Early first-trimester transvaginal ultrasound screening for Cesarean scar pregnancy in patients with previous Cesarean delivery: analysis of the evidence.

Obstetric hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. An important etiology of obstetric hemorrhage is placenta accreta spectrum. In the last two decades, there has been increased clinical experience of the devastating effect of undiagnosed, as well as late diagnosed, cases of Cesarean scar pregnancy. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that Cesarean scar pregnancy is an early precursor of second- and third-trimester placenta accreta spectrum. As such, Cesarean scar pregnancy should be diagnosed in the early first trimester. This early diagnosis could be achieved by introducing regimented sonographic screening in pregnancies of patients with previous Cesarean delivery. This Opinion article evaluates the scientific and clinical basis of whether Cesarean scar pregnancy, with special focus on its early first-trimester discovery, complies with the accepted requirements of a screening test. Each of the 10 classical screening criteria of Wilson and Jungner were systematically applied to evaluate if the criteria were met by Cesarean scar pregnancy, to analyze if it is possible and realistic to carry out screening in a population-wide fashion.

Comparative study of the prevalence of organ injury in placenta accreta spectrum disorder between posterior colpotomy and conventional peripartum hysterectomies at a single referral center in southern Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of adjacent organ injury in placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PAS) between the posterior colpotomy approach and conventional peripartum hysterectomy. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the data of pregnant women diagnosed with PAS who underwent peripartum hysterectomy at Songklanagarind Hospital between January 2006 and December 2021. The patients were divided into two groups: posterior colpotomy and conventional approaches. The characteristics and surgical and obstetric outcomes were compared. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors and risk of organ injury. RESULTS: Among 174 patients, 64 underwent conventional peripartum hysterectomy, and 110 underwent the posterior colpotomy approach. The overall incidence of adjacent organ injury was 17.82%. Organ injury prevalence was lower in the posterior colpotomy group (10%) than in the conventional group (31.25%), with no difference in operative time. Multivariate analysis showed that posterior colpotomy reduced adjacent organ injury (odds ratio [OR] 0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06-0.54, P = 0.002). Placenta percreta was associated with increased injury risk (OR 6.83, 95% CI 2.53-18.44, P < 0.002). Subgroup analysis showed that the posterior approach reduced bladder injury in placenta increta (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.04-0.57, P = 0.003) and percreta (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.77, P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Compared with conventional peripartum hysterectomy, the posterior colpotomy approach in patients with PAS reduced the risk of adjacent organ injury, particularly for placenta increta and percreta. This technique should be considered in PAS cases, but further investigations with a prospective study design are needed.

A Novel Approach for Conservative Management of Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorder Cases: Experience of a Single Surgeon: PAS Disorders and Conservative Management.

Background: This study is aimed at evaluating the conservative surgical treatment of patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder and at presenting the experience of a single surgeon. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 245 patients with placenta previa accompanied by PAS disorders operated at a university hospital between June 2013 and December 2023. The diagnosis of PAS was made by a single perinatologist using a combination of transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasonography. All patients were operated with conservative surgical technique by the same surgeon. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, the anesthesia and incision types used, and the details of the surgical technique were evaluated. Results: Of the patients, 165 were operated on at the scheduled time, 80 were operated on under emergency conditions, and 232 (94.69%) of them were operated on under spinal anesthesia. All patients were operated on with a Pfannenstiel incision followed by a transverse incision to the upper border of the placenta to enter into the uterus. An average of 0.52 units of red blood cells per patient was transfused to all patients. Spontaneous intra-abdominal bleeding developed in five patients, and surgical complications occurred in eight patients. No cesarean hysterectomy was performed, and no maternal mortality was detected in any of the cases. The mean time duration of surgery was 54.44 ± 11.37 (30-90) min, and the mean length of hospital stay was 1.71 ± 1.30 (1-9) days. Conclusions: We recommend this procedure as a novel technique and a robust and safe alternative to peripartum hysterectomy and other conservative surgical management procedures for cases with complete PP accompanied with PAS. This technique preserves the uterus as well as reduces blood loss, and transfusion requirement, and thus maternal morbidity and mortality in PAS cases.

Intraoperative and Postoperative Outcomes of Pfannenstiel and Midline Skin Incisions in Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders: Single-Center Experience.

Background: We compared Pfannenstiel and midline skin incisions for cesarean hysterectomy in women with confirmed Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders. Aims: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of Pfannenstiel and midline skin incisions in women undergoing cesarean section hysterectomy for suspected placenta accreta at Akdeniz University Hospital between January 2010 and February 2022. Histopathological confirmation was obtained for all cases. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative data, along with neonatal outcomes, were extracted from the hospital's electronic database. Possible complaints related to the incision site or other issues (e.g., vaginal dryness or sexual life) were identified through telephone interviews. Subjects were stratified into Pfannenstiel and midline incision cohorts, with subsequent data comparison. Results: Data from 67 women with a histopathologically confirmed PAS diagnosis were analyzed. Of these, 49 (73.1%) underwent Pfannenstiel incision, and 18 (26.9%) had a midline skin incision. Incisions were based on the surgeon's experience. Pfannenstiel incision was more common in antepartum hemorrhage, preoperative hemorrhage, and emergency surgery (p = 0.02, p = 0.014, p = 0.002, respectively). Hypogastric artery ligation occurred in 30 cases (61.2%) in the Pfannenstiel group but none in the midline group. Cosmetic dissatisfaction and sexual problems were more prevalent in the midline group (p < 0.05, all). Preoperative and postoperative blood parameters, transfused blood products, and neonatal outcomes were similar between the two groups. Conclusions: Relaparotomy, bladder injury, blood loss, and need for blood transfusion were more prevalent in the Pfannenstiel group, while greater dissatisfaction with the incision was observed in the midline incision group. Midline incision seems to be more favorable in patients with Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS). Patients may be informed regarding the worse cosmetic outcomes and possible sexual problems related to vaginal dryness when midline laparotomy is planned. But before opting for a Pfannenstiel incision, patients should receive comprehensive information regarding the potential risks of relaparotomy and bladder injury.

Antenatal reproductive screening for pregnant people including preconception: Provides the best reproductive opportunity for informed consent, quality, and safety.

INTRODUCTION: This antenatal screening review will include reproductive screening evidence and approaches for pre-conception and post-conception, using first to third trimester screening opportunities. METHODS: Focused antenatal screening peer-reviewed publications were evaluated and summarized. RESULTS: Evidenced-based reproductive antenatal screening elements should be offered and discussed, with the pregnancy planning or pregnant person, during Preconception (genetic carrier screening for reproductive partners, personal and family (including reproductive partner) history review for increased genetic and pregnancy morbidity risks); First Trimester (fetal dating with ultrasound; fetal aneuploidy screening plus consideration for expanded fetal morbidity criteria, if appropriate; pregnant person preeclampsia screening; early fetal anatomy screening; early fetal cardiac screening); Second Trimester for standard fetal anatomy screening (18-22 weeks) including cardiac; pregnant person placental and cord pathology screening; pregnant person preterm birth screening with cervical length measurement); Third Trimester (fetal growth surveillance; continued preterm birth risk surveillance). CONCLUSION: Antenatal reproductive screening has multiple elements, is complex, is time-consuming, and requires the use of pre- and post-testing counselling for most screening elements. The use of preconception and trimesters 'one to three' requires clear patient understanding and buy-in. Informed consent and knowledge transfer is a main goal for antenatal reproductive screening approaches.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum in Normal Situated Placenta and Unscarred Uterus.

Placenta accreta, one of the morbidly adherent placenta components and currently known as placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), is a condition characterized by abnormal adherence of the placenta to the uterine wall. This can lead to significant blood loss and may lead to high morbidity and mortality rates for the mother. It is a failure of placenta separation during the third stage of labor, which is thought to be high prevalence in those with previous cesarean delivery, especially with the presence of placenta previa. However, PAS is possible in cases of a normally-situated placenta without previous cesarean delivery. We reported an interesting case of a 41-year-old woman, gravida 8 para 7, admitted to the labor room for augmentation of labor, who needed emergency lower segment cesarean section. The incidental finding of PAS was made intraoperatively and was complicated with a hysterectomy. PAS in a normally situated placenta (upper segment) in a virgin abdomen that has been discovered during emergency lower segment cesarean section could cause a nightmare to the obstetrician as it leads to massive postpartum hemorrhage, ureteric injury, and high maternal morbidity and mortality.

MiR-424-5p Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, Invasion and Angiogenesis of the HTR-8/SVneo Cells Through Targeting LRP6 Mediated ß-catenin.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of miR-424-5p on biological behaviors and angiogenesis of the HTR-8/SVneo Cells. Our study included 60 parturient women, which were divided into an PA group (placenta accreta, n = 30) and a normal group (normal placenta, n = 30). QPCR was used to measure the expression of miR-424-5p in placental tissues. The effects of the miR-424-5p mimic on proliferation, migration, and invasion of human HTR-8/SVneo cells and angiogenesis were analyzed. The potential modulated relationship between miR-424-5p and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-6 (LRP6) was demonstrated by luciferase assay. The expression of LRP6, ß-catenin, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), placental growth factor (PGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured by qPCR and Western blot assays. The expression of miR-424-5p in the PA group was significantly decreased than that in the normal group. The expression of miR-424-5p has negative correlation with blood loss. Upregulation of miR-424-5p significantly suppressed the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells in vitro, as well as the tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The luciferase assay demonstrated that LRP6 was a target of miR-424-5p. The expression of LRP6, ß-catenin, MMP-2, PGF and VEGF were also decreased with upregulation of miR-424-5p (p < 0.05). The inhibitory effects of miR-424-5p on HTR-8/SVneo cells and angiogenesis were enhanced by downregulation of LRP6, but were reversed by upregulation of LRP6. The present study suggests that downregulation of miR-424-5p is related to the occurrence of PA. Enhancing miR-424-5p inhibits proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of the HTR-8/SVneo cells through targeting LRP6 mediated ß-catenin, providing more insights about PA.

Usefulness of low-cost simulation models to learning surgical techniques for placenta accreta spectrum: An observational educational study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of low-cost simulation models to teach surgical techniques for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), included in a multimodal education workshop for PAS. METHODS: This was an observational, survey-based study. Participants were surveyed before and after the use of low-fidelity mannequins to simulate two surgical techniques for PAS (one-step conservative surgery [OSCS] and modified subtotal hysterectomy [MSTH]), within a multimodal educational workshop. The workshops included pre-course preparation, didactics, simulated practice of the techniques using low-cost models, and viewing live surgery. RESULTS: Six OSCS/MSTH training workshops occurred across six countries and a total of 270 participants were surveyed. The responses of 127 certified obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYNs) were analyzed. Participants expressed favorable impressions of all components of the simulated session. Perceived anatomical simulator fidelity, scenario realism, educational component effectiveness, and self-assessed performance improvement received ratings of 4-5 (positive end of the Likert scale) from over 90% of respondents. When asked about simulation's role in technique comprehension, comfort level in technique performance, and likelihood of recommending this workshop to others, more than 75% of participants rated these aspects with a score of 4-5 (positively) on the five-point scale. CONCLUSION: Low-cost simulation, within a multimodal education strategy, is a well-accepted intervention for teaching surgical techniques for PAS.

Innovative hemostasis technique for cesarean section in placenta previa: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate hemostatic efficacy, complications, and subsequent pregnancy outcomes in women with placenta previa who underwent combined vertical compression sutures in the lower uterine segment and intrauterine balloon tamponade (Hot-Dog method) to achieve hemostasis after cesarean section. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data for 117 women with singleton pregnancy diagnosed with placenta previa who underwent cesarean section between 29 and 38 weeks' gestation. Treatments were as follows: (1) conventional-intravenous oxytocin administration after placental detachment and suturing of bleeding points at the detachment site as needed (conventional group) (n = 47). (2) Intrauterine balloon tamponade alone (balloon group) (n = 41). (3) Vertical compression sutures + intrauterine balloon tamponade (Hot-Dog group) (n = 29). RESULTS: The placenta accreta spectrum prevalence was significantly higher in the balloon and Hot-Dog groups versus the conventional group. The prevalence of anteriorly located placenta was significantly higher in the Hot-Dog versus balloon groups. Intraoperative and total blood loss were significantly higher in the Hot-Dog versus conventional groups. Postoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the Hot-Dog versus balloon groups. Fewer additional procedures for managing postoperative hemorrhage were required in the Hot-Dog versus conventional and balloon groups. The number of subsequent pregnancies in the conventional, balloon, and Hot-Dog groups was 11 (23.4%), 8 (19.5%), and 4 (13.8%), respectively; all resulted in live births at term without serious obstetric complications. CONCLUSION: The Hot-Dog method is a straightforward and safe hemostasis technique for placenta previa that preserves fertility and controls severe bleeding.

MR Evaluation of Placenta Accreta Spectrum: Concordance Rates and Effect of Structured Reporting on Patient Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the concordance rate of MRI findings with intraoperative and pathologic findings in patients with Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS), as well as the use of structured reporting, and their relationship to clinical outcomes. METHODS: An IRB approved retrospective chart review was performed for patients with a history of cesarean delivery, a diagnosis of PAS on post-operative pathology report, and a placental MRI prior to delivery between 2008-2022. Concordance rates were calculated between final MRI, ultrasound, operative, and pathologic diagnoses, as well as impact on clinical outcomes. Quantitative variables were analyzed using a t-test. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-squared and Fischer's exact tests. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients met initial inclusion criteria. Of these 59 patients, 8 (13.6%) were interpreted using structured reporting. Discordance between preoperative imaging, operative findings and final pathology diagnoses were associated with increased blood loss, blood transfusion, ICU admission, and postpartum length of stay. Structured reporting was found to significantly reduce the amount of diagnostic discordance (p=.017) and was associated with decreased ICU admissions when utilized (p=.045). CONCLUSIONS: Use of structured reporting in the interpretation of placental MRI may decrease the amount of discordance between imaging and intraoperative or pathologic diagnoses, which in our study is associated with improved patient outcomes including decreased blood loss and amount of blood transfused. Radiologists must be cognizant of key imaging features of PAS on MRI, as interpretation provides an opportunity to positively impact the quality and safety of patient care.

Evaluation of maternal serum protein biomarkers in the prenatal evaluation of placenta accreta spectrum: A systematic scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is an increasingly commonly reported condition due to the continuous increase in the rate of cesarean deliveries (CD) worldwide; however, the prenatal screening for pregnant patients at risk of PAS at birth remains limited, in particular when imaging expertise is not available. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two major electronic databases (MEDLINE and Embase) were searched electronically for articles published in English between October 1992 and January 2023 using combinations of the relevant medical subject heading terms and keywords. Two independent reviewers selected observational studies that provided data on one or more measurement of maternal blood-specific biomarker(s) during pregnancies with PAS at birth. PRISMA Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) was used to extract data and report results. RESULTS: Of the 441 reviewed articles, 29 met the inclusion criteria reporting on 34 different biomarkers. 14 studies were retrospective and 15 prospective overall including 18 251 participants. Six studies had a cohort design and the remaining a case-control design. Wide clinical heterogeneity was found in the included studies. In eight studies, the samples were obtained in the first trimester; in five, the samples were collected on hospital admission for delivery; and in the rest, the samples were collected during the second and/or third trimester. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of serum biomarkers, some of which have been or are still used in screening for other pregnancy complications, could contribute to the prenatal evaluation of patients at risk of PAS at delivery; however, important evidence gaps were identified for suitable cutoffs for most biomarkers, variability of gestational age at sampling and the potential overlap of the marker values with other placental-related complications of pregnancy.

Prolonged adhesiolysis to pregnancy interval is associated with placenta accreta spectrum in women with intrauterine adhesion.

BACKGROUND: Both the trauma of endometrium and hysteroscopic adhesiolysis can lead to a high rate of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in women with intrauterine adhesion (IUA). This study analysed the impact of time interval from adhesiolysis to pregnancy on PAS in IUA women. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with IUA who underwent adhesiolysis in Anhui Women and Children's Medical Centre between January 2016 and December 2020 were included in this case-series study. Clinical data were obtained from electronic medical records and telephone interviews. RESULTS: Among a total of 102 IUA women with successful pregnancies, 8 (7.8%) suffered from miscarriages with PAS, and 94 (92.2%), 47 with PAS and 47 without PAS, had successful delivery. The total prevalence of PAS in pregnant women with IUA was 53.9% (55/102). The average time from adhesiolysis to pregnancy in the PAS group was significantly longer than in the non-PAS group (14.2 ± 5.7 vs. 10.3 ± 4.4 months, p = 0.000). Regression analysis showed that AFS grade (OR = 7.40, 95% CI 1.38-39.73, p = 0.020) and adhesiolysis to pregnancy interval time between 12 and 24 months (OR = 12.09, 95% CI 3.76-38.83, p = 0.000) were closely related to PAS. A Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the median interval time to PAS was 16.00 months (95% CI 15.11-16.89). CONCLUSIONS: We assume that prolonged adhesiolysis to pregnancy interval may be considered a significant risk factor for PAS in IUA women.

Both the trauma of endometrium and hysteroscopic adhesiolysis can result in a high rate of placenta accreta spectrum in women with intrauterine adhesion. This study analysed the impact of time interval from adhesiolysis to pregnancy on placenta accreta spectrum in intrauterine adhesion women. This case-series study included patients diagnosed with intrauterine adhesion who underwent adhesiolysis in Anhui Women and Children's Medical Centre between January 2016 and December 2020. Clinical data were obtained from electronic medical records and telephone interviews. We assume that prolonged adhesiolysis to pregnancy interval may be considered a significant risk factor for placenta accreta spectrum in intrauterine adhesion women.

Maternal outcomes of conservative management and cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean hysterectomy as a traditional therapeutic maneuver for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) has been associated with serious morbidity, conservative management has been used in many institutions to treat women with PAS. This systematic review aims to compare maternal outcomes according to conservative management or cesarean hysterectomy in women with placenta accreta spectrum disorders. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and four Chinese databases (Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Wanfang database and VIP database) to May 2024. Included studies were to be retrospective or prospective in design and compare and report relevant maternal outcomes according to conservative management (the placenta left partially or totally in situ) or cesarean hysterectomy in women with PAS. A risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated for categorical outcomes and weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% CI for continuous outcomes. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to assess the observational studies. All analyses were performed using STATA version 18.0. RESULTS: Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with cesarean hysterectomy, PAS women undergoing conservative management showed lower estimated blood loss [WMD - 1623.83; 95% CI: -2337.87, -909.79], required fewer units of packed red blood cells [WMD - 2.37; 95% CI: -3.70, -1.04] and units of fresh frozen plasma transfused [WMD - 0.40; 95% CI: -0.62, -0.19], needed a shorter mean operating time [WMD - 73.69; 95% CI: -90.52, -56.86], and presented decreased risks of bladder injury [RR 0.24; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.50], ICU admission [RR 0.24; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.52] and coagulopathy [RR 0.20; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.74], but increased risk for endometritis [RR 10.91; 95% CI: 1.36, 87.59] and readmission [RR 8.99; 95% CI: 4.00, 12.21]. The incidence of primary or delayed hysterectomy rate was 25% (95% CI: 19-32, I2 = 40.88%) and the use of uterine arterial embolization rate was 78% (95% CI: 65-87, I2 = 48.79%) in conservative management. CONCLUSION: Conservative management could be an effective alternative to cesarean hysterectomy when women with PAS desire to preserve the uterus and are informed about the limitations of conservative management. PROSPERO ID: CRD42023484578.

Risk factors for non-previa placenta accreta spectrum in pregnancies conceived through frozen embryo transfer during a hormone replacement cycle in Japan.

Purpose: Non-previa placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART), particularly frozen embryo transfer during hormone replacement therapy (HRC-FET). We especially aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for non-previa PAS in HRC-FET pregnancies. Methods: Overall, 279 women who conceived through ART at three ART facilities and delivered at a single center were included in this retrospective study. Data regarding endometrial thickness at embryo transfer, previous histories, and type of embryo transfer-HRC-FET, frozen embryo transfer during a natural ovulatory cycle (NC-FET), and fresh embryo transfer (Fresh-ET)-were collected. Univariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: The prevalence of non-previa PAS was 27/192 (14.1%) in the HRC-FET group and 0 (0.0%) in both the NC-FET and Fresh-ET groups. Significantly high odds ratio [95% confidence interval] of non-previa PAS was associated with a history of artificial abortion (6.45 [1.98-21.02]), endometrial thickness <8.0 mm (6.11 [1.06-35.12]), resolved low-lying placenta (5.73 [2.13-15.41]), multiparity (2.90 [1.26-6.69]), polycystic ovarian syndrome (2.62 [1.02-6.71]), and subchorionic hematoma (2.49 [1.03-6.04]). Conclusions: A history of artificial abortion, endometrial thickness <8.0 mm, and resolved low-lying placenta may help in antenatal detection of a high-risk population of non-previa PAS in HRC-FET pregnancies.

Looking back to look forward: Has the time arrived for active management of obstetricians in placenta accreta spectrum?

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a relatively new obstetric condition which, until recently, was poorly understood. The true incidence is unknown because of the poor quality and heterogeneous diagnostic criteria. Classification systems have attempted to provide clarity on how to grade and diagnose PAS, but these are no longer reflective of our current understanding of PAS. This is particularly true for placenta percreta, which referred to extrauterine disease, as recent studies have demonstrated that placental villi associated with PAS have minimal potential to invade beyond the uterine serosa. It is accepted that PAS is a direct consequence of previous iatrogenic uterine injury, most commonly a previous cesarean section. Here, we "look back to look forwards"-starting with the primary predisposing factor for PAS, an iatrogenic uterine injury and subsequent wound healing. We then consider the evolution of definitions and diagnostic criteria of PAS from its first description over a century ago to current classifications. Finally, we discuss why modifications to the current classifications are needed to allow accurate diagnosis of this rare but life-threatening complication, while avoiding overdiagnosis and potential patient harm.

Outcome evaluation of prophylactic internal iliac balloon occlusion in the management of patients with placenta accreta spectrum.

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes and complications of prophylactic internal iliac balloon occlusion (PIIBO) in the management of patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) at a large regional referral centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all PIIBO for PAS performed over a 12-year period (2010-2022). Information for analysis was gathered from the local RIS/PACS and clinical documentation. Collected data included patient demographics, indication for procedure, sheath insertion and removal time, total duration of balloon inflation and complications that occurred. RESULTS: 106 patients underwent temporary internal iliac artery balloon occlusion within the 12-year period. All procedures utilised bilateral common femoral artery punctures, 6Fr sheath and 5Fr Le Maitre occlusion balloons. Catheters were successfully positioned and balloons inflated in obstetric theatre following caesarean delivery in 100% of the cases. The uterus was conserved in every case. There was no maternal mortality or foetal morbidity. Twenty patients (18.9%) had some form of complication that required further intervention. Of these, 7(6.6%) had post-operative PPH, which was treated with uterine artery embolisation; and 13 (12.3%) had arterial thrombus which required aspiration thrombectomy. All procedures were technically successful with no long-term sequelae. CONCLUSION: PIIBO plays an important part in reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with PAS. Clear pathways and multidisciplinary team working is critical in the management of these patients to ensure that any complications are dealt with promptly to avoid long-term sequelae.

Emergency delivery in pregnancies at high probability of placenta accreta spectrum on prenatal imaging: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders are associated with a high risk of maternal morbidity, especially when surgery is performed in emergency conditions. In this context we aimed to report on the incidence of emergency cesarean section (CS) in patients with a high probability of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders on prenatal imaging and to compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes of patients requiring compared to those not requiring an emergency CS. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, Cochrane and Clinicaltrial.gov databases were searched. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Case-control studies reporting the outcome of pregnancies with high probability of PAS on prenatal imaging confirmed at birth delivered by unplanned emergency CS for maternal or fetal indications compared to those who had a planned elective CS. The outcomes observed were the occurrence of emergency CS, incidence of placenta accreta and increta/percreta, preterm birth < 34 weeks of gestation and indications for emergency delivery. We analyzed and compared the outcomes of patients with emergency CS with those with elective including: estimated blood loss (EBL) (ml), number of packed red blood cells (PRBC) units transfused and blood products transfused, transfusion of more than 4 units of PRBC ureteral, bladder or bowel injury, disseminated intra-vascular coagulation (DIC), re-laparotomy after the primary surgery, maternal infection or fever, wound infection, vesicouterine or vesicovaginal fistula, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, maternal death, composite neonatal morbidity, admission to NICU, fetal or neonatal loss, Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes, neonatal birthweight. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHOD: Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for case-control and cohort studies Random-effect meta-analyses of proportions, risk and mean differences were used to combine the data. RESULTS: Eleven studies with 1290 pregnancies complicated by PAS were included in the systematic review. Emergency CS was reported in 36.2% (95% CI 28.1-44.9) pregnancies with PAS at birth, of which 80.3% (95% CI 36.5-100) occurred before 34 weeks of gestation. The main indication for emergency CS was antepartum bleeding which complicated 61.8% (95% CI 32.1-87.4) of the cases. Emergent CS had a higher EBL during surgery (pooled MD 595 ml, 95% CI 116.1-1073.9, p< 0.001), PRBC (pooled MD 2.3 units, 95% CI 0.99-3.6, p< 0.001) and blood products (pooled MD 3.0, 95% CI 1.1-4.9, p= 0.002) transfused compared to scheduled CS. Patients with emergency CS had a higher risk of requiring transfusion of more than 4 units of PRBC (OR: 3. 8, 95% CI 1.7-4.9; p= 0.002) bladder injury (OR: 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-4.00; p= 0.003), DIC (OR 6.1, 95% CI 3.1-13.1; p<0.001) and admission to ICU (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1. 4-3.3; p<0.001). Newborns delivered in emergency had a higher risk of adverse composite neonatal outcome (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.4-4.7; p= 0.019), admission to NICU (OR: 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.6; p= 0.029), Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.5-4. 9; p= 0.002) and fetal or neonatal loss (OR: 8.2, 95% CI 2.5-27.4; p<0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency CD complicates about 35% of pregnancies affected by PAS disorders and is associated with a higher risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcome. Large prospective studies are needed to evaluate the clinical and imaging signs that can identify those patients with a high probability of PAS at birth, at risk of requiring an emergency CS, intrapartum hemorrhage and peri-partum hysterectomy.

Is temporary clamping of the bilateral common iliac artery beneficial in reducing intraoperative blood loss in patients with segmental resected anterior placenta percreta?: A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate whether temporary clamping of the bilateral common iliac artery (BCIA) has a role in reducing intraoperative blood loss in patients with segmentally resected anterior placenta percreta or not. METHODS: This prospective observational study included patients with anterior placenta percreta who underwent cesarean segmental resection either with BCIA temporary clamping or without clamping between October 2022 and September 2023. RESULTS: A comparison of demographic, obstetric, and surgical parameters and the need for transfusion (except for postoperative erythrocyte suspension transfusion) between the two groups revealed no significant difference (P > 0.05). In contrast, the amount of intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.001) (1974 ± 749 mL vs 2702 ± 615 mL) and postoperative erythrocyte suspension transfusion (P = 0.046) in patients who underwent BCIA temporary clamping were significantly lower than in those who did not undergo BCIA temporary clamping. CONCLUSION: Temporary clamping of BCIA plays a significant favorable role both in reducing blood loss and the need for postoperative transfusion in patients with placenta percreta who underwent segmental uterine resection.

[Placenta accreta: a retrospective descriptive study of 46 patients treated in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia]. / Placenta accreta: étude descriptive rétrospective de 46 cas pris en charge au Service de Gynécologie-obstétrique du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Farhat Hached de Sousse, Tunisie.

Placenta accreta is a rare but serious placental attachment abnormality. The aim of this study is to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, para-clinical and evolutionary features of placenta accreta, to investigate the therapeutic management and to assess maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study of patients with histologically confirmed placenta accreta in the obstetrics and gynaecology department of the Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse, over a 4-year period from 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2019. The epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary data were collected from patients´ medical records and operative reports. In our series, we identified 46 cases of placenta accreta. The average age of our patients was 35±4.61 years. Each of our patients had a scarred uterus. The average term of delivery was 34 weeks of amenorrhoea and the mode of delivery was caesarean section for all our patients. First-line hysterectomy was performed in 40 patients and conservative treatment in 6. Sixteen patients developed maternal complications. No maternal death was observed. Placenta accreta is a rare condition associated with significant maternal and foetal morbidity.