Placenta praevia at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto: A 5-year review

Abstract

Background : Placenta praevia is one of the most acute life-threatening obstetric emergencies. Its prompt management has been advocated to prevent associated morbidity and mortality. This study determines the incidence, risk factors, presentation, and maternal/fetal morbidity and mortality associated with placenta praevia in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. Materials and Methods : In this retrospective study, case notes of patients' that had placenta praevia from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2007 were retrieved. Relevant data were extracted and analyzed using the Epi-info Version 3.5.1 statistical package. Results : The incidence of placenta praevia was 0.84%. Grand multiparous women (50.0%) were more affected than multiparous women (42.7%). Majority (46.9%) presented with vaginal bleeding after 28 weeks of gestation. The Major type of placenta paevia (77.1%) occurred more than the Minor variety (22.9%). The most common risk factor was previous abortion (18.75%) while anemia (7.3%) was the most common complication. Most (83.3%) were delivered by Caesarean section. There was one (1.0%) maternal mortality and 12 (12.5%) perinatal deaths. Conclusions : Placenta praevia has a low incidence in the study population, is mainly of the Major type with identifiable risk factors and occur mainly in the 21-30 years age group and multiparous women. The major modes of presentations are vaginal bleeding and threatened abortion. Though maternal mortality is low perinatal mortality is high.