examinations and surgery at our hospital. An unpaired t test and Pearson chi-square test compared the pathology subtypes, surgical strategies, and clinical outcomes in patients with or without a rail sign. RESULTS We enrolled 133 consecutive cases of placenta accreta spectrum confirmed either by surgical inspection or pathology examination. Patients with a rail sign had a significantly higher risk of an abnormally invasive placenta (placenta increta or placenta percreta) than those patients without a rail sign (83.3% [60 of 72] vs 27.9% [17 of 61]; odds ratio, 12.94; P<.001). In addition, patients with a rail sign had a higher probability of perioperative approaches, including preoperative vascular control (58.3% [42 of 72] vs 21.3% [13 of 61]; odds ratio, 5.17; P<.001) and uterine artery embolization (34.7% [25 of 72] vs 11.5% [7 of 61]; odds ratio, 4.1; P=.0002]. Furthermore, patients with a rail sign carried a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes than patients without a rail sign, such as blood transfusion (80.6% [58 of 72] vs 36.1% [22 of 61]; odds ratio, 7.34; P<.001], admission to the intensive care unit (33.3% [24 of 72] vs 16.4% [10 of 61]; odds ratio, 2.55; P=.026), hysterectomy (75% [54 of 72] vs 24.6% [15 of 61]; odds ratio, 9.2; P<.001), and bladder invasion (16.7% [12 of 72] vs 4.9% [3 of 61]; odds ratio, 3.86; P=.033). Notably, the negative predictive value of bladder invasion was 95.1%, indicating a high confidence to reject bladder invasion while the rail sign was negative. When the rail sign was used as a screening test, the positive likelihood ratio of predicting deep villous invasion was 3.64 and correlated with an increased probability of 20% to 25%. Patients with a rail sign also had a greater blood loss (2944±2748 mL vs 1530±1895 mL; P<.001) and a longer hospital stay (11.9±10.9 days vs 8.6±7.1 days; P=.036) than patients without a rail sign. CONCLUSION A "rail sign" depicted by color Doppler sonography correlates with deeper villous invasion, additional perioperative approaches, and more adverse outcomes.
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