Analysis of 62 placental abruption cases: Risk factors and clinical outcomes

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and outcomes of placental abruption.

Materials and methods: A total of 62 placental abruption cases were collected from the Second Hospital of Jilin University between January 2007 and December 2012. A retrospective study was conducted to explore the risk factors for placental abruption, clinical characteristics, and maternal and fetal outcomes.

Results: Risk factors for placental abruption mainly include preeclampsia (39%) and premature rupture of membrane (10%). Abdominal pain (68%) and bleeding (35%) comprise the classical symptoms of placental abruption but the clinical picture varies from asymptomatic, in which the diagnosis is made by inspection of the placenta at delivery, to massive abruption leading to fetal death and severe maternal morbidity. Emergency cesarean section was performed in 45 cases (73%) of placental abruption. Sixty-two placental abruption cases were divided into 2 groups according to whether uteroplacental apoplexy occurred. The incidence of preeclampsia and the duration (time between on-set of clinical symptom and placenta delivery) in the observational group were significantly higher than that of the control group, showing statistical significance (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: The diagnosis of placental abruption should consider risk factors, symptoms, physical signs, dynamic ultrasound monitoring, and cardiac care. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve maternal and infant prognosis.

Keywords: Placental abruption; Postpartum hemorrhage; Pre-eclampsia; Pregnancy outcome; Risk factors.