RESUMO
To determine the frequency of risk factors and feto-maternal outcome in patients with placenta abruption. Descriptive study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit-II, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi from January 2002 to December 2002. A total of 54 patients with placental abruption were studied. All the data collected through history, examination and investigations were recorded on a predesigned proforma and analyzed by computer. During the study period of one year, 4121 deliveries were conducted and 54 [1.3%] cases of placental abruption were found. Hypertension was the most common risk factor for placental abruption followed by polyhydramnios, preterm premature rupture of membranes, twin pregnancy and trauma. 33 [61.11%] delivered vaginally and remaining 21[38.89%] had emergency caesarean section for various indications. Out of 57 babies delivered, 36 [36.16%] were born alive and 21 [36.84%] were still born. Total perinatal deaths were 24 [42.10%]. Twenty nine [50.87%] of the babies were low birth weight and 14.24% babies were having congenital anomalies. Major maternal complication was primary postpartum haemorrhage. There was one maternal death due to disseminated intravascular coagulation secondary to massive haemorrhage. Abruption placentae is a major risk factor for maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Antenatal services should be provided to all women to reduce the incidence of abruption placentae