Alpha Feto-Protien as a Biochemical Marker in Prediction of Morbidly Adherent Placenta

Abstract

Abstract Background Placenta accreta is a potentially life-threatening obstetric condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach to management. The incidence of placenta accreta has increased and seems to parallel the increasing cesarean delivery rate. Women at greatest risk of placenta accreta are those who have myometrial damage caused by a previous cesarean delivery with either an anterior or posterior placenta previa overlying the uterine scar. Diagnosis of placenta accreta before delivery allows multidisciplinary planning in an attempt to minimize potential maternal or neonatal morbidity and mortality. Aim of the Work To compare between alpha-fetoproteine as biological marker & ultrasound & Doppler findings for prenatal predication of morbid adherent placentation in anterior placenta on scar of previous cesarean section. Patients and Methods The current study is a prospective cohort study, conducted at a tertiary center: Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital during the period between February 2018 and April 2019,where 150 pregnant women having placenta previa covering scar of previous uterine surgery had been recruited from the outpatient obstetrics clinic or emergency room and admitted to antepartum inpatient high risk service, but 50 patients were dropped out due to loss in follow up because of emergency antepartum haemorrhage & C.S., others escaped follow up. Results The results of the current study showed a significant association between all criteria of the 3DPD with multislice view and presence of placental adherence, need for added surgical steps, CS hysterectomy and bladder injury with sensitivity 83% & specificity 57%, PPV 76%, NPV 66%. Conclusion The current study suggests that AFP assay, it isn't good test alone as regards its sensitivity &specificity &its level of accuracy 55% as compared to 2D &3D power doppler with multislice view, so it is unreliable test alone for antenatal diagnosis of morbidly adherent placenta.