Placenta previa and risk of congenital malformations among singleton births

Abstract

Background: Placenta previa constitutes a major complication in pregnancy, with implantation differences in relation to whether it covers or lies close to the internal os of the cervix. Objective: The aim of our study was to examine the association between placenta previa and congenital malformations among singleton births. Materials and methods: In our study, which was conducted on 90223 patients admitted from three tertiary university-affiliated and teaching Hospitals [Bab El-Shaareia University Hospital_Al Mataria Teaching Hospital_ El Galaa Teaching Hospital] in the period from 2012 to 2015 their age ranged from 16 – 47 years. Results: In comparison between both groups regarding placenta previa as a risk factor of congenital anomaly we found that 1.7% of cases with congenital with maternal placenta previa versus 1.2% with no congenital anomalies and there was statistically significant difference between both groups with p value 0.042. With using multivariate logistic regression we found that (age, parity, C.S delivery, fetal sex, DM, HTN, smoking, previous abortion, IUGR with attenuation of placenta previa as independent risk factor so placenta previa considered weak risk factor for congenital anomalies. Our risk estimate was attenuated compared with previous estimates, possibly because of controlling several potential confounders in our analysis that were not examined in previously. Conclusion: Our study provides further evidence suggesting a weak, but positive association between placenta previa and major congenital malformations, including all structural anomalies, chromosomal defects, and congenital hypothyroidisms, in the offspring.