Study on the correlation between endometriosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the correlation between endometriosis (EMS) and adverse obstetric outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective study 2,925 cesarean section cases were analyzed at the Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University, Department of Obstetrics, between May 2019 and December 2023. The study included 1,363 women diagnosed with endometriosis during pregnancy at the time of surgery (study group) and 1,562 women without such a diagnosis (control group). The comparative assessment covered the age of first-time mothers, number of pregnancies and births, gestational age at delivery, incidence rates of assisted reproductive technology (ART), spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, placenta previa, placental adhesion, and postpartum hemorrhage. RESULTS: The study group demonstrated a higher average age of first-time mothers, fewer pregnancies and births, and a significantly shorter gestational age at delivery (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. Incidences of primary infertility, spontaneous abortion, and ART utilization were higher in the study group. The occurrence of placenta previa, placental adhesion, and postpartum hemorrhage was also higher in the study group, indicating significant statistical differences (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in preterm birth rates between the groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pregnancy in women with endometriosis is associated with a higher likelihood of adverse outcomes, therefore highlighting the need for increased clinical awareness.

Prediction of hemorrhage in placenta previa: Radiomics analysis of pelvic MRI images.

INTRODUCTION: Prediction of intraoperative massive hemorrhage is still challenging in placenta previa. Radiomics analysis has been investigated as a new evaluation method for analyzing medical images. We used radiomics analysis on placental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images to predict intraoperative hemorrhage in placenta previa. METHODS: We used the sagittal MRI T2-weighted sequence in placenta previa. Using the rectangular region from the uterine os to the anterior wall, we extracted 97 radiomics features. We also collected patient demographics and blood test data as clinical variables. Combining these radiomics features and clinical variables, logistic regression models with a stepwise method were built to predict the risk of hemorrhage, defined as blood loss of > 2000 ml. We evaluated the prediction performance of the models using accuracy and area under the curve (AUC), also analyzing the important variables for the prediction by stepwise methods. RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 63 placenta previa cases including 30 hemorrhage cases from two institutes. The model combining clinical variables and radiomics features showed the best prediction performance with an accuracy of 0.70 and an AUC of 0.69 in the internal validation data, and accuracy of 0.41 and an AUC of 0.70 in the external validation data, compared with human experts (accuracy of 0.62). Regarding variable selection, two radiomics features. 'original_glrlm_LowGrayLevelRunEmphasis,' and 'diagnostics_Image-original_Minimum,' were important predictors for hemorrhage by the stepwise method. DISCUSSION: Radiomics features based on MRI could be used as effective predictive variables for hemorrhage in placenta previa. Radiomics analysis of placental imaging could lead to further analysis of quantitative variables related to obstetric diseases.

Placental T2WI MRI-based radiomics-clinical nomogram predicts suspicious placenta accreta spectrum in patients with placenta previa.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) increases in women with placenta previa (PP). Many radiologists sometimes cannot completely and accurately diagnose PAS through the simple visual feature analysis of images, which can affect later treatment decisions. The study is to develop a T2WI MRI-based radiomics-clinical nomogram and evaluate its performance for non-invasive prediction of suspicious PAS in patients with PP. METHODS: The preoperative MR images and related clinical data of 371 patients with PP were retrospectively collected from our hospital, and the intraoperative examination results were used as the reference standard of the PAS. Radiomics features were extracted from sagittal T2WI MR images and further selected by LASSO regression analysis. The radiomics score (Radscore) was calculated with logistic regression (LR) classifier. A nomogram integrating Radscore and selected clinical factors was also developed. The model performance was assessed with respect to discrimination, calibration and clinical usefulness. RESULTS: A total of 6 radiomics features and 1 clinical factor were selected for model construction. The Radscore was significantly associated with suspicious PAS in both the training (p < 0.001) and validation (p < 0.001) datasets. The AUC of the nomogram was also higher than that of the Radscore in the training dataset (0.891 vs. 0.803, p < 0.001) and validation dataset (0.897 vs. 0.780, p < 0.001), respectively. The calibration was good, and the decision curve analysis demonstrated the nomogram had higher net benefit than the Radscore. CONCLUSIONS: The T2WI MRI-based radiomics-clinical nomogram showed favorable diagnostic performance for predicting PAS in patients with PP, which could potentially facilitate the obstetricians for making clinical decisions.

Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes in Placenta Previa: A Comprehensive Review of Evidence.

Placenta previa poses significant risks to maternal and perinatal health, yet its management remains challenging. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence on maternal and perinatal outcomes in placenta previa, addressing its epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management strategies. Placenta previa complicates pregnancies, with increasing incidence linked to factors such as advanced maternal age and rising cesarean rates. Maternal complications, including hemorrhage and placenta accreta spectrum disorders, pose substantial risks. At the same time, perinatal outcomes are marked by increased rates of preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management, including antenatal corticosteroids and multidisciplinary care, are critical for optimizing outcomes. Future research should focus on improving diagnostic methods, evaluating novel interventions, and assessing long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. This review underscores the importance of informed clinical practice and ongoing research efforts to enhance outcomes for women and infants affected by placenta previa.

Conservative management of placenta previa-percreta with bladder invasion: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Placenta previa, accompanied by placenta percreta, which involves invasion of the bladder, presents a significant risk of excessive bleeding during and after delivery. This case highlights that prophylactic embolization, conservative surgery, and careful monitoring offer an effective approach to avoid hysterectomy in cases of placenta percreta with adjacent organ involvement. Abstract: Placenta previa complicated by placenta percreta is associated with a high risk of massive intra and post-partum hemorrhage. We present a case of a 35-year-old woman (G2 P1) who was referred to the Akbar-Abadi hospital at 13 weeks of gestation. Color Doppler ultrasound indicated complete placenta previa-percreta with bladder invasion. After induction of fetal demise, bilateral uterine and bladder artery endovascular embolization was conducted for the patient. After 48 h, under ultrasound guidance, surgical resection of residual percreta tissue was conducted as much as possible. Eight weeks later, a follow-up sonography showed the minimum residual placenta tissue and she regained menstrual cycles after 2 months. This case indicated that the combination of prophylactic embolization, conservative surgical management with placenta left in situ, and follow-up with serial color Doppler monitoring, is an optimum method to avoid hysterectomy in placenta percreta patient with adjacent organ invasion.

MRI Assessed Placental Location as a Diagnostic Tool of Placental Invasiveness and Maternal Peripartum Morbidity.

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder is one of the leading causes of peripartum maternal morbidity and mortality; its early identification during pregnancy is of utmost importance to ensure the optimal clinical outcome. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible association of the presence and type/location of placenta previa on MRI with PAS and maternal peripartum outcome. One hundred eighty-nine pregnant women (mean age: 35 years; mean gestational age: 32 weeks) at high risk for PAS underwent a dedicated placental MRI. All women underwent a C-section within 6 weeks from the MRI. All MRIs were evaluated by two experienced genitourinary radiologists for presence, type (complete/partial vs. marginal/low lying), and location (anterior vs. anterior-posterior vs. posterior) of placenta previa. Statistical analysis was performed for possible association of type/location of previa with placental invasiveness and peripartum outcomes. Intraoperative information was used as a reference standard. Complete/partial previa was detected in 143/189 (75.6%) and marginal/low lying previa in 33/189 (17.5%) women; in 88/189 (46.6%) women, the placenta had anterior-posterior, in 54/189 (28.6%) anterior and in 41/189 (21.7%) posterior. Complete/partial previa had an at least 3-fold probability of invasiveness and was more frequently associated with unfavorable peripartum events, including massive intraoperative blood loss or hysterectomy, compared to low-lying/marginal placenta. Posterior placental location was significantly associated with lower rates of PAS and better clinical outcomes. In conclusion, the type and location of placenta previa shown with MRI seems to be associated with severity of complications during delivery and should be carefully studied.

Differentiating placenta accreta spectrum from scar dehiscence with underlying, non-adherent placenta: A systematic review of scoring systems and primary data analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate discrimination between placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and scar dehiscence with underlying non-adherent placenta is challenging both on prenatal ultrasound and intraoperatively. This can lead to overdiagnosis of PAS and unnecessarily aggressive management of scar dehiscence which increases the risk of morbidity. Several scoring systems have been published which combine clinical and ultrasound information to help diagnose PAS in women at high risk. This research aims to provide insights into the reliability and utility of existing accreta scoring systems in differentiating these two closely related but different conditions to contribute to improved clinical decision making and patient outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was performed in four electronic databases. The references of relevant articles were also assessed. The articles were then evaluated according to the predefined inclusion criteria. Primary data for testing each scoring system were obtained retrospectively from two hospitals with specialized PAS services. Each scoring system was used to evaluate the predicted outcome of each case. RESULTS: The literature review yielded 15 articles. Of these, eight did not have a clearly described diagnostic criteria for accreta, hence were excluded. Of the remaining seven studies, one was excluded due to unorthodox diagnostic criteria and two were excluded as they differed from the other systems hindering comparison. Four scoring systems were therefore tested with the primary data. All the scoring systems demonstrated higher scores for high-grade PAS compared to scar dehiscence (p < 0.001) with an excellent Area Under the receiver operator characteristic Curve ranging from 0.82 (95% CI 0.71-0.92) to 0.87 (95% CI 0.79-0.96) in differentiating between these two conditions. However, no statistically significant differences were noted between the low-grade PAS and scar dehiscence on all scoring systems. CONCLUSIONS: Most published scoring systems have no clearly defined diagnostic criteria. Scoring systems can differentiate between scar dehiscence with underlying non-adherent placenta from high-grade PAS with excellent diagnostic accuracy, but not for low-grade PAS. Hence, relying solely on these scoring systems may lead to errors in estimating the risk or extent of the condition which hinders preoperative planning.

Pregnancy Outcomes and Obstetrical Complications of Twin Pregnancies with Endometriosis: A Single-Center Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: There are many studies regarding the increased relationship between pregnancy outcomes of singleton with endometriosis. However, there was limited evidence of twin pregnancies with endometriosis. This study aimed to compare the pregnancy outcomes and complications in twin pregnancies with or without endometriosis in a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2011 to July 2022, a retrospective analysis of twin pregnancies was conducted. The endometriosis group included patient with histological or visual confirmation before pregnancy or during cesarean section. Pregnancy outcomes and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Out of 1714 patients examined, 127 (7.4%) were included in the endometriosis group. Maternal body mass index (BMI) was lower in the endometriosis group (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in maternal age, mode of conception, chorionicity, and pregnancy outcomes, such as gestational age at delivery (p=0.835) and the preterm birth rate (p=0.579). The endometriosis group had a significantly higher rate of obstetrical complication: small for gestational age (SGA) <10% (p=0.029). However, after adjustment for BMI, the endometriosis group showed no statistical significance in obstetrical complications, including SGA (adjusted odds ratio, 1.568; 95% confidence interval, 0.984-2.499; p=0.059). CONCLUSION: Twin pregnancies with endometriosis were not related to adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes and obstetrical complications. To confirm these outcomes, further large prospective studies are required.

The relationship between cervical length and area measurements evaluated by MRI and the amount of hemorrhage in PAS cases.

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum often leads to massive hemorrhage and even maternal shock and death. This study aims to identify whether cervical length and cervical area measured by magnetic resonance imaging correlate with massive hemorrhage in patients with placenta accreta spectrum. METHODS: The study was conducted at our hospital, and 158 placenta previa patients with placenta accreta spectrum underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging examination were included. The cervical length and cervical area were measured and evaluated their ability to identify massive hemorrhage in patients with placenta accreta spectrum. RESULTS: The cervical length and area in patients with massive hemorrhage were both significantly smaller than those in patients without massive hemorrhage. The results of multivariate analysis show that cervical length and cervical area were significantly associated with massive hemorrhage. In all patients, a negative linear was found between cervical length and amount of blood loss (r =-0.613), and between cervical area and amount of blood loss (r =-0.629). Combined with cervical length and cervical area, the sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve for the predictive massive hemorrhage were 88.618%, 90.209%, and 0.890, respectively. CONCLUSION: The cervical length and area might be used to recognize massive hemorrhage in placenta previa patients with placenta accreta spectrum.

Placenta Percreta Progression to Resistance Against Uterine Artery Embolization and Penetration Into the Bladder.

A 31-year-old female sought termination of pregnancy due to a fetal body stalk anomaly diagnosed at 18 weeks of gestation. Despite an anterior placenta previa, successful vaginal delivery occurred. However, placental adhesion over a previous cesarean scar occurred, and part of the placenta could not be removed. Immediate postpartum bleeding prompted imaging studies, revealing extravasation from adherent placental remnants. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) provided initial hemostasis, but recurrent bleeding necessitated re-embolization. Although conservative treatment was initially pursued, significant hematuria prompted reevaluation, revealing extensive uterine wall and bladder penetration. Surgical intervention with total hysterectomy and partial bladder resection was performed, leading to the successful recovery of bladder function following surgical repair. While this case achieved a positive outcome, there is a potential for permanent urinary dysfunction if lesions are more extensive. While achieving a conservative cure is ideal, it is essential to assess the timing for opting for surgical intervention.

Association between adenomyosis and placenta accreta and mediation effect of assisted reproductive technology on the association: A nationwide observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between adenomyosis and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and to evaluate the effect of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in mediating this association. METHODS: We retrieved data for singleton women from the Japanese nationwide perinatal registry between 2013 and 2019, excluding women with a history of adenomyomectomy. To investigate the association between adenomyosis and PAS among women, we used a multivariable logistic regression model with multiple imputation for missing data. We evaluated mediation effect of ART including in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection on the association between adenomyosis and PAS using causal mediation analysis based on the counterfactual approach. RESULTS: Of 1 500 173 pregnant women, 1539 (0.10%) had adenomyosis. The number receiving ART was 489/1539 (31.8%) and 117 482/1 498 634 (7.8%) in women with and without adenomyosis, respectively. The proportion of women who developed PAS was 21/1539 (1.4%) in women with adenomyosis and 7530/1 498 634 (0.5%) in women without adenomyosis. Adenomyosis was significantly associated with PAS (odds ratio [OR] 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-3.00; P = 0.002). Mediation analysis showed that OR of the total effect of adenomyosis on PAS was 1.98 (95% CI 1.13-3.04), OR of natural indirect effect (effect explained by ART) was 1.15 (95% CI 1.01-1.41), and OR of natural direct effect (effect unexplained by ART) was 1.72 (95% CI 0.86-2.82). The proportion mediated (natural indirect effect/total effect) was 26.5%. Adenomyosis was also significantly associated with PAS without previa (OR 1.96; 95% CI 1.23-3.13, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Adenomyosis was significantly associated with PAS. ART mediated 26.5% of the association between adenomyosis and PAS.

Incorporation of vasa previa screening into a routine anomaly scan: A single center cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Vasa previa (VP), defined as unprotected fetal vessels traversing the membranes over the cervix, is associated with a high perinatal mortality when undiagnosed prenatally. Conversely, prenatal diagnosis with ultrasound and cesarean delivery before the membranes rupture is associated with excellent outcomes. However, controversy exists regarding screening for VP. In the UK, routine screening for VP is not recommended. The objective of this study was to report the incidence of VP and our experience in the detection of VP with a universal screening protocol at the time of the second-trimester fetal anomaly scan with third-trimester confirmation in an unselected population of pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a single-center historical cohort study of all pregnant women who underwent routine second-trimester anomaly screening scans at West Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK, between 2012 and 2016. Over 5 years, every patient undergoing routine anomaly screening was evaluated for VP using a systematic protocol during their 20-week anomaly scan. Suspected cases of VP were rescanned in the third trimester by specialist sonographers with an interest in VP. The primary outcomes were the incidence and detection of VP. RESULTS: During the study period, 24 690 anatomy scans were performed. A total of 64 patients were identified as having potential VP at the second-trimester anomaly screening scan, of which 19 were confirmed by the specialist sonographer in the third trimester and at delivery. The screen positive rate was 0.26% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20%-0.32%). VP at birth was found in 19/24690 births (1:1299 [95% CI: 1:832-1:2030] births). Universal screening for VP using our protocol had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99.78% (95% CI: 99.72%-99.84%). The false-positive rate of the second-trimester screen was 0.18% (95% CI: 0.13-0.24). There were no false positives or false negatives at delivery. Of the 19 patients with confirmed VP, 17 had scheduled cesarean deliveries, and two required emergency deliveries due to antepartum hemorrhage. One baby died, giving a perinatal mortality of 5%. CONCLUSIONS: VP complicates approximately 1:1300 pregnancies. Routine screening for VP yielded a 100% detection rate. We suggest the inclusion of structured VP assessment in standard fetal anomaly screening programs.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Placenta Previa: A Clinical Case Report of an Advanced-Age Pregnancy.

Exploring the intricacies of managing high-risk pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), placenta previa, and a single umbilical artery requires a comprehensive understanding of their etiologies, mechanisms, and treatment recommendations. This case report delves into the clinical course of a 34-year-old smoker with a pre-pregnancy body mass index of 14.2 kg/m2, shedding light on the considerations posed by a pregnancy in which several risk factors are superimposed on one another. IUGR, affecting 10%-15% of pregnancies, elevated the risk of adverse outcomes during labor and delivery, necessitating careful antenatal monitoring. Placenta previa, with an incidence of 0.3% to 2% in pregnancies, introduced further complications impacting delivery modes and raising the risk of hemorrhage. This report aims to showcase the interconnectedness between these various obstetrical complications and risk factors, to guide maternal-fetal-medicine specialists in making informed decisions during the management of high-risk pregnancies.

Major placenta previa among patients with and without previous cesarean section: Maternal characteristics, outcomes and risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: To compare maternal characteristics and outcomes among patients having major placenta previa (PP) with and without previous cesarean section (CS). And to determine if previous CS alone is a risk factor for associated adverse maternal outcomes in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis including two groups of major PP patients, with previous CS (n = 184) and without CS (n = 115); who were admitted to Abha Maternity and Children's Hospital over the last ten-years (January 2012-December 2021), Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: Compared to those without previous CS, major PP patients with previous CS had significantly advanced ages with higher mean numbers of gravidity and parity, but significantly less rates of previous uterine surgery and IVF pregnancies. Moreover, they were more likely to acquire higher rates of adverse maternal outcomes. In the same way, these patients had an increased Odds Ratios of cesarean hysterectomy (OR of 20.462), urinary tract injuries (OR of 12.361), associated PAS (OR of 4.375), moderate/ heavy intra-operative bleeding (OR of 2.153) and the need for transfusion of 3+ units of packed RBCs (OR of 1.849). CONCLUSION: (1) Patients with combined existence of major PP and previous CS had significantly higher rates of adverse maternal outcomes (2) Alone, prior CS in major PP patients increased the Odds Ratios of cesarean hysterectomy, urinary tract injuries, diagnosis of PAS, excessive intra-operative bleeding and repeated packed RBCs transfusions. (3) Among our PP patients with previous CS, the increased rate and OR of PAS diagnosis could in-part explain the adverse maternal outcomes.

Predictive value of coagulation function, alpha-fetoprotein and placental growth factor in patients with perilous placenta previa.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predictive value of coagulation function, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and placental growth factor (PIGF) for postpartum hemorrhage in patients with perilous placenta previa (PPP). METHODS: The clinical data of 104 PPP patients were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into a hemorrhage group (n=68) and a non-hemorrhage group (n=36). A total of 55 healthy pregnant women were recruited as controls. The coagulation function, AFP and PIGF were compared between the three groups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine independent risk factors for hemorrhage. RESULTS: PT, TT, APTT, FIB and AFP were significantly higher while PIGF was lower in the PPP group than the control group (all P<0.05). Placental adhesion (OR 3.924, 95% CI 1.389-11.083, P=0.01), anterior placenta (OR 4.583, 95% CI 1.589-13.22, P=0.005), AFP (OR 0.208, 95% CI 0.068-0.635, P=0.006) and PIGF (OR 3.963, 95% CI 1.385-11.34, P=0.01) were independent risk factors for hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Coagulation function, AFP and PIGF could predict postpartum hemorrhage in PPP patients.

Validity of ICD-10 diagnosis codes for placenta accreta spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: The 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD-10) includes diagnosis codes for placenta accreta spectrum for the first time. These codes could enable valuable research and surveillance of placenta accreta spectrum, a life-threatening pregnancy complication that is increasing in incidence. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the validity of placenta accreta spectrum diagnosis codes that were introduced in ICD-10 and assess contributing factors to incorrect code assignments. METHODS: We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the ICD-10 placenta accreta spectrum code assignments after reviewing medical records from October 2015 to March 2020 at a quaternary obstetric centre. Histopathologic diagnosis was considered the gold standard. RESULTS: Among 22,345 patients, 104 (0.46%) had an ICD-10 code for placenta accreta spectrum and 51 (0.23%) had a histopathologic diagnosis. ICD-10 codes had a sensitivity of 0.71 (95% CI 0.56, 0.83), specificity of 0.98 (95% CI 0.93, 1.00), positive predictive value of 0.61 (95% CI 0.48, 0.72) and negative predictive value of 1.00 (95% CI 0.96, 1.00). The sensitivities of the ICD-10 codes for placenta accreta spectrum subtypes- accreta, increta and percreta-were 0.55 (95% CI 0.31, 0.78), 0.33 (95% CI 0.12, 0.62) and 0.56 (95% CI 0.31, 0.78), respectively. Cases with incorrect code assignment were less morbid than cases with correct code assignment, with a lower incidence of hysterectomy at delivery (17% vs 100%), blood transfusion (26% vs 75%) and admission to the intensive care unit (0% vs 53%). Primary reasons for code misassignment included code assigned to cases of occult placenta accreta (35%) or to cases with clinical evidence of placental adherence without histopatholic diagnostic (35%) features. CONCLUSION: These findings from a quaternary obstetric centre suggest that ICD-10 codes may be useful for research and surveillance of placenta accreta spectrum, but researchers should be aware of likely substantial false positive cases.

Prediction of Placenta Previa from Serial Reading of Serum Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Late in the First Half of Pregnancy.

Background: Abnormally sited placenta is considered a major life-threatening condition for pregnant woman, and many debate about the way of early diagnosis and management to decrease the mortality and morbidity. Aim of Study: To evaluate the role of beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (B-HCG) level in the first half of pregnancy as a marker for prediction of placenta previa. Study Design: This is a prospective study done in Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital from first of January 2020 till first of January 2021. Material and Methods: A total of 57 patients have been recruited. For all participated women in this study were sampled between 14 and 18 weeks of gestational age for serum human chorionic gonadotropins measured in international units. Patients who developed placenta previa were diagnosed on the basis of development of vaginal bleeding either late in the second trimester or early in the second trimester. After developing vaginal bleeding, all patients were sent for routine ultrasound scan to confirm the presence of placenta previa. Result: After recruiting a total of 57 women among which 14 patients were found to have placenta previa, ANOVA test shows a statistically significant difference between women with normal placenta and women with placenta previa P value < 0.001. Receiver operator characteristics curve was constructed to evaluate the optimum cutoff value for serum HCG between normal women and women with placenta previa sampled at 14-18 weeks of gestation. The optimum cutoff value is mean serum HCG > 105,380 IU in 14 weeks of gestation, and the sensitivity and specificity were calculated as 100% and 72.2%, respectively. Conclusion: B-HCG level in first half of pregnancy can be used as a predictor marker for placenta previa.

Shedding of Syncytiotrophoblast-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Is Increased in Placenta Previa and Accreta Spectrum.

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) refers to excessive placental invasion into the maternal uterus and it is associated with high risk of obstetric haemorrhage and adverse maternal-neonatal outcomes. Currently, no specific circulating biomarkers of PAS have been identified. Given that in PAS disorders, the depth and the extension of placental invasion into the uterus are expected to be increased, in this study, we analysed plasma levels of syncytiotrophoblast-derived extracellular vesicles (STBEVs) in women with placenta previa (PP), at a high risk of PAS disorders, and pregnant women with normal placentation. Venous blood samples were collected from 35 women with ultrasonographic diagnosis of PP and 35 women with normal placentation, matched for gestational age. Plasma samples were ultracentrifuged at 120.000 g to collect extracellular vesicles (EVs). To identify and quantify plasma placenta-derived EVs (or STBEVs), EVs were analysed by flow cytometry using a monoclonal antibody against placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP). Plasma levels of STBEVs were significantly higher in PP patients compared to controls. Plasma levels of STBEVs in women with PP and PAS showed a trend to a higher concentration compared to women with PP without PAS, although not reaching a statistical significance. Circulating STBEVs are potential candidates as biological markers to be integrated to ultrasonography in the antenatal screening programme for PAS. More studies are needed to confirm our observation in a larger cohort of patients and to analyse a possible association between high circulating levels of STBEVs and PAS.

Three-dimensional volume rendering ultrasound for assessing placenta accreta spectrum severity and discriminating it from simple scar dehiscence.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal ultrasound discrimination between placenta accreta spectrum and scar dehiscence with underlying nonadherent placenta is challenging both prenatally and intraoperatively, which often leads to overtreatment. In addition, accurate prenatal prediction of surgical difficulty and morbidity in placenta accreta spectrum is difficult, which precludes appropriate multidisciplinary planning. The advent of advanced 3-dimensional volume rendering and contrast enhancement techniques in modern ultrasound systems provides a comprehensive prenatal assessment, revealing details that are not discernible in traditional 2-dimensional imaging. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the use of 3-dimensional volume rendering ultrasound techniques in determining the severity of placenta accreta spectrum and distinguishing between placenta accreta spectrum and scar dehiscence with underlying nonadherent placenta. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, cohort study was conducted between July 2022 and July 2023 in the fetal medicine unit of Dr Soetomo Academic General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. All pregnant individuals with anterior low-lying placenta or placenta previa with a previous caesarean section who were referred with suspicion of placenta accreta spectrum were consented and screened using the standardised 2-dimensional and Doppler ultrasound imaging. Additional 3-dimensional volumes were obtained from the sagittal section of the uterus with a filled urinary bladder. These were analyzed by rotating the region of interest to be perpendicular to the uterovesical interface. The primary outcomes were the clinical and histologic severity in the cases of placenta accreta spectrum and correct diagnosis of dehiscence with nonadherent placenta underneath. The strength of association between ultrasound and clinical outcomes was determined. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and diagnostic testing of accuracy were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients (56 with placenta accreta spectrum and 14 with scar dehiscence) were included in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression of all 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional signs revealed the 3-dimensional loss of clear zone (P<.001) and the presence of bridging vessels on 2-dimensional Doppler ultrasound (P=.027) as excellent predictors in differentiating scar dehiscence and placenta accreta spectrum. The 3-dimensional loss of clear zone demonstrated a high diagnostic accuracy with an area under the curve of 0.911 (95% confidence interval, 0.819-1.002), with a sensitivity of 89.3% (95% confidence interval, 78.1-95.97%) and specificity of 92.9% (95% confidence interval, 66.1-99.8%). The presence of bridging vessels on 2-dimensional Doppler demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.848 (95% confidence interval, 0.714-0.982) with a sensitivity of 91.1% (95% confidence interval, 80.4-97.0%) and specificity of 78.6% (95% confidence interval, 49.2-95.3%). A subgroup analysis among the placenta accreta spectrum group revealed that the presence of a 3-dimensional disrupted bladder serosa with obliteration of the vesicouterine space was associated with vesicouterine adherence (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional volume rendering ultrasound is a promising tool for effective discrimination between scar dehiscence with underlying nonadherent placenta and placenta accreta spectrum. It also shows potential in predicting the clinical severity with urinary bladder involvement in cases of placenta accreta spectrum.

Evaluation of maternal serum thiol and ischemia-modified albumin levels in cases of placenta previa: A case-control study in a tertiary center.

AIM: We aim to compare the maternal serum thiol and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels between pregnant women with placenta previa and those with uncomplicated pregnancies and to determine whether changes in these levels were useful in predicting cases of abnormally invasive placenta (AIP). METHODS: Fifty-five pregnant women diagnosed with placenta previa according to the diagnostic criteria (case group) were compared to 100 women with uncomplicated pregnancies of similar demographic characteristics (control group). The patients with placenta previa were further divided into two subgroups: AIP (n = 20) and placenta previa without invasion (n = 35). The maternal serum native thiol, total thiol, disulfide, and IMA levels of the groups were evaluated. RESULTS: The native thiol, total thiol, and IMA values were significantly lower in the case group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The disulfide values were similar between the study and control groups (p = 0.488). When the AIP and placenta previa without invasion groups were compared, the levels of native thiol, total thiol, disulfide, and IMA were similar (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal serum thiol and IMA levels were lower in placenta previa cases compared to the control group. However, these parameters were not useful in predicting AIP cases.