ABSTRACT
To determine the frequency of abruptio placentae and to find out associated risk factors and out come. Cross-sectional study. The Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit II, Jinnah Postgraduate MedicalCentre [JPMC], Karachi over one year period from July 2004 to June 2005. This study includes those patients who were brought to JPMC, Karachi with abruptio placentae after 28 weeks of pregnancy. Local causes of bleeding per vagina, placentae previa and ruptured uterus were excluded from the study both clinically and with the help of ultrasound. Total number of deliveries during one year from July 2004 to June 2005 was 4497. Total number of patients with placental abruptio were 102, making an incidence of 1:44 deliveries [2.26%]. Eight cases were booked while rest of the patients were nonbooked. Hypertension, preeclampsia [37.2%], anaemia 34.3% and grand multiparty were most common associated risk factors. Maternal age had no significant relation to occurrence of abruptio placentae. Most of the patients presented with bleeding per vaginum [93%] followed by onset of labour pains [80%]. Maternal morbidity was high. Most common complication was anaemia 34.4% followed by post partum infection [> 14%] Perinatal mortality was significantly high [62.5%]. There was only one maternal death due to irreversible shock. Incidence of abruption placenta is high [2.26%]. Resultant maternal morbidity and perinatal mortality is significant. This calls for early detection, regular visits, and special surveillance. There should be timely referral to tertiary care centre