Background: Abruptio placenta 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. The maternal complications include haemorrhagic shock, coagulopathy renal failure and even death. The fetal morbidity and mortality are due to prematurity and hypoxia. This study examines the risk factors and maternal complications of the abruptio placenta.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of Abruptio Placenta cases carried at tertiary care centrein Kerala. In our study we examined 99 women whose delivery was complicated by abruption of placenta.  We also included 99 mothers at term as control who came in labour without abruptio placenta. A detailed obstetrics history was obtained and maternal high risk factors were noted.

Results: Incidence of Abruptio placenta is 0.32%. It is most common in the women of age group 21-24 years. Low income group had the highest incidence of abruptio placenta. 39.39 % of cases were associated with severe pre-eclampsia. Previous obstetric history was found to have a bearing on the incidence of abruption. Increased incidence of abruption was found in women with a history of first trimester abortion by instrumental evacuation. Regarding the grade of abruption, maximum cases were belonged to Page’s grade 3, and the least number of cases was seen in grade 3.

Conclusions: Abruptio placenta is related with poor maternal outcome. Hence early diagnosis and prompt resuscitative measures would prevent maternal mortality and morbidity.

Keywords: Abruptio Placenta, Maternal Outcome, Page’s Grading, Risk Factors.

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Thanku Thomas Koshy

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