Opportunities for, and barriers to, uterus-preserving surgical techniques for placenta accreta spectrum.

INTRODUCTION: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) can lead to major peripartum morbidity. Appropriate management approaches depend on the clinical severity, each individual's preference, and the treating team's expertise. Peripartum hysterectomy is the most frequently used treatment option. However, it can impact psychological well-being and fertility. We investigated whether conservative treatment with focal resection or leaving the placenta in situ is associated with comparable or lower maternal morbidity than hysterectomy in centers of excellence within the International Society for placenta accreta spectrum (IS-PAS). Furthermore, a survey was conducted to explore potential barriers to conservative management in antenatal counseling and intraoperative decision-making. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Confirmed PAS cases in the prospective IS-PAS database from 22 registered centers between January 2020 and June 2022 were included in the analysis. A separate online survey with 21 questions was answered by the IS-PAS center experts about indications, diagnostic criteria, patient counseling, surgical practice, changes from the preoperative treatment plan, and why conservative management may not be offered. RESULTS: A total of 234 cases were included in the analysis: 186 women received hysterectomy and 38 women were treated by focal resection, and 10 by leaving the placenta in situ. Blood loss was lower in the focal resection group and in the placenta in situ group compared to the hysterectomy group (p = 0.04). 46.4% of the women initially planned for focal resection, and 35.7% of those initially planned for leaving the placenta in situ were ultimately treated by hysterectomy. Our survey showed that the IS-PAS centers preferred hysterectomy according to a woman's wishes (64%) and when they expected less blood loss and morbidity (41%). Eighteen percent of centers did not offer focal resection at all due to a lack of experience with this technique. Reasons for not offering to leave the placenta in situ were avoidance of unexpected reoperation (36%), puerperal infection (32%), or skepticism about the method (23%). CONCLUSIONS: Uterus-preserving treatment strategies such as focal resection appear to be safe alternatives to peripartum hysterectomy. However, less than half of the IS-PAS centers perform them. Acceptance of conservative treatments could be increased by standardized criteria for their implementation and by systematic training for PAS experts.

Perinatal assessment of complex cesarean delivery: beyond placenta accreta spectrum.

Multiple cesarean deliveries are known to be associated with long-term postoperative consequences because of a permanent defect of the lower uterine segment wall and the development of thick pelvic adhesions. Patients with a history of multiple cesarean deliveries often present with large cesarean scar defects and are at heightened risk in subsequent pregnancies of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy, uterine rupture, low-lying placenta or placenta previa, and placenta previa accreta. Moreover, large cesarean scar defects will lead to progressive dehiscence of the lower uterine segment with the inability to effectively reapproximate hysterotomy edge and repair at birth. Major remodeling of the lower uterine segment associated with true placenta accreta spectrum at birth, whereby the placenta becomes inseparable from the uterine wall, increases the rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially when undiagnosed before delivery. Ultrasound imaging is currently not routinely used to evaluate the surgical risks of patients with a history of multiple cesarean deliveries, beyond the risk assessment of placenta accreta spectrum. Independent of accreta placentation, a placenta previa under a scarred, thinned partially disrupted lower uterine segment, covered by thick adhesions with the posterior wall of the bladder, poses a surgical risk and requires fine dissection and surgical expertise; however, data on the use of ultrasound to evaluate uterine remodeling and adhesions between the uterus and other pelvic organs are scarce. In particular, transvaginal sonography has been underused, including in patients with a high probability of placenta accreta spectrum at birth. Based on the best available knowledge, we discuss the role of ultrasound imaging in identifying the signs suggestive of major remodeling of the lower uterine segment and in mapping the changes in the uterine wall and pelvis, to enable the surgical team to prepare for all different types of complex cesarean deliveries. The need for postnatal confirmation of the prenatal ultrasound findings for all patients with a history of multiple cesarean deliveries, regardless of the diagnosis of placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum, is discussed. We propose an ultrasound imaging protocol and a classification of the level of surgical difficulty at elective cesarean delivery to stimulate further research toward the validation of ultrasound signs by which these signs may be applied to improve surgical outcomes.

Delivery outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy following the conservative management of placenta accreta spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Cesarean hysterectomy is generally presumed to decrease maternal morbidity and mortality secondary to placenta accreta spectrum disorder. Recently, uterine-sparing techniques have been introduced in conservative management of placenta accreta spectrum disorder to preserve fertility and potentially reduce surgical complications. However, despite patients often expressing the intention for future conception, few data are available regarding the subsequent pregnancy outcomes after conservative management of placenta accreta spectrum disorder. Thus, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess these outcomes. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to September 2022. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included all studies, with the exception of case studies, that reported the first subsequent pregnancy outcomes in individuals with a history of placenta accreta spectrum disorder who underwent any type of conservative management. METHODS: The R programming language with the "meta" package was used. The random-effects model and inverse variance method were used to pool the proportion of pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 5 studies involving 1458 participants that were eligible for quantitative synthesis. The type of conservative management included placenta left in situ (n=1) and resection surgery (n=1), and was not reported in 3 studies. The rate of placenta accreta spectrum disorder recurrence in the subsequent pregnancy was 11.8% (95% confidence interval, 1.1-60.3; I2=86.4%), and 1.9% (95% confidence interval, 0.0-34.1; I2=82.4%) of participants underwent cesarean hysterectomy. Postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 10.3% (95% confidence interval, 0.3-81.4; I2=96.7%). A composite adverse maternal outcome was reported in 22.7% of participants (95% confidence interval, 0.0-99.4; I2=56.3%). CONCLUSION: Favorable pregnancy outcome is possible following successful conservation of the uterus in a placenta accreta spectrum disorder pregnancy. Approximately 1 out of 4 subsequent pregnancies following conservative management of placenta accreta spectrum disorder had considerable adverse maternal outcomes. Given such high incidence of adverse outcomes and morbidity, patient and provider preparation is vital when managing this population.

Graduate and Continuing Medical Education of Placenta Accreta Spectrum.

Surgical training experience in obstetrics-gynecology (OB-GYN) residency and fellowship training, particularly in open abdominal surgeries has declined over the last 2 decades. This is due, in part, due to a universal trend toward non-invasive treatments for gynecologic conditions once treated surgically. Management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) often requires complex surgical skills, including, but not limited to highly complex hysterectomy. The decline in surgical case numbers has fallen as the incidence of PAS has risen, which we anticipate will lead to a gap in critical skills needed for graduating obstetrician-gynecologists to able to safely care for people with PAS.

A Retrospective Review of Social Deprivation Index and Maternal Outcomes with Placenta Accreta Spectrum from a Single Referral Center.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about how community characteristics influence placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) outcomes. Our objective was to evaluate whether adverse maternal outcomes among pregnant people (gravidae) with PAS delivering at a single referral center differ by community-level measures of social deprivation. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of singleton gravidae with histopathology confirmed PAS delivering from January 2011 to June 2021 at a referral center. Data abstraction collected relevant patient information, including resident zip code, which was linked to Social Deprivation Index (SDI) score (a measure of area-level social deprivation). SDI scores were divided into quartiles for analysis. Primary outcome was a composite of maternal adverse outcomes. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: Among our cohort (n = 264), those in the lowest (least deprived) SDI quartile were older, had lower body mass index, and were more likely to identify as non-Hispanic white. Composite maternal adverse outcome occurred in 81 (30.7%), and did not differ significantly by SDI quartile. Intraoperative transfusion of ≥4 red blood cell units occurred more often among those living in deprived areas (31.2% in the highest [most deprived] vs. 22.7% in the lowest [least deprived] SDI quartile, p = 0.04). No other outcomes differed by SDI quartile. In multivariable logistic regression, a quartile increase in SDI was associated with 32% increased odds of transfusion of ≥4 red blood cell units (adjusted odds ratio: 1.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.75). CONCLUSION: Within a cohort of gravidae with PAS delivered at a single referral center, we found that those living in more socially deprived communities were more likely to receive transfusion of ≥4 red blood cell units, but other maternal adverse outcomes did not differ. Our findings highlight the importance of considering how characteristics of the surrounding community can impact PAS outcomes and may assist with risk stratification and resource deployment. KEY POINTS: · Little is known about how community characteristics influence PAS outcomes.. · In a referral center, transfusion was more common in gravidae living in socially deprived areas.. · Future research should consider how community characteristics can impact PAS outcomes..

Placenta Accreta Spectrum: Correlation between FIGO Clinical Classification and Histopathologic Findings.

OBJECTIVE: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) covers a wide spectrum of placental adherence/invasion with varied clinical significance. Histopathologic examination is considered the confirmatory gold standard, but is only obtained sometime after definitive treatment. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) has published a new clinical classification that can be assigned at delivery, and we aimed to investigate the association between this new FIGO classification and histopathology and also to assess its correlation with maternal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: We studied a retrospective cohort of 185 patients with histopathologically proven PAS managed at our referral center between September 2012 and January 2019. Two experienced surgeons retrospectively reviewed charts and assigned the FIGO grading based on findings reported at delivery. A third experienced reviewer adjudicated to determine the classification used for final analysis. Categorical outcomes were compared with the use of chi-squared and the Fisher exact test, as appropriate. A multivariate model was designed to adjust outcomes in different FIGO groups for the involvement of a formal multidisciplinary management team. RESULTS: Among 185 patients, there were 41 (22%) placenta accreta, 44 (24%) placenta increta, and 100 (54%) placenta percreta on histopathology. The inter-rater reliability was found to be substantial with Kappa = 0.661 (p < 0.001), and 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.449-0.872. There was a significant association between all histopathology groupings and the FIGO clinical classification (p < 0.001). However, we found no association between FIGO classifications and maternal complications. CONCLUSION: The new FIGO clinical classification is strongly associated with histopathologic findings. A better understanding of the depth and extent of invasion as afforded by the clinical classification system will help standardize reporting and future research. KEY POINTS: · PAS includes a wide spectrum of placental invasion with varied clinical significance.. · Histopathological examination is considered the confirmatory gold standard.. · The new FIGO clinical classification is strongly associated with histopathologic findings..

General Management Considerations for Placenta Accreta Spectrum.

The ideal management of a patient with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) includes close antepartum management culminating in a planned and coordinated delivery by an experienced multidisciplinary PAS team. Coordinated team management has been shown to optimize outcomes for mother and infant. This section provides a consensus overview from the Pan-American Society for the Placenta Accreta Spectrum regarding general management of PAS.

The Association between Placenta Accreta Spectrum Severity and Incidence of Small for Gestational Age Neonates.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate whether pathologic severity of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is correlated with the incidence of small for gestational age (SGA) and neonatal birthweight. STUDY DESIGN: This was a multicenter cohort study of viable, non-anomalous, singleton gestations delivered with histology-proven PAS. Data including maternal history, neonatal birthweight, and placental pathology were collected and deidentified. Pathology was defined as accreta, increta, or percreta. The primary outcome was rate of SGA defined by birth weight less than the 10th percentile. The secondary outcomes included incidence of large for gestational age (LGA) babies as defined by birth weight greater than the 90th percentile as well as incidence of SGA and LGA in preterm and term gestations. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and log-binomial regression. Increta and percreta patients were each compared with accreta patients. RESULTS: Among the cohort of 1,008 women from seven United States centers, 865 subjects were included in the analysis. The relative risk (RR) of SGA for increta and percreta did not differ from accreta after adjusting for confounders (adjusted RR = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36-1.10 for increta and aRR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.45-1.16 for percreta). The results were stratified by placenta previa status, which did not affect results. There was no difference in incidence of LGA (p = 1.0) by PAS pathologic severity. The incidence of SGA for all PAS patients was 9.2% for those delivered preterm and 18.7% for those delivered at term (p = 0.004). The incidence of LGA for all PAS patients was 12.6% for those delivered preterm and 13.2% for those delivered at term (p = 0.8203). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in incidence of SGA or LGA when comparing accreta to increta or percreta patients regardless of previa status. Although we cannot suggest causation, our results suggest that PAS, regardless of pathologic severity, is not associated with pathologic fetal growth in the preterm period. KEY POINTS: · PAS severity is not associated with SGA in the preterm period.. · PAS severity is not associated with LGA.. · Placenta previa does not affect the incidence of SGA in women with PAS..

Surgical Techniques for the Management of Placenta Accreta Spectrum.

The surgical management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is often challenging. There are a variety of techniques and management options described in the literature ranging from uterine sparing to cesarean hysterectomy. Following the inaugural meeting of the Pan-American Society for Placenta Accreta Spectrum a multidisciplinary group collaborated to describe collective recommendations for the surgical management of PAS. In this manuscript, we outline individual components of the procedure and provide suggested direction at key points of a cesarean hysterectomy in the setting of PAS. KEY POINTS: · The surgical management of PAS requires careful planning and expertise.. · Multidisciplinary team care for pregnancies complicated by PAS can decrease morbidity and mortality.. · Careful surgical techniques can minimize risk of significant hemorrhage by avoiding pitfalls..

Imaging the Uterus in Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorder.

Antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) improves maternal and neonatal outcomes by allowing for multidisciplinary planning and preparedness. Ultrasound is the primary imaging tool. Simplification and standardization of placental evaluation and reporting terminology allows improved communication and understanding between teams. Prior to 10 weeks of gestation, gestational sac position and least myometrial thickness surrounding the gestational sac help PAS diagnosis very early in pregnancy. Late first-, second-, and third-trimester evaluation includes comprehensive evaluation of the placenta, transabdominal and transvaginal with partially full maternal urinary bladder, and by color Doppler. Subsequently, the sonologist should indicate whether the evaluation was optimal or suboptimal; the level of suspicion as low, moderate, or high; and the extent as focal, global, or extending beyond the uterus. Other complementary imaging modalities such as 3D-power Doppler ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and vascular topography mapping strive to improve antenatal placental evaluation but remain investigational at present. KEY POINTS: · Antenatal imaging, primarily using ultrasound with partially full maternal urinary bladder, is an essential means of evaluation of those at risk for PAS.. · Simplification and standardization of placental evaluation and reporting will allow improved communication between the multidisciplinary teams.. · Gestational sac location prior to 10 weeks of gestation and four markers after that (placental lacunae and echostructure, myometrial thinning, hypoechoic zone with or without bulging between placenta and myometrium, and increased flow on color Doppler)..

Basal Plate Myofibers and the Risk of Placenta Accreta Spectrum in the Subsequent Pregnancy: A Large Single-Center Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate whether there is a significant association between a placental pathology diagnosis basal plate myofibers (BPMF) in an index pregnancy with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in the subsequent pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective nested cohort study of all cases with a histopathological finding of BPMF between August 2012 and March 2020 at a single tertiary referral center. Data were collected for all subjects (cases and controls) with at least two consecutive pregnancies (the initial index pregnancy and at least one subsequent pregnancy) accompanied by a concomitant record of histopathological study of the placenta at our center. The primary outcome was pathologically confirmed PAS in the subsequent pregnancy. Data are presented as percentage or median, interquartile range accordingly. RESULTS: A total of n = 1,344 participants were included, of which n = 119 (index cases) carried a contemporaneous histopathological diagnosis of BPMF during the index pregnancy and n = 1,225 did not (index controls). Among the index cases, patients with BPMF were older (31.0 [20, 42] vs. 29.0 [15, 43], p < 0.001), more likely to have undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) for conception (10.9 vs. 3.8%, p = 0.001) and were of a more advanced gestational age at delivery (39.0 [25, 41] vs. 38.0 [20, 42], p = 0.006). In the subsequent pregnancy, the rate of PAS was significantly higher among the BPMF index cases (6.7 vs. 1.1%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for maternal age and IVF, a histopathological diagnosis of BPMF in an index pregnancy was shown to be a significant risk factor for PAS in the subsequent gestation (hazard ratio: 5.67 [95% confidence interval: 2.28, 14.06], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings support that a histopathological diagnosis of BPMF is an independent risk factor for PAS in the subsequent pregnancy. KEY POINTS: · BPMF may indicate morbid adherence of placenta.. · Patients with BPMF were older and more likely to have undergone IVF for conception.. · The BPMF in the current pregnancy is an independent risk factor for PAS in the subsequent pregnancy..

The Society for Pediatric Pathology Task Force grading system for placenta accreta spectrum and its correlation with clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The terminology and diagnostic criteria presently used by pathologists to report placenta accreta spectrum is inconsistent and does not reflect current knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disease. OBJECTIVE: In 2020, the perinatal subcommittee of the Society for Pediatric Pathology Placenta Accreta Task Force proposed a new pathologic grading system for placenta accreta spectrum. We sought to correlate the clinical outcomes with the classification into each group in the new placenta accreta spectrum grading system. STUDY DESIGN: The pathology reports of patients with histopathologic confirmation of placenta accreta spectrum were reviewed in 2 academic referral centers by placental pathologists. Pathologic grading was assigned based on the new grading system according to which placenta accreta spectrum is categorized into 5 groups depending on the depth of invasion, from grade p1 with no invasion into the uterine wall to grade p3E with invasion beyond the uterine wall to the adjacent organs. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared among these groups. A univariate analysis was performed, and a multivariate linear or binomial regression was employed when needed. RESULTS: A total of 683 patients with placenta accreta spectrum were identified. Of those, 407 were included for histology review. There were 92 patients (23%) categorized into the grade p1 group, 74 (18%) in the grade p2 group, 84 (20%) in the grade p3A group, 121 (30%) in the grade p3D group, and 36 (9%) in the grade p3E group. There was a significant association between the pathology grading and the number of red blood cells transfused (ß=1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-1.79) and the postoperative complications including the rate of readmission (risk ratio, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-2.94) and bladder injury (risk ratio, 1.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.68) after adjustment for antenatal diagnosis and other variables. The pathology grading was not associated with the estimated blood loss (P=.072). CONCLUSION: The new pathology grading system accurately reflects maternal outcomes and complications of placenta accreta spectrum. We encourage the utilization of this new pathologic grading system because it is designed to omit discrepancies in placenta accreta spectrum reporting and to standardize communication.

Urologic morbidity associated with placenta accreta spectrum surgeries: single-center experience with a multidisciplinary team.

BACKGROUND: Hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum may be associated with urologic morbidity, including intentional or unintentional cystostomy, ureteral injury, and bladder fistula. Although previous retrospective studies have shown an association between placenta accreta spectrum and urologic morbidities, there is still a paucity of literature addressing these urologic complications. OBJECTIVE: We sought to report a systematic description of such morbidity and associated factors. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of all histology-proven placenta accreta spectrum deliveries in an academic center between 2011 and 2020. Urologic morbidity was defined as the presence of at least one of the following: cystotomy, ureteral injury, or bladder fistula. Variables were reported as median (interquartile range) or number (percentage). Analyses were made using appropriate parametric and nonparametric tests. Multinomial regression analysis was performed to assess the association of adverse urologic events with the depth of placental invasion. RESULTS: In this study, 58 of 292 patients (19.9%) experienced urologic morbidity. Patients with urologic morbidity had a higher rate of placenta percreta (compared with placenta accreta and placenta increta) than those without such injuries. Preoperative ureteral stents were placed in 54 patients (93.1%) with and 146 patients (62.4%) without urologic injury (P=.003). After adjusting for confounding variables, multinomial regression analysis revealed that the odds of having adverse urologic events was 6.5 times higher in patients with placenta percreta than in patients with placenta accreta. CONCLUSION: Greater depth of invasion in placenta accreta spectrum was associated with more frequent and severe adverse urologic events. Whether stent placement confers any protective benefit requires further investigation.

Convalescent plasma in hospitalized pediatric and obstetric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.

BACKGROUND: Published data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) convalescent plasma (CCP) use in children and obstetric patients are limited. We describe a single-center experience of hospitalized patients who received CCP for acute COVID-19. METHODS: A retrospective review of children 0-18-years-old and pregnant patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed acute COVID-19 who received CCP from March 1, 2020 to March 1, 2021 was performed. Clinical and laboratory data were collected to assess the safety of CCP administration. Antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were measured in the CCP products and in patients before transfusion and at various time points post-transfusion. Correlation between the administered SARS-CoV-2 administered versus the SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike immunoglobulin response in patient serum was assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-two children and ten obstetric patients were eligible. Twelve pediatric and eight obstetric patients had moderate disease and ten pediatric and two obstetric patients had severe disease. Five pediatric patients died. Eighteen of 37 (48.6%) CCP titers that were measured met US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria for high immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titer. There were no complications with transfusion. High-titer CCP showed a positive correlation with rise in patient total immunoglobulin levels only in obstetric patients but not in pediatric patients. Among pediatric patients, the median serum antibody level increased over time after transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Coronavirus 2019 convalescent plasma was administered safely to our patients. Our study suggested that CCP did not interfere with endogenous antibody production. The antibody titer of CCP correlated with post-transfusion response only in obstetric patients. Randomized trials in pediatric and obstetric patients are needed to further understand how to dose CCP and evaluate efficacy.

Critical care in obstetrics: a strategy for addressing maternal mortality.

The acute rise in maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States is in part because of an increasingly medically complex obstetrical population. An estimated 1% to 3% of all obstetrical patients require intensive care, making timely delivery and availability of critical care imperative. The shifting landscape in obstetrical acuity places a burden on obstetrical providers, many of whom have limited experience in identifying and responding to critical illness. The levels of maternal care definitions by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine designate hospitals based on the availability of obstetrical resources and highlight the need for critical care resources and expertise. The growing need for critical care skills in the evolving contemporary obstetrical landscape serves as an opportunity to redefine the concept of delivery of care for high-risk obstetrical patients. We summarized the key tenets in the prevention of maternal morbidity and mortality, including the use of evidence-based tools for risk stratification and timely referral of patients to facilities with appropriate resources; innovative pathways for hospitals to provide critical care consultations on labor and delivery; and training of obstetrical providers in high-yield critical care skills, such as point-of-care ultrasonography. These critical care-focused interventions are key in addressing an increasingly complex obstetrical patient population while providing an educational foundation for the training of future obstetrical providers.

Association of peripartum management and high maternal blood loss at cesarean delivery for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS): A multinational database study.

INTRODUCTION: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) carries a high burden of adverse maternal outcomes, especially significant blood loss, which can be life-threatening. Different management strategies have been proposed but the association of clinical risk factors and surgical management options during cesarean delivery with high blood loss is not clear. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this international multicenter study, 338 women with PAS undergoing cesarean delivery were included. Fourteen European and one non-European center (USA) provided cases treated retrospectively between 2008 and 2014 and prospectively from 2014 to 2019. Peripartum blood loss was estimated visually and/or by weighing and measuring of volume. Participants were grouped based on blood loss above or below the 75th percentile (>3500 ml) and the 90th percentile (>5500 ml). RESULTS: Placenta percreta was found in 58% of cases. Median blood loss was 2000 ml (range: 150-20 000 ml). Unplanned hysterectomy was associated with an increased risk of blood loss >3500 ml when compared with planned hysterectomy (adjusted OR [aOR] 3.7 [1.5-9.4], p = 0.01). Focal resection was associated with blood loss comparable to that of planned hysterectomy (crude OR 0.7 [0.2-2.1], p = 0.49). Blood loss >3500 ml was less common in patients undergoing successful conservative management (placenta left in situ, aOR 0.1 [0.0-0.6], p = 0.02) but was more common in patients who required delayed hysterectomy (aOR 6.5 [1.7-24.4], p = 0.001). Arterial occlusion methods (uterine or iliac artery ligation, embolization or intravascular balloons), application of uterotonic medication or tranexamic acid showed no significant effect on blood loss >3500 ml. Patients delivered by surgeons without experience in PAS were more likely to experience blood loss >3500 ml (aOR 3.0 [1.4-6.4], p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In pregnant women with PAS, the likelihood of blood loss >3500 ml was reduced in planned vs unplanned cesarean delivery, and when the surgery was performed by a specialist experienced in the management of PAS. This reinforces the necessity of delivery by an expert team. Conservative management was also associated with less blood loss, but only if successful. Therefore, careful patient selection is of great importance. Our study showed no consistent benefit of other adjunct measures such as arterial occlusion techniques, uterotonics or tranexamic acid.

A multicenter observational survey of management strategies in 442 pregnancies with suspected placenta accreta spectrum.

INTRODUCTION: Management options for women with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) comprise termination of pregnancy before the viable gestational age, leaving the placenta in situ for subsequent reabsorption of the placenta or delayed hysterectomy, manual removal of placenta after vaginal delivery or during cesarean section, focal resection of the affected uterine wall, and peripartum hysterectomy. The aim of this observational study was to describe actual clinical management and outcomes in PAS in a large international cohort. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from women in 15 referral centers of the International Society of PAS (IS-PAS) were analyzed and correlated with the clinical classification of the IS-PAS: From Grade 1 (no PAS) to Grade 6 (invasion into pelvic organs other than the bladder). PAS was usually diagnosed antenatally and the operators performing ultrasound rated the likelihood of PAS on a Likert scale of 1 to 10. RESULTS: In total, 442 women were registered in the database. No maternal deaths occurred. Mean blood loss was 2600 mL (range 150-20 000 mL). Placenta previa was present in 375 (84.8%) women and there was a history of a previous cesarean in 329 (74.4%) women. The PAS likelihood score was strongly correlated with the PAS grade (P < .001). The mode of delivery in the majority of women (n = 252, 57.0%) was cesarean hysterectomy, with a repeat laparotomy in 20 (7.9%) due to complications. In 48 women (10.8%), the placenta was intentionally left in situ, of those, 20 (41.7%) had a delayed hysterectomy. In 26 women (5.9%), focal resection was performed. Termination of pregnancy was performed in 9 (2.0%), of whom 5 had fetal abnormalities. The placenta could be removed in 90 women (20.4%) at cesarean, and in 17 (3.9%) after vaginal delivery indicating mild or no PAS. In 34 women (7.7%) with an antenatal diagnosis of PAS, the placenta spontaneously separated (false positives). We found lower blood loss (P < .002) in 2018-2019 compared with 2009-2017, suggesting a positive learning curve. CONCLUSIONS: In referral centers, the most common management for severe PAS was cesarean hysterectomy, followed by leaving the placenta in situ and focal resection. Prenatal diagnosis correlated with clinical PAS grade. No maternal deaths occurred.

Clinical Outcomes of a False-Positive Antenatal Diagnosis of Placenta Accreta Spectrum.

OBJECTIVE: Antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is critical to reduce maternal morbidity. While clinical outcomes of women with PAS have been extensively described, little information is available regarding the women who undergo cesarean delivery with a presumptive PAS diagnosis that is not confirmed by histopathologic examination. We sought to examine resource utilization and clinical outcomes of this group of women with a false-positive diagnosis of PAS. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective analysis of patients with prenatally diagnosed PAS cared for between 2015 and 2020 by our multidisciplinary PAS team. Maternal outcomes were examined. Univariate analysis was performed and a multivariate model was employed to compare outcomes between women with and without histopathologically confirmed PAS. RESULTS: A total of 162 patients delivered with the preoperative diagnosis of PAS. Of these, 146 (90%) underwent hysterectomy and had histopathologic confirmation of PAS. Thirteen women did not undergo the planned hysterectomy. Three women underwent hysterectomy but pathologic examination did not confirm PAS. In comparing women with and without pathologic confirmation of PAS, the false-positive PAS group delivered later in pregnancy (34 vs. 33 weeks of gestation, p = 0.015) and had more planned surgery (88 vs. 47%, p = 0.002). There was no difference in skin incision type or hysterotomy placement for delivery. No significant difference in either the estimated blood loss or blood components transfused was noted between groups. CONCLUSION: Careful intraoperative evaluation of women with preoperatively presumed PAS resulted in a 3/149 (2%) retrospectively unnecessary hysterectomy. Management of women with PAS in experienced centers benefits patients in terms of both resource utilization and avoidance of unnecessary maternal morbidity, understanding that our results are produced in a center of excellence for PAS. We also propose a management protocol to assist in the avoidance of unnecessary hysterectomy in women with the preoperative diagnosis of PAS. KEY POINTS: · Evaluation and delivery planning of patients with suspected placenta accreta spectrum in experienced centers provides acceptable outcomes.. · Under specific circumstances, delivery of placenta may be attempted if placenta accreta is suspected.. · Patients with suspected placenta accreta rarely undergo unindicated hysterectomy..

Intravenous labetalol versus oral nifedipine for acute hypertension in pregnancy: effects on cerebral perfusion pressure.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women with preeclampsia have been found to have elevated cerebral perfusion pressure and impaired cerebral autoregulation compared with normal pregnant women. Transcranial Doppler is a noninvasive technique used to estimate cerebral perfusion pressure. The effects of different antihypertensive medications on cerebral perfusion pressure in preeclampsia are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To compare the change in cerebral perfusion pressure before and after intravenous labetalol vs oral nifedipine in the setting of acute severe hypertension in pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective cohort study of pregnant women between 24 and 42 weeks' gestation with severe hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥160 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥110 mm Hg). Women who consented to the study and received either intravenous labetalol or oral nifedipine were included. Exclusion criteria included active labor or receipt of any antihypertensive medication within 2 hours of initial cerebral perfusion pressure measurement. Peripheral blood pressure and transcranial Doppler studies for middle cerebral artery hemodynamics were performed prior to the administration of antihypertensive medications and repeated 30 minutes after medication administration. RESULTS: A total of 16 women with acute severe hypertension were enrolled; 8 received intravenous labetalol and 8 received oral nifedipine. There were no significant differences between the labetalol and nifedipine groups in baseline characteristics such as maternal age, race and ethnicity, payment, hospital site, body mass index, nulliparity, gestational age, preexisting diabetes mellitus or chronic hypertension, fetal growth restriction, magnesium sulfate administration, and symptomatology (P>.05). When examined 30 minutes after the administration of either intravenous labetalol or oral nifedipine, there was a significantly greater decrease in systolic blood pressure (-9.8 mm Hg vs -39 mm Hg; P=.003), mean arterial pressure (-7.1 mm Hg vs -22.3 mm Hg; P=.02), and cerebral perfusion pressure (-2.5 mm Hg vs -27.7 mm Hg; P=.01) in the nifedipine group. There was no statistically significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (-12.9 mm Hg vs -5.4 mm Hg; P=.15). The change in middle cerebral artery velocity by transcranial Doppler was compared between the groups and was not different (0.07 cm/s vs 0.16 cm/s; P=.64). CONCLUSION: Oral nifedipine resulted in a significant decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure, whereas labetalol did not, after administration for acute severe hypertension among women with preeclampsia. This decrease seems to be driven by a decrease in peripheral arterial blood pressure rather than a direct change in cerebral blood flow.

In vitro fertilization as an independent risk factor for placenta accreta spectrum.

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum is well known for its association with catastrophic maternal outcomes. However, its pathophysiology is not well defined. There have been emerging data that in vitro fertilization may be a risk factor for placenta accreta spectrum. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the hypothesis that in vitro fertilization is an independent risk factor for placenta accreta spectrum. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of all deliveries in a prospective, population-based cohort (2012-2019) was performed in a tertiary academic center. Primary outcome variable was placenta accreta spectrum. Univariate analysis was performed on potential risk factors for predicting placenta accreta spectrum, and a multivariate model was designed to best fit the prediction of placenta accreta spectrum adjusted for risk factors such as cesarean delivery, placenta previa, age, and parity. History of previous cesarean delivery was known as a risk factor for both placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum; hence, the interaction between "placenta previa" and "previous cesarean delivery" was included in the final model. Odds ratios were calculated as exponential of beta coefficients from the multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 37,461 deliveries were included in this analysis, 5464 (15%) of which had a history of cesarean delivery, 281 (0.7%) had placenta previa in their index pregnancy, and 571 (1.5%) had in vitro fertilization pregnancy. The frequency of placenta accreta spectrum was 230 (0.6%). Independent risk factors for placenta accreta spectrum were in vitro fertilization pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio, 8.7; 95% confidence interval, 3.8-20.3), history of previous cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 21.1; 95% confidence interval, 11.4-39.2), and presence of placenta previa (adjusted odds ratio, 94.6; 95% confidence interval, 29.3-305.1). After adjustment for number of previous cesarean deliveries, the correlation persisted for in vitro fertilization (adjusted odds ratio, 6.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.9-15.6). CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that in vitro fertilization is an independent risk factor for placenta accreta spectrum, although its relative clinical importance compared with that of the presence of placenta previa and history of cesarean delivery is small. The pathophysiology behind this relationship remains to be investigated.