Placenta Praevia at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital; Sokoto: A 5-Year Review

ABSTRACT

Background: Placenta praevia is one of the most acute life-threatening obstetric emergencies. Its prompt management has been advocated to prevent associated morbidity and mortality. This study determines the incidence; risk factors; presentation; and maternal/fetal morbidity and mortality associated with placenta praevia in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital; Sokoto. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study; case notes of patients' that had placenta praevia from January 1; 2003 to December 31; 2007 were retrieved. Relevant data were extracted and analyzed using the Epi-info Version 3.5.1 statistical package. Results: The incidence of placenta praevia was 0.84. Grand multiparous women (50.0) were more affected than multiparous women (42.7). Majority (46.9) presented with vaginal bleeding after 28 weeks of gestation. The Major type of placenta paevia (77.1) occurred more than the Minor variety (22.9). The most common risk factor was previous abortion (18.75) while anemia (7.3while anemia (7.3) was the most common complication.) were delivered by Caesarean section. There was one (1.0) maternal mortality and 12 (12.5) perinatal deaths. Conclusions: Placenta praevia has a low incidence in the study population; is mainly of the Major type with identifiable risk factors and occur mainly in the 21-30 years age group and multiparous women. The major modes of presentations are vaginal bleeding and threatened abortion. Though maternal mortality is low perinatal mortality is high