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.

Placental volume as a novel sign for identifying placenta accreta spectrum in pregnancies with complete placenta previa.

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) carries an increased risk of maternal-fetal mortality and morbidity, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features for PAS have been used for preoperative identification. This study aims to investigate the role of placental volume evaluated by MRI in identifying PAS in pregnant women with complete placenta previa. METHODS: Totally 163 cases of complete placenta previa pregnant women with a history of cesarean section underwent MRI for suspected PAS were included. We categorized the patients into two groups according to the presence or absence of PAS, and the maternal-fetal perinatal outcomes and placental volume analyzed by 3D Slice software were compared. RESULTS: There were significantly more gravidity, parity, and number of previous cesarean delivery in the PAS group (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also found between the two groups with respect to the following baseline characteristics: gestational age at delivery, intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion, and neonatal birth weight (P < 0.05). Of 163 women in the study, 7 (4.294%) required cesarean hysterectomy for high-grade PAS or pernicious bleeding during cesarean section, and PAS was confirmed with histologic confirmation in 6 (85.714%) cases. The placental volume in PAS group was greater than that in the non-PAS group (P < 0.05). With a threshold of more than 887 cm3, the sensitivity and specificity in identifying PAS were 85.531% and 83.907% respectively, with AUC 0.908 (95% CI: 0.853-0.948). CONCLUSIONS: Placental volume may be a promising indicator of PAS in complete placenta previa patients with a history of cesarean section.

Placental Area in the Lower Uterine Segment, Cervical Length, and Clinical Outcome in Pregnancies With Complete Placenta Previa.

BACKGROUND: Complete placenta previa is associated with a higher percentage of adverse clinical outcomes and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in the preoperative examination of patients with placenta previa. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the placental area in the lower uterine segment and cervical length in identifying the adverse maternal-fetal outcomes in women with complete placenta previa. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. POPULATION: A total of 141 pregnant women (median age, 32; age range, 24-40 years) with complete placenta previa were examined by MRI to evaluate the uteroplacental condition. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: A 3 T with T1 -weighted imaging (T1 WI), T2 -weighted imaging (T2 WI), and half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) sequence. ASSESSMENT: The association of the placental area in the lower uterine segment and cervical length measured using MRI with the risk of massive intraoperative hemorrhage (MIH) and maternal-fetal perinatal outcomes were determined. The adverse neonatal outcomes (preterm delivery, respiratory distress syndrome [RDS], admission to neonatal intensive care unit [NICU]) were analyzed in different groups. STATISTICAL TESTS: The t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used, and a P < 0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference. RESULTS: The mean operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative blood transfusing were significantly higher in patients with large placental area and short cervix than in patients with the small placental area and long cervix, respectively. The incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes was significantly higher in the large placenta area group and short cervix group than in the small placenta group area and long cervix group, respectively, such as preterm delivery, RDS, and NICU. By combining placental area with cervical length sensitivity and specificity increased to 93% and 92%, respectively, for the identification of MIH > 2000 mL with area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) 0.941. DATA CONCLUSION: Large placental area and short cervical length may be associated with a high risk of MIH and adverse maternal-fetal perinatal outcomes in patients with complete placenta previa. TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.

Premature rupture of the membranes at 16 weeks: report of a successful outcome of pregnancy and review of the literature.

Prelabor rupture of the fetal membranes (premature rupture of membranes, PROM) before or at the limit of fetal viability is condition associated with significant and serious pediatric morbidity and mortality. It is a rare problem, with an estimated incidence between 0.1 and 0.7%. Management of this condition is one of the most challenging clinical situations in obstetrics. We report the case of a pregnant woman presenting at 16 weeks gestation with ruptured membranes. The course of pregnancy was further complicated by complete placenta previa. Expectant management was undertaken, with term delivery and successful outcome of pregnancy. Expectant management is a reasonable approach in properly selected patients. Better understanding of the mechanisms of spontaneous membrane resealing is needed in order to improve poor outcomes. More published data and evidence are necessary to standardize treatment options for this rare condition.

Random placenta margin incision for control hemorrhage during cesarean delivery complicated by complete placenta previa: a prospective cohort study.

Introduction: Complete placenta previa (CPP) is one of the most problematic types of abnormal placenta, which is further complicated by placenta accreta or percreta that can unexpectedly lead to catastrophic blood loss, infection, multiple complications, emergency hysterectomy, and even death. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of random placenta margin incision in controlling intraoperative and total blood loss during cesarean section for CPP women. Methods: A prospective cohort study, including a total of 100 consecutive pregnant women with CPP, was performed at a tertiary university-affiliated medical center between March 2016 and July 2017. All of them underwent random placenta margin incision, and intraoperative and total blood loss were analyzed. Through antenatal diagnosis using color Doppler, women were further divided into abnormally invasive placenta (AIP) and non-AIP groups, and anterior and posterior placenta groups. The protocol was registered with the Clinical Trial Registry under registration number NCT02695069. Results: Mean maternal age and gestational age at delivery were 32.26 ± 5.03 years old and 36.21 ± 2.07 weeks, respectively. Total duration of the surgical procedure time was 52.50 (42.43-64.00) min. Median estimated intraoperation blood loss was 746.43 (544.44-1092.86) ml. Total blood loss was 875.00 (604.50-1196.67) ml, and 38 (38.0%) had post-partum hemorrhage. The change from baseline in the median hemoglobin level was -0.33 (6.00-13.20). No women underwent hysterectomy due to massive hemorrhage during the study period. No women had an intraoperative urinary bladder injury, postoperative wound infection, and required relaparotomy, owing to intra-abdominal bleeding. The median hospitalization time was 5.41 (4.18-7.58) d. Conclusion: The random placenta margin incision may be a potentially valuable surgical procedure to control the volumes of intraoperative and postoperative blood loss and reduce the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage among women with complete placenta previa.

A sandwich technique (N&H variation technique) to reduce blood loss during cesarean delivery for complete placenta previa: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To investigate the effect of A sandwich technique Nahla & Hany variation (N&H) technique versus stepwise uterine devascularization on blood loss during cesarean section (CS) in patients with complete placenta previa. Methods: The study was single-blind randomized controlled trial carried out in a tertiary University Hospital between March 2015 to March 2018. We included patients scheduled for CS due to complete placenta previa. They were randomly allocated to group (I) managed by stepwise uterine devascularization, group (II) managed by double transverse compression suture at the lower uterine segment plus intrauterine inflated Foley's catheter Balloon (H&N variation sandwich) at the lower uterine segment. The primary outcome was the amount of total estimated blood loss both intra- and post-operative. Results: One hundred and six patients were enrolled (n = 53 in each group). There was a great reduction in intraoperative blood loss in group II 570 (400-1300) compared with Group I 1030 (500-1540) (p = .0001), or blood in the intraabdominal drain in group II than group I (p = .0001) Also, there was no significant reduction in postoperative vaginal bleeding. Hence, the total estimated blood loss in group II 750 (550-1580) showed significant reduction compared with group I 1350 (780-1800) (p = .0001). Conclusions: N&H variation sandwich technique in the management of complete placenta previa is a simple technique, safe and effective to decrease blood loss.

Risk Factors and Pregnancy Outcomes: Complete versus Incomplete Placenta Previa in Mid-pregnancy.

This prospective study was conducted to compare risk factors and pregnancy outcomes between women with complete placenta previa and those with incomplete placenta previa diagnosed in mid-pregnancy. The study was carried out from April 2014 to December 2015, during which 70 patients with complete previa and 113 with incomplete previa between 20+0 weeks and 25+6 weeks of gestation were included. Maternal demographics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. Comparisons between categorical variables were tested by chi-squared test and those between continuous variables by Student t test. Resolution of previa occurred in 87.43% of the studied women. The mean gestational age at resolution was 32.1±4.4 weeks. Incidence of maternal age ≥35 years and incidence of prior uterine operation ≥3 were high in women with complete previa (28.6% vs 8.8%, P=0.003; 28.6% vs. 8.8%, P=0.003). Resolution of previa occurred less often in complete previa group (74.3% vs. 95.6%, P=0.001). Women with complete previa admitted earlier (37.3±2.0 weeks 38.1±1.4 weeks, P=0.011) and delivered earlier (37.7±1.2 weeks vs. 38.3±1.4 weeks, P=0.025). Maternal age ≥35 years and prior uterine operation ≥3 increase the risk of complete previa in mid-pregnancy. Placenta previa is more likely to persist in women with complete previa than those with incomplete previa diagnosed in midpregnancy. What is more, women with complete previa in mid-pregnancy delivers earlier.

Sepsis after uterine artery embolization-assisted termination of pregnancy with complete placenta previa: A case report.

Uterine artery embolization (UAE)-assisted induction of labor is an alternative method of managing pregnant women with complete placenta previa (CPP). Sepsis secondary to UAE, although rare, is a serious complication. We herein present a case of severe sepsis following UAE-assisted termination of a pregnancy at 27 gestational weeks in a woman with CPP. The woman developed a high-grade fever and elevated inflammatory indices following UAE. She did not recover until the infected tissue was removed by emergency cesarean section. This case suggests that the increasing use of UAE for termination of pregnancy in women with CPP requires awareness regarding the possibility of serious sepsis associated with this procedure.

Risk Factors and Pregnancy Outcomes: Complete versus Incomplete Placenta Previa in Mid-pregnancy / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This prospective study was conducted to compare risk factors and pregnancy outcomes between women with complete placenta previa and those with incomplete placenta previa diagnosed in mid-pregnancy.The study was carried out from April 2014 to December 2015,during which 70 patients with complete previa and 113 with incomplete previa between 20+0 weeks and 25+6 weeks of gestation were included.Maternal demographics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups.Comparisons between categorical variables were tested by chi-squared test and those between continuous variables by Student t test.Resolution ofprevia occurred in 87.43％ of the studied women.The mean gestational age at resolution was 32.1±4.4 weeks.Incidence of maternal age ≥35 years and incidence of prior uterine operation ＞3 were high in women with complete previa (28.6％vs.8.8％,P=0.003;28.6％ vs.8.8％,P=0.003).Resolution of previa occurred less often in complete previa group (74.3％ vs.95.6％,P=0.001).Women with complete previa admitted earlier (37.3±2.0 weeks vs.38.1±1.4 weeks,P=0.011) and delivered earlier (37.7±1.2weeks vs.38.3±1.4 weeks,P=0.025).Maternal age ≥35 years and prior uterine operation ＞3 increase the risk of complete previa in mid-pregnancy.Placenta previa is more likely to persist in women with complete previa than those with incomplete previa diagnosed in midpregnancy.What is more,women with complete previa in mid-pregnancy deliversearlier.

Risk Factors and Pregnancy Outcomes: Complete versus Incomplete Placenta Previa in Mid-pregnancy / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This prospective study was conducted to compare risk factors and pregnancy outcomes between women with complete placenta previa and those with incomplete placenta previa diagnosed in mid-pregnancy.The study was carried out from April 2014 to December 2015,during which 70 patients with complete previa and 113 with incomplete previa between 20+0 weeks and 25+6 weeks of gestation were included.Maternal demographics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups.Comparisons between categorical variables were tested by chi-squared test and those between continuous variables by Student t test.Resolution ofprevia occurred in 87.43％ of the studied women.The mean gestational age at resolution was 32.1±4.4 weeks.Incidence of maternal age ≥35 years and incidence of prior uterine operation ＞3 were high in women with complete previa (28.6％vs.8.8％,P=0.003;28.6％ vs.8.8％,P=0.003).Resolution of previa occurred less often in complete previa group (74.3％ vs.95.6％,P=0.001).Women with complete previa admitted earlier (37.3±2.0 weeks vs.38.1±1.4 weeks,P=0.011) and delivered earlier (37.7±1.2weeks vs.38.3±1.4 weeks,P=0.025).Maternal age ≥35 years and prior uterine operation ＞3 increase the risk of complete previa in mid-pregnancy.Placenta previa is more likely to persist in women with complete previa than those with incomplete previa diagnosed in midpregnancy.What is more,women with complete previa in mid-pregnancy deliversearlier.

Uterine arterial embolization to assist induction of labor among patients with complete placenta previa.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate labor induction after uterine arterial embolization (UAE) among patients with complete placenta previa (CPP). METHODS: A prospective study was conducted of women with a singleton pregnancy (16-35 weeks) and CPP admitted to a center in Changsha, China, for induction of labor because of a fetal anomaly between March 2009 and December 2013. Patients underwent intervention-assisted labor induction (IALI) with UAE, or cesarean delivery. A control group of 30 women without CPP but undergoing labor induction was also enrolled. Hemoglobin levels, postpartum blood loss, and length of labor were assessed. RESULTS: Mean postpartum blood loss was lower in the IALI group (n=32; 301.25±128.07 mL) than in the cesarean group (n=15; 693.33±244.85 mL; P=0.049), but was not different from that in the control group (143.50±16.06 mL; P=0.325). The reduction in mean hemoglobin level was significantly lower in the IALI group (-6.53±2.20 g/L) than in the cesarean group (-8.40±2.17g/L; P=0.005), but higher than in the control group (-0.20±0.35 g/L; P=0.007). Duration of labor did not differ between the IALI and control groups (8.70±2.32 vs 4.76±0.47 hours; P=0.108). CONCLUSION: UAE to assist induction of labor could be considered a feasible option for patients with CPP.

A modified suture technique for hemorrhage during cesarean delivery complicated by complete placenta previa.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness of a modified suture to treat postpartum bleeding among patients with complete placenta previa (CPP). METHODS: An observational study was conducted at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Beijing, China, among patients with CPP (with or without placenta accreta) who were enrolled from January 1 to March 31, 2014. During surgery, a Foley catheter balloon containing 60-120 mL of water was used to compress the hemorrhage site and an absorbable suture was placed around the lower uterus segment to provide extra pressure on the balloon. RESULTS: Seven women with CPP underwent the procedure. The median hemostatic time was 4.6 minutes (range 3.0-7.0). The median estimated blood loss during surgery was 480 mL (range 400-600) for deliveries not complicated with placenta accreta and 1250 mL (range 1000-1500) for women with placenta accreta. Active bleeding was stopped after application of the modified suture; blood loss was less than 100mL in all cases in the 24 hours after surgery. CONCLUSION: The modified suture technique provided an easy and efficient surgical choice for women with CPP, especially among those with placenta accreta.

Tourniquet device for hemorrhage control during cesarean section of complete placenta previa pregnancies.

AIM: To reduce massive and potentially fatal hemorrhage during cesarean section (CS) delivery because of the transverse incision through the lower uterine segment and placenta in central placenta previa (CPP), especially the type in which the placenta attaches to the anterior wall of the uterus. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with CPP were enrolled in the study and 14 of them accepted the tourniquet method. The main outcome evaluations were blood loss, the proportion of red blood cell-transfused patients, the need for other hemostatic procedures and complications in either the mother or infant after the completion of the tourniquet procedure. RESULTS: A statistically significant benefit was noted between the two groups of the frequency of post-partum hemorrhage (PPH), the median estimated blood loss and the proportion of transfused patients. The effectiveness of the tourniquet method could be further proved by the relative risk with confidence intervals for PPH data and additional procedures. CONCLUSION: The clinical data of 34 patients show that this is an effective surgical treatment to reduce blood loss and suggest that there is negligible harm to patients and fetuses.

Type and location of placenta previa affect preterm delivery risk related to antepartum hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether type and location of placenta previa affect risk of antepartum hemorrhage-related preterm delivery. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 162 women with singleton pregnancies presenting placenta previa. Through observation using transvaginal ultrasound the women were categorized into complete or incomplete placenta previa, and then assigned to anterior and posterior groups. Complete placenta previa was defined as a placenta that completely covered the internal cervical os, with the placental margin >2 cm from the os. Incomplete placenta previa comprised marginal placenta previa whose margin adjacent to the internal os and partial placenta previa which covered the os but the margin situated within 2 cm of the os. Maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes in complete and incomplete placenta previa were compared, and the differences between the anterior and the posterior groups were evaluated. RESULTS: Antepartum hemorrhage was more prevalent in women with complete placenta previa than in those with incomplete placenta previa (59.1% versus 17.6%), resulting in the higher incidence of preterm delivery in women with complete than in those with incomplete placenta previa [45.1% versus 8.8%; odds ratio (OR) 8.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.59-20.18; p < 0.001]. In complete placenta previa, incidence of antepartum hemorrhage did not significantly differ between the anterior and the posterior groups. However, gestational age at bleeding onset was lower in the anterior group than in the posterior group, and the incidence of preterm delivery was higher in the anterior group than in the posterior group (76.2% versus 32.0%; OR 6.8; 95% CI 2.12-21.84; p = 0.002). In incomplete placenta previa, gestational age at delivery did not significantly differ between the anterior and posterior groups. CONCLUSION: Obstetricians should be aware of the increased risk of preterm delivery related to antepartum hemorrhage in women with complete placenta previa, particularly when the placenta is located on the anterior wall.