Antepartum hemorrhage due to placenta previa with autologous transfusion: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Bleeding during pregnancy or during childbirth can cause significant morbidity and mortality for the mother and baby, this can be overcome by performing a caesarean section (C-section) and blood transfusions. Although blood transfusions can save lives, there is a risk such as transfusion reactions, transmission of infection, and anaphylaxis. Giving autologous blood transfusion can reduce the risk of these events. This case report aims to investigate the advantages of autologous blood transfusion in managing the patient's hemodynamic status compared to homologous blood transfusion. CASE PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old female (G2P1A0) with antepartum hemorrhage (APH) due to placenta previa underwent emergency C-section with intrauterine device installation and hysterectomy. The patient received an autologous transfusion to improving the hematocrits and hemoglobin within 30 min. Autologous transfusion provided routine postoperative hemodynamics, electrolytes, and blood stability. However, it could not completely replace homologous transfusion. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Autologous transfusion reduces transfusion response, infection risk, and immunosuppression. Consequently, it reduces the need for allogenic blood supplies and enables safer transfusion for people with rare blood types and various auto-antibodies. CONCLUSION: Autologous transfusions may provide better outcomes in C-section surgery for APH patients due to placenta previa. Thus, we recommend the use of autologous over homologous transfusion. Further research is required to compare them to a large population.

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

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

Perinatal substance use disorder: Examining the impact on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Objective: Substance use disorder is a growing concern in the USA, especially among pregnant women. This study was undertaken to assess the impact of substance use disorder on adverse pregnancy outcomes using a nationwide sample of inpatient pregnancy hospitalizations in the USA, and to elucidate the influence on each type of adverse pregnancy outcome. Study design: A cross-sectional analysis of inpatient pregnancy hospitalizations in the USA from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample from 2016 to 2020 was conducted. International Classification of Diseases - 10th revision and diagnosis-related group codes were used to identify inpatient pregnancy-related delivery hospitalizations with a substance use disorder and/or adverse pregnancy outcomes. Propensity score matching and multiple logistic regression analyses were undertaken to predict the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes among pregnancy hospitalizations with and without substance use disorder. Subgroup analyses were performed to estimate the impact of substance use disorder on each adverse pregnancy outcome. Results: From 3,238,558 hospitalizations, the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was substantially higher among pregnancy hospitalizations with substance use disorder (35.6 %) compared with pregnancy hospitalizations without substance use disorder (25.1 %, p < 0.001). After matching and model adjustment for sociodemographic covariates, substance use disorder was identified as an independent predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.47, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.45-1.49]. In subgroup analyses based on type of adverse pregnancy outcome, the greatest exposure risks were fetal growth restriction (aOR 1.96, 95 % CI 1.91-2.01), antepartum hemorrhage (aOR 1.79, 95 % CI 1.73-1.85) and preterm birth (aOR 1.65, 95 % CI 1.62-1.68). Conclusion: Patients with substance use disorder are at higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly fetal growth restriction, antepartum hemorrhage and preterm birth.

Association between Antenatal Vaginal Bleeding and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Placenta Accreta Spectrum.

Background and Objectives: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders are placental conditions associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality. While antenatal vaginal bleeding in the setting of PAS is common, the implications of this on overall outcomes remain unknown. Our primary objective was to identify the implications of antenatal vaginal bleeding in the setting of suspected PAS on both maternal and fetal outcomes. Materials and Methods: We performed a case-control study of patients referred to our PAS center of excellence delivered by cesarean hysterectomy from 2012 to 2022. Subsequently, antenatal vaginal bleeding episodes were quantified, and components of maternal morbidity were assessed. A maternal composite of surgical morbidity was utilized, comprised of blood loss ≥ 2 L, transfusion ≥ 4 units of blood, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and post-operative length of stay ≥ 4 days. Results: During the time period, 135 cases of confirmed PAS were managed by cesarean hysterectomy. A total of 61/135 (45.2%) had at least one episode of bleeding antenatally, and 36 (59%) of these had two or more bleeding episodes. Increasing episodes of antenatal vaginal bleeding were associated with emergent delivery (p < 0.01), delivery at an earlier gestational age (35 vs. 34 vs. 33 weeks, p < 0.01), and increased composite maternal morbidity (76, 84, and 94%, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Antenatal vaginal bleeding in the setting of PAS is associated with increased emergent deliveries, earlier gestational ages, and maternal composite morbidity. This important antenatal event may aid in not only counseling patients but also in the coordination of multidisciplinary teams caring for these complex patients.

Exploring Risk Factors and Perinatal Outcomes of Preterm Birth in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Comprehensive Analysis.

Background Preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation is a global public health challenge, particularly in India, where the prevalence varies regionally. Understanding risk factors, such as maternal age and complications like hypertensive disorders, is vital. India's diverse healthcare landscape and regional disparities further complicate this issue. Preterm infants face increased mortality and morbidity risks like respiratory distress and intraventricular hemorrhage. This study in a tertiary care hospital aimed to analyze risk factors, assess perinatal outcomes, and contribute to the understanding of preterm birth in this complex context, providing valuable insights for maternal and child health strategies. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Venkateshwara Institute of Medical Science, Rajabpur, over one year, extracting data from electronic health records. The study aimed to analyze risk factors associated with preterm delivery and assess perinatal outcomes. The study included diverse pregnancies, both singleton and multiple gestations, and employed sample size calculations to ensure statistical validity. Trained medical personnel collected extensive data on maternal characteristics, obstetric history, antenatal care, perinatal outcomes, and mode of delivery. Statistical analysis, utilizing SPSS (IBM, Chicago, USA), involved descriptive statistics, comparative analysis, chi-square tests, t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and multivariate logistic regression models. Findings with a p-value <0.05 were considered significant. Results The study included 2042 deliveries, with a preterm birth prevalence of 14.2%. Multiparous women had higher preterm birth rates than primigravida (72.92% vs. 27.08%). Maternal age, history of preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders, inadequate antenatal care compliance, previous cesarean section, multiple gestations, antepartum hemorrhage (APH), polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios, and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) were significantly associated with preterm birth. Apgar scores at one minute and five minutes, neonatal complications, and mortality rates were notably worse among preterm births. Vaginal delivery rates were significantly lower in the preterm group (36.3%) compared to full-term deliveries (48.8%), with a higher rate of emergency cesarean sections (19.7% vs. 10.8%). Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the risk factors and perinatal outcomes of preterm delivery at a tertiary care hospital, with precise values illustrating the extent of associations. The findings such as history of preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders, and inadequate antenatal care compliance as the most commonly associated conditions with preterm birth and management of such associated conditions may help reduce the rate of premature birth.

Adverse live-born pregnancy outcomes among pregnant people with anorexia nervosa.

BACKGROUND: Previous findings related to the association of adverse pregnancy outcomes with anorexia nervosa are mixed. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association of adverse live-born pregnancy outcomes with anorexia nervosa using adjustment modeling accounting for confounding factors, and a mediation analysis addressing the contribution of underweight prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain to those outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: The sample included California live-born singletons with births between 2007 and 2021. The administrative data set contained birth certificates linked to hospital discharge records. Anorexia nervosa diagnosis during pregnancy was obtained from International Classification of Diseases codes on hospital discharge records. Adverse pregnancy outcomes examined included gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, anemia, antepartum hemorrhage, premature rupture of membranes, premature labor, cesarean delivery, oligohydramnios, placenta previa, chorioamnionitis, placental abruption, severe maternal morbidity, small for gestational age, large for gestational age, low birthweight, and preterm birth (by timing and indication). Risk of each adverse outcome was calculated using Poisson regression models. Unadjusted risk of each adverse outcome was calculated, and then the risks were adjusted for demographic factors. The final adjusted model included demographic factors, anxiety, depression, substance use, and smoking. A mediation analysis was performed to estimate the excess risk of adverse outcomes mediated by underweight prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain below the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendation. RESULTS: The sample included 241 pregnant people with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and 6,418,236 pregnant people without an eating disorder diagnosis. An anorexia nervosa diagnosis during pregnancy was associated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes in unadjusted models (relative risks ranged from 1.65 [preeclampsia] to 3.56 [antepartum hemorrhage]) in comparison with people without an eating disorder diagnosis. In the final adjusted models, birthing people with an anorexia nervosa diagnosis were more likely to have anemia, preterm labor, oligohydramnios, severe maternal morbidity, a small for gestational age or low-birthweight infant, and preterm birth between 32 and 36 weeks with spontaneous preterm labor (adjusted relative risks ranged from 1.43 to 2.55). Underweight prepregnancy body mass index mediated 7.78% of the excess in preterm births and 18.00% of the excess in small for gestational age infants. Gestational weight gain below the recommendation mediated 38.89% of the excess in preterm births and 40.44% of the excess in low-birthweight infants. CONCLUSION: Anorexia nervosa diagnosis during pregnancy was associated with a number of clinically important adverse pregnancy outcomes in comparison with people without an eating disorder diagnosis. Adjusting for anxiety, depression, substance use, and smoking during pregnancy decreased this risk. A substantial percentage of the excess risk of adverse outcomes was mediated by an underweight prepregnancy body mass index, and an even larger proportion of excess risk was mediated by gestational weight gain below the recommendation. This information is important for clinicians to consider when caring for patients with anorexia nervosa. Considering and treating anorexia nervosa and comorbid conditions and counseling patients about mediating factors such as preconception weight and gestational weight gain may improve live-born pregnancy outcomes among people with anorexia nervosa.

Emergency Presentation of Invasive Cervical Cancer in Late Pregnancy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Antepartum hemorrhage (APH) often prompts consideration of the presence of obstetric disorders. Here, we describe a case with active APH in which invasive cervical cancer was the cause. A 41-year-old woman, fifth gravida, fourth para (G5, P4), presented to the emergency department at 38 weeks of gestation with an acute severe attack of vaginal bleeding, which occurred immediately after a per-vaginal examination at another local institute. Despite initial stabilization measures and investigations to exclude common causes of APH, a protruding cervical mass was discovered during a Cusco speculum examination. The patient underwent an emergent cesarean section (CS). Postoperatively, the patient was referred to the gynecological oncology unit for further evaluation and management. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the presence of a large cervical mass. A punch biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix. All these confirmed the condition as cervical carcinoma stage IB3. This case and literature review highlight the obstacles that might delay the diagnosis of cervical cancer and the importance of continuing the screening program strategies even during pregnancy to avoid complications of invasive cervical cancer. In addition, bleeding due to cervical cancer should always be considered one of the important differential diagnoses of APH even in full-term pregnancy.

Chronic Abruptio Placentae With Multiple Alloantibodies: An Obstetrician's Challenge.

The current case highlights the management of abruptio placentae in pregnant women with an O Rhesus (Rh)-negative blood group with multiple alloantibodies. We describe a unique case of chronic placental separation in a young primigravida presenting with intrauterine hematoma and intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), who had an O Rhesus-negative blood group with alloimmunization against D, C, and S antigens. The implications in management were the dilemma in diagnosis, the ABO blood grouping discrepancy, multiple alloantibodies including Rh alloimmunization, chronic placental abruption with postpartum hemorrhage, and scope for further pregnancies. Chronic placental separation or abruption can occur silently in some cases. On presentation, they may be mistaken with or for other lesions. In Rh-negative pregnancies, chronic abruption can lead to alloimmunization against Rh and other clinically significant antigens as well. Women with suspicion for chronic abruption must undergo detailed blood group testing as well as immunohematological workup at a nearby transfusion medicine department with a facility for complex immunohematological resolutions.

Intrauterine death in vasa previa without hemorrhage: case reports.

Antepartum and intrapartum hemorrhage from vasa previa (VP) is one of the main causes of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). Here, we present two cases with type I VP in which velamentous cord insertion below the fetal head and overlying the cervix were reported by prenatal ultrasound scanning, and IUFD occoured after 35 weeks with no signs of prenatal bleeding but with engaged fetal head at presentation. We hypothesized that the IUFD may attributed to the compression of the unprotected umbilical vessels by the engaged fetal head. Thus we suggest that VP with a velamentous cord insertion should be considered for earlier termination of the pregnancy to avoid the risk of non-hemorrhagic adverse fetal outcomes.

Cerclage in complete placenta previa preventing preterm labor: A rare case report.

Placenta previa often leads to antepartum hemorrhage, which warrants the patient for emergency room admission. The bleeding occurs mainly due to cervical dilation, which could be caused by cervical incompetence. Cervical cerclage has been considered as the primary treatment for cervical incompetence. However, evidence is lacking for its application in placenta previa. Here, we present a case of a 30-year-old pregnant woman diagnosed with complete placenta previa where a good obstetrical outcome could be achieved. The patient had antepartum hemorrhage during the 21st week of gestational age due to cervical dilation in a complete placenta previa case. An emergency cerclage using McDonald's technique was then performed, which prolonged the pregnancy to the 34th week of gestation. The patient had cesarean section and delivered a healthy baby girl weighing 2190 g. The mother and the baby had an uneventful recovery and were discharged after 2 days of hospitalization.

Maternal Obesity: An Obstetric Risk.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the obstetric risks and to evaluate the effects of maternal obesity during pregnancy and postpartum period. METHOD: This is a retrospective study of pregnant women with a BMI of more the 30 conducted at Bahrain Defence Force Hospital, West Riffa, Bahrain, from September 2019 to August 2020. Data includes demographic characteristics, and course of pregnancy from gestational age 24 weeks, through intrapartum to the postpartum period. Adverse maternal effects and delivery complications were the primary study outcomes. The BMI was calculated at the time of the booking visit. Comparative analysis was done to calculate the odds of each outcome taking a non-obese group (BMI less than 30) as a reference.  Results: The total number of pregnant women studied was 2972, out of which 1657 had BMI ≥30. In our study, women with high BMI were older (p<0.0001). High BMI was associated with high parity and higher miscarriage history. High BMI increased the risk of developing hypertension (OR 2.5; 95%CI 1.1-5.3). This analysis also found that high BMI was associated with increased risk of antepartum hemorrhage (OR 2.4; 95%CI 1-5.4), postpartum complications (OR1.6; 95%CI 1.1-2.2), and a hospital stay of more than five days (OR 1.6; 95%CI 1.3-2). High BMI patients were less likely to have Intrauterine growth restriction (OR 0.6; 95%CI 0.3-0.9). High BMI patients did not have an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, induction of labor, or caesarean birth. CONCLUSION: Higher BMI pregnant women are associated with higher incidences of hypertension. The high BMI group also had a significant relationship with antepartum hemorrhage and postpartum length of stay.

Effect of placenta previa on umbilical cord hematocrit value.

OBJECTIVE: Placenta previa is one of the causes of neonatal anemia. This condition is mainly explained by antenatal hemorrhage and incision of the anteriorly located placenta during cesarean section. However, the mechanism of neonatal anemia in placenta previa has not been extensively studied or well elucidated. This study investigates whether placenta previa is associated with lower hematocrit levels in newborns with no antenatal hemorrhage and placental incision. KEY FINDINGS: This prospective study investigated 47 patients with previa and 43 control patients who gave birth with a cesarean section at 34-38 weeks of gestation. Blood samples were obtained from the fetal end of the umbilical vein. The mean umbilical cord hematocrit value was 49.3% in the control patients and 46.7% in the patients with previa, and the difference was statistically significant (p = .029). No significant association was observed between hematocrit value and birth weight, gestational age, newborn gender, placenta position, or preoperative maternal hemoglobin level. CONCLUSION: The study findings reveal that even if not complicated by antepartum or intrapartum hemorrhage, placenta previa may be associated with lower hematocrit values in newborns. Although in none of the cases, the umbilical cord hematocrit value was not as low as to be defined as anemia, this effect of previa on newborns should be considered because of the importance of iron status.

Four cases of cervical varices without placenta praevia: Presentation, diagnosis, managements, and literature review.

Cervical varices are a rare condition characterized by recurrent antepartum hemorrhage and less than 20 cases were reported in the literature. It is usually associated with placenta previa. We herein describe four cases of cervical varices without placenta previa. Meticulous speculum examination, ultrasonography with Doppler and colposcopy are essential for establishing the diagnosis and assessing the extent of the cervical varix. We propose to classify it as the apparent external os type or ultrasonography-based endocervical type. Most cases presented in the literature were delivered by cesarean section. Nevertheless, one of our cases was a successful vaginal delivery. Our case illustrates that vaginal delivery is possible in isolated cervical varices. More case reports are needed to have a better understanding of this rare entity.

Ultrasound as a Sole Modality for Prenatal Diagnosis of Placenta Accreta Spectrum: Potentialities and Pitfalls.

Background Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a significant cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Its prevalence has been rising considerably, primarily due to the increasing rate of primary and repeat cesarean sections. Accurate prenatal identification of PAS allows optimal management because the timing of delivery, availability of blood products, and recruitment of skilled anesthesia, and surgical team can be arranged in advance. Aims and Objectives This study aimed to (1) study the ultrasound and color Doppler features of PAS, (2) correlate imaging findings with clinical and per-operative/histopathological findings, and (3) evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound for the diagnosis of PAS in patients with previous cesarean section. Materials and Methods This prospective study was conducted in radiology department of a tertiary care hospital. After screening 1,200 pregnant patients, 50 patients of placenta previa with period of gestation ≥ 24 weeks and history of at least one prior cesarean section were included in the study. Following imaging features were evaluated: (1) gray scale covering intraplacental lacunae, disruption of uterovesical interface, myometrial thinning, loss of retroplacental clear space, and focal exophytic masses; and (2) color Doppler covering intraplacental lacunar flow, hypervascularity of uterine serosa-bladder wall interface, and perpendicular bridging vessels between placenta and myometrium. Study Design Present study is a prospective one in a tertiary care hospital. Results Of the 19 PAS cases, 18 were correctly diagnosed on ultrasonography (USG) and confirmed either by histopathological analysis of hysterectomy specimen or per-operatively due to difficulty in placental removal. PAS was correctly ruled out in 27 of 31 patients. The diagnostic accuracy of USG was 90%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were 94.7, 87.1, 81.8, and 96.4%, respectively. Conclusion Ultrasound is indispensable for the evaluation of pregnant patients. It is an important tool for diagnosing PAS, thereby making the operating team more cautious and better equipped for difficult surgery and critical postoperative care. It can be relied upon as the sole modality to accurately rule out PAS in negative patients, thereby obviating unnecessary psychological stress among patients due to possible hysterectomy.

Role of Ultrasound in Managing Cervical Polyps During Pregnancy.

No definitive management guidelines exist for cervical polyps during pregnancy. Ultrasound can aid in creating a treatment plan by assessing the type of polyp and source of symptomatology. Three pregnant patients in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy presented with polyps. On examination, the polyps ranged from 2 to 6 cm in size. In all cases, the origin of the cervical polyps was first identified on ultrasound. Polypectomies were performed with no complications. All patients subsequently had uncomplicated normal spontaneous vaginal deliveries at term. Ultrasounds can help localize the source of symptomatology to polyps versus placental pathology. Additionally, ultrasound can determine the origin and type of polyp for creating an individualized, safe treatment plan during pregnancy.

Evaluation of the risk factors for antepartum hemorrhage in cases of placenta previa: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the risk factors for antepartum hemorrhage (APH) in women with placenta previa. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the medical records of 233 women with singleton pregnancies presenting with placenta previa whose deliveries were performed at our hospital between January 2009 and July 2018. RESULTS: Of the 233 women included in this study, 130 (55.8%) had APH. In the APH group, the gestational age and neonatal birth weight were significantly lower compared with the no hemorrhage group. Maternal age <30 years and multiparity were identified as significant risk factors for APH in both the univariate and multivariate analyses. Focusing on the previous route of delivery in multiparous women, the risk of APH was significantly higher in multiparous women who had experienced at least one vaginal delivery compared with nulliparous women (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 3.42 [95% confidence interval: 1.83-6.38]). CONCLUSION: We showed that women with placenta previa who were under 30 years old and who had a history of vaginal delivery may be at significant risk of experiencing APH.

Maternal and fetal vascular lesions of malperfusion in the placentas associated with fetal and neonatal death: results of a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Fetal death is one of the major adverse pregnancy outcomes and is common in low- and middle-income countries. Placental lesions may play an important role in the etiology of fetal and neonatal deaths. Previous research relating placental lesions to fetal death causation was hindered by a lack of agreement on a placental classification scheme. The Amsterdam consensus statement that was published in 2016 focused its attention on malperfusions in the maternal and fetal placental circulations. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationships of placental maternal and fetal vascular malperfusions in fetal and neonatal deaths, focusing on the most important maternal clinical conditions in the pathway to fetal and neonatal deaths, such as maternal hypertension, antepartum hemorrhage, and decreased fetal growth. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective, observational cohort study conducted at 2 Asian sites. The data collected included clinical history, gross and histologic evaluations of the placenta, and several other investigations and were used to determine the cause of death. The placenta was evaluated at both sites using the Amsterdam consensus framework. We estimated the risk of placental maternal and fetal vascular malperfusions in fetal and neonatal deaths. RESULTS: Between July 2018 and January 2020 in India and Pakistan, 1633 women with placentas available for the study provided consent. Of these women, 814 had fetal deaths, 618 had preterm live births and subsequent neonatal deaths, and 201 had term live births. The prevalence of maternal vascular malperfusion was higher in the placentas associated with fetal deaths (58.4%) and preterm neonatal deaths (31.1%) than in the placentas associated with term live births (15.4%). Adjusting for site, maternal vascular malperfusion had a relative risk of 3.88 (95% confidence interval, 2.70-5.59) in fetal deaths vs term live births and a relative risk of 2.07 (95% confidence interval, 1.41-3.02) in preterm neonatal deaths vs term live births. Infarcts and distal villous hypoplasia were the most common histologic components of maternal vascular malperfusion. Compared with maternal vascular malperfusion (58.4%), fetal vascular malperfusion was less common in the placentas associated with fetal deaths (19.0%). However, there were higher frequencies of fetal vascular malperfusion in the placentas associated with fetal deaths (19.0%) than in placentas associated with neonatal deaths (8.3%) or term live birth (5.0%). Adjusting for site, fetal vascular malperfusion had a relative risk of 4.09 (95% confidence interval, 2.15-7.75) in fetal deaths vs term live births and a relative risk of 1.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.90-3.49) in preterm neonatal deaths vs term live births. Furthermore, there was a higher incidence of maternal vascular malperfusion in cases of maternal hypertension (71.4%), small for gestational age (69.9%), and antepartum hemorrhage (59.1%) than in cases of fetal deaths with none of these conditions (43.3%). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of fetal vascular malperfusion in the 4 clinical categories. CONCLUSION: Histologic examination of the placenta, especially for malperfusion disorders, is crucial in elucidating pathways to fetal and neonatal deaths in preterm infants. In particular, focusing on placental maternal and fetal vascular malperfusions during pregnancy is a means to identify fetuses at risk of fetal death and is an important strategy to reduce the risk of fetal death early delivery. We hope that the increased risk of fetal and neonatal deaths in these pregnancies can be reduced by the development of an intervention that reduces the likelihood of developing maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion.

Risk factors of placenta previa with maternal and neonatal outcome at Dongola/Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Placenta previa is a major cause of hemorrhage affecting 0.4-0.5% of all pregnancy's early detection of cases and senior input will significantly reduce maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to determine risk factors, fetal and maternal outcome in pregnancy complicated by placenta previa. METHOD: This is descriptive cross-sectional study in women diagnosed with placenta previa at Dongola maternity hospital, Sudan from December 2018 to June 2019. RESULTS: There were 3,674 deliveries and 52 cases of placenta previa during the study period with prevalence of 1.4%. The average age of the patients was 34.8 years and most of them were above 35 years (53.8%), and (63.5%) were para 3 and more. Other identified risk factors included previous cesarean section (69.1%), previous uterine evacuation (13.5%), and assisted reproductive technique (5.8%). Maternal complications were hemorrhage needing blood transfusion (40.4%), cesarean hysterectomy (21.2%), and bladder injury (3.8%), but (34.6%) were with good outcome and no maternal death. NICU admission with RDS (25%), prematurity (25%), and death (5.8%) were the fetal complications, while in (44.2%) fetal outcome was good. CONCLUSION: The most identifiable risk factors for placenta previa were previous uterine scars, advanced maternal age, and multiparity. And it is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

Risk Factors of Antepartum Hemorrhage Among Mothers Who Gave Birth at Suhul General Hospital, 2016: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Antepartum hemorrhage is a very serious problem and contributes significantly to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Ethiopia. Identification of risk factors of antepartum hemorrhage will help for prevention and control programs. METHODS: An institutional-based case-control study was conducted from July 2013 to June 2016. A simple random sampling technique was employed, and 420 mothers' medical cards were reviewed using a pretested checklist. The data were entered in to EPI-info version 7 and then exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis, and all variables with a P-value<0.2 at bivariate logistic regression analysis were considered as a candidate for multivariate logistic regression analysis, and those variables with a P-value<0.05 in multiple logistic regression analysis were considered as significantly associated at 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Results of the multiple logistic regression showed that those mothers whose age was in the range of 35-44 years were significantly 4-times more likely to present with antepartum hemorrhage as compared to mothers in the age range of 15-24 years. Moreover, mothers who presented with a previous history of cesarean section were 4.7-times more likely to present with antepartum hemorrhage than those who had no previous history of cesarean section. Furthermore, women with a previous history of abortion were 2-times more likely to develop antepartum hemorrhage as compared to women who had no previous history of abortion. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: In this study, the factors found to be risk factors of antepartum hemorrhage were maternal age, previous history of cesarean section, and previous history of abortion. Strategies towards reduction of unwanted pregnancy to prevent abortion, pregnancy at advanced age, and to reduce the cesarean section rate should be emphasized.