Clinical significance of soft markers in second trimester ultrasonography for pregnant Korean women: a multicenter study and literature review

Objective@#To evaluate the clinical significance of soft markers for aneuploidy screening in Korean women. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 5,428 singleton pregnant women who underwent sonography during the second trimester at seven institutions in South Korea. We evaluated the prevalence of the following soft markers: intracardiac echogenic focus, choroid plexus cysts, pyelectasis, echogenic bowel, and mild ventriculomegaly. We developed best-fitted regression equations for the fetal femur and humerus length using our data and defined a short femur and humerus as both long bones below the fifth centile. The results of genetic testing and postnatal outcomes were investigated in patients who had been diagnosed with aforementioned soft markers. @*Results@#The median maternal age of our study population was 33 years, and the median gestational age at the time of ultrasonographic examination was 21 weeks. We detected soft markers in 10.0% (n=540) of fetuses: 9.3% (n=504) were isolated cases and 0.7% (n=36) of cases had two or more markers. We identified only two aneuploides (trisomy 18, 46,XX,t[8;10][q22.1;p13]), of which one was clinically significant. We presented the neonatal outcomes of the fetuses with the respective soft markers. Preterm delivery, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) were significantly more common in women with a shortened fetal femur (P<0.001, all). However, the presence of a shortened fetal humerus was not associated with those outcomes excluding SGA. @*Conclusion@#Soft markers in second-trimester ultrasonography have limited use in screening for fetal aneuploidy in Korean women. However, these markers can be used as a screening tool for adverse outcomes other than chromosomal abnormality.

Cervicovaginal fluid cytokines as predictive markers of preterm birth in symptomatic women

Objective@#Here, we investigated whether cytokines in the cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) can be predictive markers of preterm birth (PTB). @*Methods@#A multi-center prospective cohort study was conducted on 59 singleton pregnant women hospitalized for preterm labor (PTL) and/or preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) between 22 weeks and 36 weeks 6 days of gestation from 2014 to 2015. The levels of 13 inflammatory cytokines (macrophage inflammatory protein [MIP]-1α, MIP-1β, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17α, granulocyte colony stimulating factor [G-CSF], IL-7, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13) were measured using a multiplex bead-based immunoassay and that of fetal fibronectin (fFN) was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analyses were performed using Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson’s correlation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis in SPSS version 20.0. @*Results@#Among the 13 cytokines assessed, the levels of 3 cytokines (MIP-1α, IL-6, and IL-7) were negatively correlated with gestational age at delivery (P=0.028, P=0.002, and P=0.018, respectively). Sensitivities of MIP-1α, IL-6, and IL-17α were 70%, 80%, and 75%, respectively, and their specificities were 57%, 65%, and 69%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of fFN were 33% and 95%, respectively. @*Conclusion@#In symptomatic women diagnosed with PTL and/or pPROM, cytokines from cervicovaginal fluid, especially IL-6 and IL-17α, could be better predictive markers of PTB than fFN.

Cervicovaginal fluid cytokines as predictive markers of preterm birth in symptomatic women

Objective@#Here, we investigated whether cytokines in the cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) can be predictive markers of preterm birth (PTB). @*Methods@#A multi-center prospective cohort study was conducted on 59 singleton pregnant women hospitalized for preterm labor (PTL) and/or preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) between 22 weeks and 36 weeks 6 days of gestation from 2014 to 2015. The levels of 13 inflammatory cytokines (macrophage inflammatory protein [MIP]-1α, MIP-1β, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17α, granulocyte colony stimulating factor [G-CSF], IL-7, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13) were measured using a multiplex bead-based immunoassay and that of fetal fibronectin (fFN) was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analyses were performed using Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson’s correlation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis in SPSS version 20.0. @*Results@#Among the 13 cytokines assessed, the levels of 3 cytokines (MIP-1α, IL-6, and IL-7) were negatively correlated with gestational age at delivery (P=0.028, P=0.002, and P=0.018, respectively). Sensitivities of MIP-1α, IL-6, and IL-17α were 70%, 80%, and 75%, respectively, and their specificities were 57%, 65%, and 69%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of fFN were 33% and 95%, respectively. @*Conclusion@#In symptomatic women diagnosed with PTL and/or pPROM, cytokines from cervicovaginal fluid, especially IL-6 and IL-17α, could be better predictive markers of PTB than fFN.

Addition of Cervical Elastography May Increase Preterm Delivery Prediction Performance in Pregnant Women with Short Cervix: a Prospective Study

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether there is a difference in elastographic parameters between pregnancies with and without spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD) in women with a short cervix (≤ 25 mm), and examined the ability of elastographic parameters to predict sPTD in those women. METHODS: E-CervixTM (WS80A; Samsung Medison, Seoul, Korea) elastography was used to examine the cervical strain. Elastographic parameters were compared between pregnancies with and without sPTD. Diagnostic performance of elastographic parameters to predict sPTD ≤ 37 weeks, both alone and in combination with other parameters, was compared with that of cervical length (CL) using area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis. RESULTS: A total of 130 women were included. Median gestational age (GA) at examination was 24.4 weeks (interquartile range, 21.4–28.9), and the prevalence of sPTD was 20.0% (26/130). Both the elastographic parameters and CL did not show statistical difference between those with and without sPTD. However, when only patients with CL ≥ 1.5 cm (n = 110) were included in the analysis, there was a significant difference between two groups in elasticity contrast index (ECI) within 0.5/1.0/1.5 cm from the cervical canal (P < 0.05) which is one of elastographic parameters generated by E-Cervix. When AUC analysis was performed in women with CL ≥ 1.5 cm, the combination of parameters (CL + pre-pregnancy body mass index + GA at exam + ECI within 0.5/1.0/1.5 cm) showed a significantly higher AUC than CL alone (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: An addition of cervical elastography may improve the ability to predict sPTD in women with a short CL between 1.5 and 2.5 cm.

Challenging management of chorioamnionitis with placental listeriosis: lessons from 2 cases

Listeriosis is a rare foodborne infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes. It is 12–20 times more prevalent in pregnant women compared to the general population, with a 20–40% mortality rate in neonates. Early treatment with appropriate antimicrobial agents is critical for pregnancy outcomes; however, the infection is difficult to control because the nonspecific clinical manifestations and rarity of the disease often preclude early diagnosis. We encountered 2 cases of pregnancy-associated listeriosis that occurred at 29 and 37 weeks of gestation. Both neonates were delivered by emergent cesarean section due to fetal condition, and one of the preterm infants died immediately after birth. Pregnancy-associated listeriosis should be considered in the management of unexplained fever or inflammatory conditions in pregnant women.

Effects of Oncostatin M on Invasion of Primary Trophoblasts under Normoxia and Hypoxia Conditions

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of oncostatin M (OSM) on protein expression levels and enzymatic activities of matrix metalloprotainase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in primary trophoblasts and the invasiveness thereof under normoxia and hypoxia conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Protein expression levels and enzymatic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in primary trophoblasts under normoxia and hypoxia conditions were examined by Western blot and zymography, respectively. Effects of exogenous OSM on the in vitro invasion activity of trophoblasts according to oxygen concentration were also determined. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) siRNA was used to determine whether STAT3 activation in primary trophoblasts was involved in the effect of OSM. RESULTS: OSM enhanced protein expression levels and enzymatic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in term trophoblasts under hypoxia condition, compared to normoxia control (p < 0.05). OSM-induced MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymatic activities were significantly suppressed by STAT3 siRNA silencing under normoxia and hypoxia conditions (p < 0.05). Hypoxia alone or OSM alone did not significantly increase the invasiveness of term trophoblasts. However, the invasion activity of term trophoblasts was significantly increased by OSM under hypoxia, compared to that without OSM treatment under normoxia. CONCLUSION: OSM might be involved in the invasiveness of extravillous trophoblasts under hypoxia conditions via increasing MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymatic activities through STAT3 signaling. Increased MMP-9 activity by OSM seems to be more important in primary trophoblasts.

Optimal Timing of Delivery Based on the Risk of Stillbirth and Infant Death Associated with Each Additional Week of Expectant Management in Multiple Pregnancies: a National Cohort Study of Koreans

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the fetal/infant mortality risk associated with each additional week of expectant management to that associated with immediate delivery in women with multiple gestations. METHODS: This was a retrospective national cohort study of 94,170 multiple deliveries, 92,619 (98.4%) twin and 1,352 (1.44%) triplet pregnancies, between 32 0/7 and 42 6/7 weeks of gestation recorded in the Korean vital statistics database. We investigated the risks of stillbirth and infant death after birth in Korea according to the week of gestation in twin and triplet pregnancies. RESULTS: The risk of stillbirth significantly increased between 34 and 35 weeks of gestation and between 37 and 38 weeks of gestation in twin pregnancies and between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation in triplet pregnancies. The risk of infant death following delivery gradually decreased as pregnancies approached full term. Week-by-week differences were statistically significant between 33 and 34 weeks, with decreasing risks of infant death at advancing gestational ages in twin pregnancies. At 37 weeks of gestation, the relative risk of mortality was significantly higher with expectant management compared with immediate delivery (relative risk, 3.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.41–6.38). CONCLUSION: In twin pregnancies, delivery at 37 weeks of gestation can minimize the risks of stillbirth and infant death in uncomplicated cases, although individual maternal and fetal characteristics must be considered when determining the optimal timing of delivery. In multiple pregnancies, close fetal surveillance is needed after 34 weeks of gestation.

STAT3 and ERK Signaling Pathways Are Implicated in the Invasion Activity by Oncostatin M through Induction of Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9

PURPOSE: Our previous studies have shown that oncostatin M (OSM) promotes trophoblast invasion activity through increased enzyme activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9. We further investigated OSM-induced intracellular signaling mechanisms associated with these events in the immortalized human trophoblast cell line HTR8/SVneo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the effects of OSM on RNA and protein expression of MMP-2 and -9 in the first-trimester extravillous trophoblast cell line (HTR8/SVneo) via Western blot. The selective signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 inhibitor, stattic, STAT3 siRNA, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) siRNA were used to investigate STAT3 and ERK activation by OSM. The effects of STAT3 and ERK inhibitors on OSM-induced enzymatic activities of MMP-2 and -9 and invasion activity were further determined via Western blot and gelatin zymography. RESULTS: OSM-induced MMP-2 and -9 protein expression was significantly suppressed by STAT3 inhibition with stattic and STAT3 siRNA silencing, whereas the ERK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) and ERK silencing significantly suppressed OSM-induced MMP-2 protein expression. OSM-induced MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymatic activities were significantly decreased by stattic pretreatment. The increased invasion activity induced by OSM was significantly suppressed by STAT3 and ERK1/2 inhibition, though to a greater extent by STAT3 inhibition. CONCLUSION: Both STAT3 and ERK signaling pathways are involved in OSM-induced invasion activity of HTR8/SVneo cells. Activation of STAT3 appears to be critical for the OSM-mediated increase in invasiveness of HTR8/SVneo cells.

Prevalence of Low Bone Mineral Density and Associated Risk Factors in Korean Puerperal Women

Although pregnancy is a medical condition that contributes to bone loss, little information is available regarding bone mineral density (BMD) in puerperal women. This cross sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of low BMD in puerperal women and to identify associated risk factors. We surveyed all puerperal women who had BMD measurements taken 4–6 weeks after delivery in a tertiary university hospital, and did not have any bone loss-related comorbidities. Among the 1,561 Korean puerperal women, 566 (36.3%) had low BMD at the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and/or trochanter. Multivariate analysis revealed that underweight women had a significantly higher risk of low BMD compared with obese women at pre-pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83–5.63). Also, women with inadequate gestational weight gain (GWG) were 1.4 times more likely to have low BMD than women with excessive GWG (aOR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.04–1.94). One-way ANOVA showed that BMDs at the lumbar spine and total hip were significantly different between the 4 BMI groups (both P < 0.001) and also between the 3 GWG groups (both P < 0.001). In conclusion, this study identifies a high prevalence of low BMD in puerperal women and thus suggests the need for further evaluation about the change of BMD in pregnancy and postpartum period.

Prenatal diagnosis of epignathus with multiple malformations in one fetus of a twin pregnancy using three-dimensional ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging

Epignathus is an extremely rare type of congenital teratoma arising in the oral cavity. Although it is a benign tumor, it is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates because of severe airway obstruction and other malformations. We present a case of epignathus affecting one fetus in a twin pregnancy. The tumor was associated with multiple congenital malformations including cleft palate, bifid tongue, bifid uvula, congenital heart defect, and bilateral inguinal hernias. The diagnostic value of three-dimensional ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging was explored with respect to antenatal counseling and peripartum management.

Practice patterns in the management of threatened preterm labor in Korea: A multicenter retrospective study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine clinical practice patterns in the management of pregnant women admitted with threatened preterm labor (TPL) in Korea. METHODS: Data from women admitted with a diagnosis of TPL were collected from 22 hospitals. TPL was defined as regular uterine contractions with or without other symptoms such as pelvic pressure, backache, increased vaginal discharge, menstrual-like cramps, bleeding/show and cervical changes. Data on general patient information, clinical characteristics at admission, use of tocolytics, antibiotics, and corticosteroids, and pregnancy outcomes were collected using an online data collections system. RESULTS: A total of 947 women with TPL were enrolled. First-line tocolysis was administered to 822 (86.8%) patients. As a first-line tocolysis, beta-agonists were used most frequently (510/822, 62.0%), followed by magnesium sulfate (183/822, 22.3%), calcium channel blockers (91/822, 11.1%), and atosiban (38/822, 4.6%). Of the 822 women with first-line tocolysis, second-line tocolysis were required in 364 (44.3%). Of 364 with second-line, 199 had third-line tocolysis (37.4%). Antibiotics were administered to 29.9% of patients (284/947) with single (215, 22.7%), dual (26, 2.7%), and triple combinations (43, 4.5%). Corticosteroids were administered to 420 (44.4%) patients. Betamethasone was administered to 298 patients (71.0%), and dexamethasone was administered to 122 patients (29.0%). CONCLUSION: Practice patterns in the management of TPL in Korea were quite various. It is needed to develop standardized practice guidelines for TPL management.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Lipoid Adrenal Hyperplasia (CLAH) by Molecular Genetic Testing in Korean Siblings

Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (CLAH) is caused by mutations to the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene associated with the inability to synthesize all adrenal and gonadal steroids. Inadequate treatment in an infant with this condition may result in sudden death from an adrenal crisis. We report a case in which CLAH developed in Korean siblings; the second child was prenatally diagnosed because the first child was affected and low maternal serum estriol was detected in a prenatal screening test. To our knowledge, this is the first prenatal diagnosis of the Q258X StAR mutation, which is the only consistent genetic cluster identified to date in Japanese and Korean populations.

A case of ectopic pregnancy after total hysterectomy / 대한산부인과학회지

Ectopic pregnancy after total hysterectomy is a very rare event and this could be the reason for the delay in diagnosis. We report a case of a ruptured tubal pregnancy occurred after hysterectomy and diagnosed by ultrasonography, computed tomography, and laparoscopy. A 37-year-old woman visited our emergency department for evaluation of abdominal pain, 31 days after total abdominal hysterectomy. Ultrasonography and computed tomography scan showed a cystic mass on the right adnexa and a large amount of fluid collection in the pelvic cavity. The patient's urine pregnancy test was positive. Laparoscopic findings revealed a ruptured right tubal pregnancy with hemoperitoneum. Ectopic pregnancy should be included in the differential diagnosis of a patient, even after total hysterectomy has been performed.

Congenital lymphangiomatosis of the right lower limb / 대한산부인과학회지

Lymphangiomatosis is a condition of lymphatic tissue malformation with multiple or diffuse involvement of soft tissues, visceral organs. Congenital abnormalities of the lymphatic system are very rare, and reports of congenital lymphangiomatosis are even fewer. We experienced a case of congenital lymphangiomatosis detected as edema of the right limb by prenatal ultrasonography and then diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. We describe this case with a brief review of the literature.

Expression of embryonic stem cell markers in human term placenta / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To determine which compartments of placenta in the term pregnancy express the embryonic stem cell markers. METHODS: We have used immunohistochemical methods with antibodies to embryonic stem cell surface antigens, TRA 1-60 (Tumor rejection antigen 1-60), TRA 1-81 (Tumor rejection antigen 1-81), SSEA-3 (stage-specific embryonic antigen-3) and SSEA-4 (stage-specific embryonic antigen-4), to identify and localize stem cells in the term placenta. RESULTS: Stem cell marker-positive cells were found in all layer of placenta. Amnionic epithelial cells was immunoreactive with TRA 1-60, TRA 1-81. Amnionic mesenchymal stromal cells was immunoreactive with TRA 1-81. Chorionic mesenchymal stromal cells was immunoreactive with TRA 1-60 and TRA 1-81. SSEA-3 and SSEA-4 were not stained at any compartment of the term placenta. Compartment that was stained most strongly by TRA 1-60 was the amnionic epithelial cells layer. Compartment that was stained most strongly by TRA 1-81 was the chorionic mesenchymal stromal cells layer. CONCLUSION: The mesenchymal stroma cells of the amnion and chorion as well as amnionic epithelial cells may be useful source of pluripotent stem cells in the term placenta.

A clinical study of depressive symptoms during pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To examine the incidence of the depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the socio-demographic and obstetric factors associated with depression. METHODS: Two hundred five women who had received antenatal care at Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital from March 2008 to May 2008 completed the questionnaire related to socio-demographic characteristics and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Statistics were performed using chi-square test and Fisher's extract test (SPSS 12.0). Results were considered statistically significant for P-values<0.05. RESULTS: Of 205 pregnant women, the mean score of EPDS was 7.3+/-4.2.54 of 205 women (26.5%) scored more than 10 point which is the cutoff value to define depressive symptoms. The incidences of depressive symptoms were not significantly different by the trimester (25.7% vs. 29.0% vs. 25.0%, P<0.844). There were no significant socio-geographic factors associated with depressive symptoms. In cases of unexpected pregnancies, the incidence of depressive symptoms was significantly high (34.6% vs. 21.0%, P=0.036), and the women who have problems of previous pregnancies scored significantly higher EPDS (56.3% vs. 23.8%, P=0.014). CONCLUSION: This study was the first report about the depression symptoms during pregnancy. Based on this study, we have to focus on and manage depression symptoms related to pregnancy.

A Case of congenital hydrocephalus associated with fetal intraventricular hemorrhage / 대한주산의학회잡지

Intraventricular hemorrhage is common in premature infants, and post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus may follow. Rarely, intraventricular hemorrhage can occur in utero and may lead to congenital hydrocephalus. In most cases no underlying disease is identified. The fetus may be compromised by intrauterine hypoxia leading to hemorrhage. Fetal hydrocephalus can be identified by ultrasonography, but the hemorrhagic lesion can be identified with high sensitivity by magnetic resonance imaging. There are neurologic deficit in neonate with fetal hydrocephalus. Early surgical treatment is recommended for neurodevelopmental outcome. We experienced a case of congenital hydrocephalus associated with fetal intraventricular hemorrhage in our hospital. We report the case with a brief review of the literature.

Clinical symptom of premenstrual syndrome in Korean women acorrding to tissue mineral concentration / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disease with specific psychologic and physical symptoms on luteal phase. Its incidence is variable in 20~80%, but its cause is not definitely proved. Because progesterone and estrogen affect the balance of the body mineral, the alteration of progestorone and estrogen in the patients with PMS may effect the imbalance of tissue mineral, that can induce the specific symptoms of PMS. This study examines the relationship between symptoms of PMS and mineral count by tissue mineral test. METHODS: Women who volunteered for the tissue mineral test completed MMDQ questionnaire and checked blood test for Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cu, Zn. The tissue mineral test used the hair not treated within 3 weeks and not washed within 3 hours. The hair was send to TEI for the analysis. We used SPSS (14.0) for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The MMDQ score of the normal Mg group is significantly higher than the high Mg group (22.5+/-17.8 vs. 13.9+/-11.1), and the behavioral disorder score of the normal Na group is significantly lower than the low Na group (2.2+/-1.7 vs. 3.4+/-2.2). The MMDQ score of the normal Cu group is significantly lower than abnormal group (15.7+/-11.9 vs. 24.9+/-16.9). CONCLUSIONS: Total score of MMDQ showed difference according to magnesium and copper concentrations in tissue, and scores of behavioral disorder was affected by sodium concentration of tissue. Additional study about cause and effect relationship is required.

Significance of prenatal radiologic diagnosis of the central nervous system anomalies / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The present study compared the findings of ultrasonography and MRI in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital central nervous system anomalies and identified the merits of MRI. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of neonates diagnosed with congenital central nervous system anomaly after birth born at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Kangnam St. Marys Hospital during the period from January 1997 to April 2008, and compared the findings of prenatal ultrasonography and MRI with the results of postnatal diagnosis. RESULTS: There were a total of 13 neonates postnatally diagnosed with congenital central nervous system anomaly, and 6 of them had prenatal MRI. Among them, ventriculomegaly and hydrocephalus were observed in 3 cases, arachnoid cyst in 2 cases, and megacisterna magna in 1 case. Supplementary information was available for all the 6 cases, and diagnosis based on the supplementary information was closer to postnatal diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In fetuses in which congenital central nervous system anomaly is observed in ultrasonography, prenatal MRI can provide supplementary information and enable more accurate diagnosis. This can be helpful in counseling the guardians and deciding treatment modality.

Comparative study between pregnancies with and without hypertensive disorders in placental abruption / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of placental abruption according to the presence or absence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. METHODS: The retrospective analysis was performed in total 363 cases of placental abruption among 25,895 deliveries during 5 years from January, 2003 to December, 2007 in 8 hospitals of Catholic university in Korea. Maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes were compared with parametric test. RESULTS: The incidence of placental abruption was 1.40% during the study period. The proportion of patients complicated with hypertensive disorders was 33.1%. There was no difference in maternal age and the number of previous pregnancy between two groups with or without hypertensive disorders. As expected, mean gestational age at delivery was lower in placental abruption with hypertensive disorders compared to those without the diseases (237.1 days vs 239.1 days). The incidence of abnormal fetal presentation, multiple gestation, PPROM, and polyhydramnios were more common in patients with placental abruption without hypertensive disorders. On the other hand, the incidence of maternal thrombophilia was significantly higher in patients with placental abruption with hypertensive disorders. The patients with placental abruption with hypertensive disorders had higher incidence of abdominal pain, fetal distress, uterine contraction, and uterine hypertonus (p<0.05). In terms of maternal complication, the patients with placental abruption with hypertensive disorders had more severe complications including shock, coagulopathy and renal failure (p<0.05) and had worse perinatal outcome including FDIU (fetal death in uterus) and neonatal death (10.8% vs 10.3%). CONCLUSION: In patients with placental abruption with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, maternal complications were more common and prenatal outcome was worse compared to patients with placental abruption without hypertensive disorders.