Placenta Praevia with Abnormal Adhesion-A Retrospective Study.

Abstract

Background: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) refers to abnormal placental attachment, categorized into placenta accreta, increta, and percreta, with varying severity. The incidence of PAS has risen alongside the increasing rate of caesarean sections. PAS is a significant cause of maternal complications, including bleeding, hysterectomies of necessity and intestinal or urinary surgical complications, and of foetal complications, preterm birth or foetal anaemia. Early diagnosis is crucial for its management and for improving its outcomes. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study, conducted at the County Emergency Clinical Hospital "Saint Andrew the Apostle", Constanța, analysed cases of placenta praevia and PAS from 2018 to 2022. Data were collected from observation sheets and operative protocols, involving 13,841 patients. Placenta praevia and PAS were diagnosed using ultrasound and MRI and confirmed by histopathology. Results: Among the 13,841 deliveries, 25 cases of placenta praevia (0.82% incidence) and 17 cases of PAS (0.57% incidence) were identified. Ultrasound demonstrated 88% sensitivity, and MRI 94% sensitivity for PAS detection. Of the 17 PAS cases, 11 were diagnosed as placenta accreta, 3 were diagnosed as placenta increta, and 3 as placenta percreta, with all percreta cases involving bladder invasion. Hysterectomy was the standard surgical treatment. Discussion: The risk factors for PAS included previous caesarean sections (94.1% of PAS cases), smoking, and uterine fibroids. The study confirmed the importance of early imaging and the involvement of a multidisciplinary team in managing PAS, particularly in complex cases with bladder involvement. Caesarean section followed by hysterectomy was the preferred surgical approach. Conclusions: Smoking, uterine scars, and uterine fibroids are significant risk factors for placenta praevia with pathological adhesion. Ultrasound and MRI are highly accurate in diagnosing PAS, with histopathology providing definitive confirmation. Multidisciplinary care is essential in managing complex cases, ensuring optimal maternal and foetal outcomes. The surgical treatment involves caesarean section and hysterectomy, with additional interventions for bladder invasion in percreta cases.