Thanku Thomas Koshy, Rachel Alexander
BACKGROUND Abruptio placentae denotes separation of a normally implanted placenta after 20 weeks of gestation. This is a uniquely dangerous condition to both the mother and the foetus because of its potentially serious pathologic sequelae. Abruptio placentae may lead to antagonistic foetal outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, birth asphyxia, foetal distress, low Apgar score, transfer to neonatal intensive care unit, stillbirth, congenital anomalies and perinatal death. The objective of this study is to examine the foetal outcomes in abruptio placentae cases in a tertiary care center in Kerala. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective study of Abruptio placentae cases carried at a tertiary centre in, Kerala. In our study we examined 99 women whose deliveries were complicated by abruption of placenta with onset preceded by the presence of active foetal movement. Statistical constants like mean, standard deviation and percentages were computed using appropriate formulae. RESULTS Incidence of Abruptio placentae was 0.32%. It is most common in the women of age group 21-24 years. Regarding the grade of abruption, maximum number of cases belonged to Page’s grade 2, and the least number of cases were seen in grade 3. Abruption was found to be a major contributor to perinatal mortality, with 43.43% of cases suffering a foetal loss. The causes of adverse foetal prognosis were prematurity and foetal hypoxia. The Apgar score of the babies were found to decrease, as the severity of abruption increased. CONCLUSION Abruptio placentae is related with poor perinatal outcome. Hence early diagnosis and prompt resuscitative measures would prevent perinatal morbidity and mortality.
