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.

Trimester-specific diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for detection of placenta accreta spectrum: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for detecting placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) during the first trimester of pregnancy and compare it with the accuracy of second- and third-trimester ultrasound examination in pregnancies at risk for PAS. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies published from inception until 10 March 2023. Inclusion criteria were cohort, case-control or cross-sectional studies that evaluated the accuracy of ultrasound examination performed at < 14 weeks of gestation (first trimester) or ≥ 14 weeks of gestation (second/third trimester) for the diagnosis of PAS in pregnancies with clinical risk factors. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of sonography in detecting PAS in the first trimester, compared with the accuracy of ultrasound examination in the second and third trimesters. The secondary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of each sonographic marker individually across the trimesters of pregnancy. The reference standard was PAS confirmed at pathological or surgical examination. The potential of ultrasound and different ultrasound signs to detect PAS was assessed by computing summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio and positive and negative likelihood ratios. RESULTS: A total of 37 studies, including 5764 pregnancies at risk of PAS, with 1348 cases of confirmed PAS, were included in our analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that ultrasound had a sensitivity of 86% (95% CI, 78-92%) and specificity of 63% (95% CI, 55-70%) during the first trimester, and a sensitivity of 88% (95% CI, 84-91%) and specificity of 92% (95% CI, 85-96%) during the second/third trimester. Regarding sonographic markers examined in the first trimester, lower uterine hypervascularity exhibited the highest sensitivity (97% (95% CI, 19-100%)), and uterovesical interface irregularity demonstrated the highest specificity (99% (95% CI, 96-100%)). In the second/third trimester, loss of clear zone had the highest sensitivity (80% (95% CI, 72-86%)), and uterovesical interface irregularity exhibited the highest specificity (99% (95% CI, 97-100%)). CONCLUSIONS: First-trimester ultrasound examination has similar accuracy to second- and third-trimester ultrasound examinations for the diagnosis of PAS. Routine first-trimester ultrasound screening for patients at high risk of PAS may improve detection rates and allow earlier referral to tertiary care centers for pregnancy management. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Sensitivity of antenatal ultrasound in diagnosing posterior placenta accreta spectrum disorders.

OBJECTIVES: Optimal management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) requires antenatal diagnosis. We sought to evaluate the sensitivity of ultrasound findings suggestive of PAS in detecting posterior PAS. METHODS: Cohort study of patients with posterior placentation and pathology-confirmed PAS from 2011 to 2020 at a tertiary center. Patients were excluded if ultrasound images were unavailable. Ultrasounds were reviewed for presence of lacunae, hypervascularity, myometrial thinning, loss of the hypoechoic zone, bridging vessels, abnormal uterine serosa-bladder interface, placental bulge, placental extension into/beyond the myometrium, and an exophytic mass. Risk factors, postpartum outcomes, and ultrasound findings were compared by antepartum suspicion for PAS. Sensitivity was calculated for each ultrasound finding. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included. PAS was not suspected antenatally in 70 % (23/33). Patients with unsuspected PAS were more likely to be non-Hispanic, have in vitro fertilization, no prior Cesarean deliveries, no placenta previa, and delivered later in gestation. Depth of invasion and estimated blood loss were less for unsuspected PAS, but there was no difference in hysterectomy between groups. Ultrasound findings were less frequently seen in those who were not suspected antenatally: lacunae 17.4 vs. 100 % (p<0.001), hypervascularity 8.7 vs. 80 % (p<0.001), myometrial thinning 4.4 vs. 70 % (p<0.001), and placental bridging vessels 0 vs. 60 % (p<0.001). There was poor sensitivity (0-42.4 %) for all findings. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior PAS is less likely to be detected antenatally due to a lower sensitivity of typical ultrasound findings in the setting of a posterior placenta. Further studies are needed to better identify reliable markers of posterior PAS.

Placenta accreta spectrum disorder at single-cell resolution: a loss of boundary limits in the decidua and endothelium.

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum disorders are associated with severe maternal morbidity and mortality. Placenta accreta spectrum disorders involve excessive adherence of the placenta preventing separation at birth. Traditionally, this condition has been attributed to excessive trophoblast invasion; however, an alternative view is a fundamental defect in decidual biology. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to gain insights into the understanding of placenta accreta spectrum disorder by using single-cell and spatially resolved transcriptomics to characterize cellular heterogeneity at the maternal-fetal interface in placenta accreta spectrum disorders. STUDY DESIGN: To assess cellular heterogeneity and the function of cell types, single-cell RNA sequencing and spatially resolved transcriptomics were used. A total of 12 placentas were included, 6 placentas with placenta accreta spectrum disorder and 6 controls. For each placenta with placenta accreta spectrum disorder, multiple biopsies were taken at the following sites: placenta accreta spectrum adherent and nonadherent sites in the same placenta. Of note, 2 platforms were used to generate libraries: the 10× Chromium and NanoString GeoMX Digital Spatial Profiler for single-cell and spatially resolved transcriptomes, respectively. Differential gene expression analysis was performed using a suite of bioinformatic tools (Seurat and GeoMxTools R packages). Correction for multiple testing was performed using Clipper. In situ hybridization was performed with RNAscope, and immunohistochemistry was used to assess protein expression. RESULTS: In creating a placenta accreta cell atlas, there were dramatic difference in the transcriptional profile by site of biopsy between placenta accreta spectrum and controls. Most of the differences were noted at the site of adherence; however, differences existed within the placenta between the adherent and nonadherent site of the same placenta in placenta accreta. Among all cell types, the endothelial-stromal populations exhibited the greatest difference in gene expression, driven by changes in collagen genes, namely collagen type III alpha 1 chain (COL3A1), growth factors, epidermal growth factor-like protein 6 (EGFL6), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and angiogenesis-related genes, namely delta-like noncanonical Notch ligand 1 (DLK1) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM1). Intraplacental tropism (adherent versus non-adherent sites in the same placenta) was driven by differences in endothelial-stromal cells with notable differences in bone morphogenic protein 5 (BMP5) and osteopontin (SPP1) in the adherent vs nonadherent site of placenta accreta spectrum. CONCLUSION: Placenta accreta spectrum disorders were characterized at single-cell resolution to gain insight into the pathophysiology of the disease. An atlas of the placenta at single cell resolution in accreta allows for understanding in the biology of the intimate maternal and fetal interaction. The contributions of stromal and endothelial cells were demonstrated through alterations in the extracellular matrix, growth factors, and angiogenesis. Transcriptional and protein changes in the stroma of placenta accreta spectrum shift the etiologic explanation away from "invasive trophoblast" to "loss of boundary limits" in the decidua. Gene targets identified in this study may be used to refine diagnostic assays in early pregnancy, track disease progression over time, and inform therapeutic discoveries.

Placenta accreta spectrum care infrastructure: an evidence-based review of needed resources supporting placenta accreta spectrum care.

The incidence of placenta accreta spectrum, the deeply adherent placenta with associated increased risk of maternal morbidity and mortality, has seen a significant rise in recent years. Therefore, there has been a rise in clinical and research focus on this complex diagnosis. There is international consensus that a multidisciplinary coordinated approach optimizes outcomes. The composition of the team will vary from center to center; however, central themes of complex surgical experts, specialists in prenatal diagnosis, critical care specialists, neonatology specialists, obstetrics anesthesiology specialists, blood bank specialists, and dedicated mental health experts are universal throughout. Regionalization of care is a growing trend for complex medical needs, but the location of care alone is just a starting point. The goal of this article is to provide an evidence-based framework for the crucial infrastructure needed to address the unique antepartum, delivery, and postpartum needs of the patient with placenta accreta spectrum. Rather than a clinical checklist, we describe the personnel, clinical unit characteristics, and breadth of contributing clinical roles that make up a team. Screening protocols, diagnostic imaging, surgical and potential need for critical care, and trauma-informed interaction are the basis for comprehensive care. The vision from the author group is that this publication provides a semblance of infrastructure standardization as a means to ensure proper preparation and readiness.

Peripartum hysterectomy: A 9-year population-based study in Slovakia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of peripartum hysterectomy (PH) in Slovakia. Additionally, we wanted to describe reasons for the procedure, associated clinical circumstances, and complications. METHODS: This was a descriptive, population-based study among women who underwent PH in Slovakia between January 2012 and December 2020. Peripartum hysterectomy was defined as surgical removal of the uterus from the peripartum period up to 42 days postpartum. Data were obtained retrospectively from the standardized questionnaires that are completed in Slovakia for any case of PH. The background population consisted of all other women who delivered during the study period. RESULTS: Of the 436 136 births, there were 397 cases of PH, giving an incidence of 0.91 per 1000 births. It was higher with advanced maternal age, multiparity, multiple pregnancies, and cesarean deliveries. The main reasons for the procedure were placental pathologies and uterine atony in 52.9% and 33.0%, respectively. A total of 150 (37.8%) women required admission to an intensive care unit. The mortality rate was 1.5%. CONCLUSION: The incidence of PH is relatively high in Slovakia when compared with other European countries, highlighting the need to improve prenatal diagnosis of morbidly adherent placenta and the management of peripartum hemorrhage.

Morbidly adherent placenta as a cause of peripartum hysterectomy in the Slovak Republic in the years 2012-2020.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to analyze the cases of peripartum hysterectomy associated with morbidly adherent placenta in the Slovak Republic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases of morbidly adherent placenta managed by peripartum hysterectomy in the Slovak Republic between January 2012 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Data were obtained from the standardized anonymous questionnaires. RESULTS: The incidence of morbidly adherent placenta was 0.39 per 1,000 births. A total of 151 (89.9%) women with morbidly adherent placenta were managed by peripartum hysterectomy (38.0% of all peripartum hysterectomies). Placenta accreta, increta and percreta were present in 56.3%, 28.5% and 15.2%, respectively. Placenta previa was present in 60 (39.7%) cases. Up to 112 (74.2%) cases of morbidly adherent placenta were diagnosed at the time of delivery. Hysterectomy was preceded by unsuccessful uterus-saving procedure in 23 (15.2%) of cases. The median of estimated blood loss was 1,500 mL. A packed red blood cells transfusion was used in 138 (91.4%), fresh frozen plasma in 118 (78.2%), fibrinogen concentrate in 39 (25.8%) and tranexamic acid in 25 (16.6%) women. A total of 58 (38.4%) women required admission to an intensive care unit. The mortality rate was 1.3%. CONCLUSION: In recent years, there was an increase in the incidence of morbidly adherent placenta, peripartum hysterectomy in the Slovak Republic, along with an increase in caesarean section rates, too. Case analysis highlights the need to improve the prenatal diagnosis and management of morbidly adherent placenta.

Focal Placenta Accreta in a Congenitally Malformed Uterus: A Case Report.

Placenta accreta is defined as an abnormal trophoblast invasion of part or all of the placenta into the myometrium of the uterine wall. It is a well-known cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Here, we present a unique case of focal placenta accreta due to a bicornuate uterus and a history of septum resection. We also discuss its management and outcome. The patient underwent a classical cesarean section and reinforcement of the anterior and posterior uterine wall. The patient had a history of surgery for correction of uterine malformation, which may have resulted in an abnormal adherence of the placenta.

Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of Placenta accreta spectrum: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and in the diagnosis of Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). DATA SOURCES: Screening of MEDLINE, CENTRAL, other bases from inception to February 2022 using the keywords related to placenta accreta, increta, percreta, morbidly adherent placenta, and preoperative ultrasound diagnosis. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: All available studies- whether were prospective or retrospective- including cohort, case control and cross sectional that involved prenatal diagnosis of PAS using 2D or 3D ultrasound with subsequent pathological confirmation postnatal were included. Fifty-four studies included 5307 women fulfilled the inclusion criteria, PAS was confirmed in 2025 of them. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Extracted data included settings of the study, study type, sample size, participants characteristics and their inclusion and exclusion criteria, Type and site of placenta previa, Type and timing of imaging technique (2D, and 3D), severity of PAS, sensitivity and specificity of individual ultrasound criteria and overall sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity was 0.8703, specificity was 0.8634 with -0.2348 negative correlation between them. The estimate of Odd ratio, negative likelihood ratio and positive likelihood ratio were 34.225, 0.155 and 4.990 respectively. The overall estimates of loss of retroplacental clear zone sensitivity and specificity were 0.820 and 0.898 respectively with 0.129 negative correlation. The overall estimates of myometrial thinning, loss of retroplacental clear zone, the presence of bridging vessels, placental lacunae, bladder wall interruption, exophytic mass, and uterovesical hypervascularity sensitivities were 0.763, 0.780, 0.659, 0.785, 0.455, 0.218 and 0.513 while specificities were 0.890, 0.884, 0.928, 0.809, 0.975, 0.865 and 0.994 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosis of PAS among women with low lying or placenta previa with previous cesarean section scars is high and recommended in all suspected cases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Number CRD42021267501.

Validation of a sonographic checklist for the detection of histologic placenta accreta spectrum.

BACKGROUND: To standardize research terminology and to reduce unanticipated placenta accreta spectrum, the European Working Group for Abnormally Invasive Placenta developed a consensus checklist for reporting suspected placenta accreta spectrum observed during an antenatal ultrasound. The diagnostic accuracy of the European Working Group for Abnormally Invasive Placenta checklist has not been assessed. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to test the performance of the European Working Group for Abnormally Invasive Placenta sonographic checklist in predicting histologic placenta accreta spectrum. STUDY DESIGN: This was a multisite, blinded, retrospective review of transabdominal ultrasound studies performed between 26 to 32 weeks' gestation for subjects with histologic placenta accreta spectrum between 2016 and 2020. We matched a control cohort of subjects without histologic placenta accreta spectrum in a 1:1 ratio. To reduce reader bias, we matched the control cohort for known risk factors including previa, number of previous cesarean deliveries, previous dilation and curettage, in vitro fertilization, and clinical factors affecting image quality including multiple gestation, body mass index, and gestational age at the ultrasound. Nine sonologists from 5 referral centers, blinded to the histologic outcomes, interpreted the randomized ultrasound studies using the European Working Group for Abnormally Invasive Placenta checklist. The primary outcome was the sensitivity and specificity of the checklist to predict placenta accreta spectrum. Two separate sensitivity analyses were performed. First, we excluded subjects with mild disease (ie, only assessed subjects with histologic increta and percreta). Second, we excluded interpretations from the 2 most junior sonologists. RESULTS: A total of 78 subjects were included (39 placenta accreta spectrum, 39 matched control). Clinical risk factors and image quality markers were statistically similar between the cohorts. The checklist sensitivity (95% confidence interval) was 76.6% (63.4-90.6) and the specificity (95% confidence interval) was 92.0% (63.4-99.9) with a positive and negative likelihood ratio of 9.6 and 0.3, respectively. When we excluded subjects with mild placenta accreta spectrum disease, the sensitivity (95% confidence interval) increased to 84.7% (73.6-96.4) and the specificity was unchanged at 92.0% (83.2-99.9). Sensitivity and specificity were unchanged when the interpretations from the 2 most junior sonologists were excluded. CONCLUSION: The 2016 European Working Group for Abnormally Invasive Placenta checklist for interpreting placenta accreta spectrum has a reasonable performance in detecting histologic placenta accreta spectrum and excluding cases without placenta accreta spectum.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Quantitative Ultrasound Findings and Morbidly Adherent Placenta.

Aim: The accuracy of ultrasound findings in predicting the incidence of morbidly adherent placenta has been evaluated previously. In this study, we assessed the sensitivity and specificity of different quantitative findings of color Doppler and grayscale ultrasonography in predicting morbidly adherent placenta. Material and methods: In this prospective cohort study, all pregnant women over 20 weeks of gestational age with anterior placenta and a history of previous cesarean section were evaluated for inclusion. Various ultrasound findings were measured. The non-parametric receiver operating characteristic curves, the area under the curve, and the cut-off values were assessed. Results: A total of 120 patients were ultimately included for analysis, of whom 15 had morbidly adherent placenta. The two groups were significantly different regarding the number of vessels. Based on color Doppler ultrasonography, in predicting the morbidly adherent placenta, more than two intraplecental echolucent zones with color flow had 93% and 98% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. According to grayscale ultrasonography, more than thirteen intraplacental echolucent zones had the sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 80% in predicting morbidly adherent placenta, respectively. Echolucent zone >11 mm at non-fetal surface had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 66% in detecting morbidly adherent placenta. Conclusions: According to the results, the quantitative findings of color Doppler ultrasound have considerable sensitivity and specificity in detecting morbidly adherent placenta. More than two echolucent zones with color flow are recommended as the main diagnostic parameter indicating the presence of morbidly adherent placenta with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 98%.

Expectant management of viable cesarean scar pregnancies: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a potentially life-threatening disease that has been steadily increasing in prevalence. Pregnancy termination is usually recommended given the risk of life-threatening complications. In some cases, patients refuse to terminate viable CSPs, even after counseling. Recent studies report that, even with a high burden of possible complications and maternal morbidity, many CSPs progress to live, close to term births. The aim of this study is to further demonstrate the natural history of viable cesarean scar pregnancies. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of original studies reporting cases of expectant management of CSPs with positive fetal heartbeats. RESULTS: After selection, 28 studies were included in the review, with a total of 398 cases of CSP, 136 managed expectantly and 117 with positive fetal heartbeat managed expectantly. This study confirmed that the majority of patients experience live births, as 78% of patients selected for expectant management experienced live births at or close to term, with 79% developing morbidly adherent placenta, 55% requiring hysterectomy, and 40% having severe bleeding. DISCUSSION: The optimal management protocol for CSP is still to be defined and more studies are needed to further elucidate this rare but rising disease. Our study provides information on the natural history of untreated CSPs and suggests that termination may not be the only option offered to the patient.

Is conservative management of placenta accreta spectrum disorders practical in the United States?

This commentary discusses the issues related to conservative management (also called leaving the placenta in situ or intentional retention of the placenta) of placenta accreta spectrum disorders. Considerations related to placenta accreta spectrum disorder management in the United States are compared with France, where conservative management is a well-accepted management option. The history of placenta accreta spectrum disorder treatment is reviewed, finding that since 1937, the most common treatment in the United States been cesarean-hysterectomy without placental removal. Although definitive studies have yet to be conducted, a growing body of evidence suggests that conservative management is able to reduce maternal morbidity, compared with cesarean-hysterectomy. International and national guidelines from several countries are examined. Comparisons between the United States and France that are addressed in the commentary include population and geography, structure of the healthcare system, physician training and acceptability, and patient acceptability. Considering the differences between the countries, conservative management is feasible in the United States. Different options for placenta accreta spectrum disorder management should be rigorously researched in multicenter international collaborations. Conservative management should be considered as an option for women with placenta accreta spectrum disorders in the United States, especially for those desiring fertility preservation.

Spiral Suture of the Lower Uterine Segment with Temporary Aortic Balloon Occlusion in Morbidly Adherent Placenta Previa Cases.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the combined effect of spiral suture of the lower uterine segment with intraoperative aortic balloon occlusion in morbidly adherent placenta previa cases. Patient and Methods: This retrospective, single-center study involved patients from 2017 to 2020. The study considered 68 cases of morbidly adherent placenta previa cases from medical records retrospectively with age ranging from 23 to 42 years. Bilateral uterine artery embolization was performed, to control excessive bleeding. Perioperative blood loss, hysterectomy rate, amount of blood transfusion, balloon occlusion time, fetal and maternal radiation dose, and postpartum complications were assessed. Results: A total of 68 patients underwent surgery. Hysterectomy was performed in three patients and uterine artery embolization in 21 patients. Of 53 patients who required blood transfusions, the amount of packed red blood cells given was 800 mL and the amount of plasma given was 400 mL. Median abdominal aortic balloon occlusion time was 17 minutes. Fetal and maternal radiation doses were 5 mGy and 12 mGy, respectively. One patient experienced surgery-related complications, a bladder injury. No major catheterization-related and postpartum complications were observed. Conclusion: Fertility-sparing surgery for women with morbidly adherent placenta could include abdominal aortic balloon occlusion and spiral suture of lower uterine segment.

Haematuria from early pregnancy in a morbidly adherent placenta: Case report and a short review.

The morbidly adherent placenta has evolved into one of the potentially life-threatening conditions in obstetrics. Vaginal bleeding is the most common presentation of placenta percreta. Other symptoms include unusual dull, prolonged lower abdominal pain. Although haematuria is rare, it may be a presentation of the morbidly adherent placenta in early pregnancy. We report a case of placenta percreta with a very uncommon presentation of gross haematuria early in the second trimester managed successfully. It is emphasized that a high index of suspicion, ultrasound, and/or MRI can establish a preoperative diagnosis of the invasive placenta earlier. However, the diagnostic accuracy of cystoscopy is still under debate. With timely diagnosis, preparedness, and multidisciplinary care, it is possible to minimize catastrophic complications.

A retrospective analysis of maternal complications and newborn outcomes of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery in a single tertiary hospital in China.

BACKGROUND: Either neuraxial anesthesia or general anesthesia can be performed for cesarean delivery. Generally, neuraxial anesthesia is the first choice with the risk and benefit balance for both the mother and fetus. However, general anesthesia is also applicable most commonly in the emergent setting. This study analyzed maternal complications associated with general anesthesia for cesarean delivery and suggested lowering pregnancy-related maternal and newborn adverse outcomes. METHODS: With the approval of the Institutional Ethics Review Board (No: 2017016), data on cesarean delivery and related anesthesia were collected from the Electronic Health Record System from 1/1/2013 to 12/31/2016. Statistical software STATA version 15.1 was used for data analyses. All statistical tests were two-sided, and a level significance of 0.05 was assumed. RESULTS: The rate of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery increased steadily during 2013-2016, 3.71% in 2013 to 10.23% in 2016 (p < 0.001). Repeat cesarean delivery among general anesthesia group increased significantly from 16.22% in 2013 to 54.14% in 2016 (p < 0.001). Morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) was the first reason among pregnancy-related complications, which accounted for 33% in total in general anesthesia group (38% in 2013 to 44% in 2016). The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was used in airway management, and the proportion of LMA increased from 28.38% in 2013 to 92.99% in 2016 (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in newborn outcomes between general anesthesia and neuraxial anesthesia groups, including newborn weight, newborn Apgar score at 1 min and 5 min and newborn admission to the NICU (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The growing incidence of general anesthesia was consistent with the trend of rising repeat cesarean delivery and MAP. low newborn Apgar score and high newborn admission to the NICU in general anesthesia group compared with neuraxial anesthesia group. The LMA was performed safely for airway management with enough fasting and careful gastric volume evaluation.

Comparison of One-Stage and Two-Stage Intraoperative Uterine Artery Embolization during Cesarean Delivery for Placenta Accreta: Report of Two Clinical Cases at a Tertiary Referral Medical Center.

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) described the anchoring placental villi attached or penetrating into/through the myometrium. PAS is clinically important because of the unpredictable bleeding amount when manually removing the defective decidualization at the endometrial-myometrial interface. Therefore, a multidisciplinary strategy for cesarean delivery with PAS is crucial. Postoperative embolization after cesarean hysterectomy in a hybrid suite was studied by many scientists. In this study, we demonstrated two cases of intraoperative embolization without hysterectomy in a hybrid operating room for cesarean delivery with placenta accreta. Our results show that intraoperative uterine artery embolization with a hybrid suite is a time-preserving and safe method for cesarean delivery with PAS owing to avoiding the risk of morbidity and mortality during patient transfer.

Characterization of cord blood CD3+ TCRVα7.2+ CD161high T and innate lymphoid cells in the pregnancies with gestational diabetes, morbidly adherent placenta, and pregnancy hypertension diseases.

PROBLEM: Although pregnant women with gestational diabetes (GD), morbidly adherent placenta (MAP), and pregnancy hypertension (pHT) diseases lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), little is known about their effect on mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) and innate lymphoid cells (ILC) in the umbilical cord. This study aimed to quantify and characterize MAIT cells and ILCs in the cord blood of pregnant women with GD, MAP, and pHT diseases. METHOD OF STUDY: Cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) were isolated by Ficoll-Paque gradient. CD3+ TCRVα7.2+ CD161high cells and ILC subsets were quantified by flow cytometry. CBMCs were stimulated with PMA/Ionomycin and Golgi Plug for 4 h and stained for IFN-γ, TNF-α, and granzyme B. The stained cells were analyzed on FACS ARIA III. RESULTS: Compared with healthy pregnancies, in the cord blood of the pHT group, elevated number of lymphocytes was observed. Moreover, the absolute number of IFN-γ producing CD4+ or CD4- subsets of CD3+ TCRVα7.2+ CD161high cells as well as those producing granzyme B were significantly elevated in the pHT group compared to healthy controls suggesting increased MAIT cell activity in the pHT cord blood. Similarly, in the MAP group, the absolute number of total CD3+ TCRVα7.2+ CD161high cells, but not individual CD4+ or negative subsets, were significantly increased compared with healthy controls' cord blood. Absolute numbers of total CD3+ TCRVα7.2+ CD161high cells and their subsets were comparable in the cord blood of the GD group compared with healthy controls. Finally, the absolute number of total ILCs and ILC3 subset were significantly elevated in only pHT cord blood compared with healthy controls. Our data also reveal that IFN-γ+ or granzyme B+ cell numbers negatively correlated with fetal birth weight. CONCLUSIONS: CD3+ TCRVα7.2+ CD161high cells and ILCs show unique expansion and activity in the cord blood of pregnant women with distinct diseases causing IUGR and may play roles in fetal growth restriction.

Cesarean scar pregnancy with expectant management.

AIM: This study aimed to ascertain whether the lower anterior myometrial thickness (MT) between the bladder and the gestational sac in early pregnancy can be used to predict clinical outcomes in women with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) after expectant management. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and early pregnancy ultrasound images of 21 patients who received expectant management for CSP. Among them, 11 patients with serious complications during pregnancy, such as intraoperative blood loss ≥1000 mL or with severe forms of morbidly adherent placenta (MAP; placenta increta or placenta percreta), were assigned to group A. The remaining 10 patients without serious complications during pregnancy were assigned to group B. The difference in MT between groups A and B was analyzed using nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in MT between the groups (U = 20.000, p = 0.013). The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was 0.818, and the optimal cut-off value for MT was 3.3 mm. CONCLUSION: Lower anterior MT around the gestational sac was correlated with severe complications, such as massive intraoperative bleeding or severe forms of MAP in patients with CSP.

The zone II aorta is not a forbidden zone for occlusion in women with morbidly adherent placenta.

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of balloon occlusion at the Zone II aorta for the management of morbidly adherent placenta. METHODS: From September 2015 to October 2018, a total of 80 consecutive patients who were prenatally diagnosed with morbidly adherent placenta were assigned into two groups: the balloon occlusion group (n = 40) and the non-balloon occlusion group (n = 40).The intraoperative estimated blood loss, blood transfusion, urine output, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and hysterectomy rate were recorded and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The estimated blood loss in the balloon occlusion group was significantly lower than that in the non-balloon occlusion group (811.75 ± 299.93 ml vs 1529.75 ± 808.01 ml, P < 0.001). The median amount of packed RBCs transfused in the balloon occlusion group and non-balloon occlusion group was 0 U and 2 U, respectively (P = 0.001). The women in the former group had a lower blood transfusion rate than those in the latter group (30% vs 57.5%, P = 0.013). Hysterectomy occurred in none in the balloon occlusion group but in six patients in the non-balloon occlusion group (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: The middle abdominal aorta (Zone II) is not a forbidden zone for occlusion as long as the single occlusion time is limited to 15 min. Balloon occlusion at the Zone II aorta can effectively reduce blood loss, transfusion requirements and hysterectomy rates in patients with morbidly adherent placenta.