Fetal salvage in abruptio placentae

Abstract

1.1. Premature separation of the normally implanted placenta occurred 254 times in 26,358 deliveries, an incidence of 1:104, with one maternal death.2.2. The uncorrected perinatal mortality rate was 29.84 per cent and there were 2 infants with major congenital abnormalities incompatible with life.3.3. The degree of severity of placental separation was classified according to the criteria of Page, as modified, with 81 cases of Grade 0 severity, 96 cases of Grade 1, 57 cases of Grade 2, and 20 of Grade 3.4.4. There were 42 cases of toxemia of pregnancy, an incidence of 16.5 per cent, with an increased frequency of toxemia in the severe grades.5.5. Some type of active intervention was carried out 153 times with a fetal salvage of 83.5 per cent when fetal heart tones were present on admission to the hospital, while passive management when the fetus was alive resulted in a fetal survival of only 72.8 per cent.6.6. Forty-six cesarean sections were done for fetal or combined fetal and maternal indications with an 82.6 per cent fetal survival.7.7. There were 3 instances of uteroplacental apoplexy and one of coagulation defect.