Placenta Accreta Research Articles

Differences in perinatal complications and serum hormone levels due to uterine endometrial preparation methods in frozen-thawed embryo transfer.

In frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET), differences in endometrial preparation methods affect the incidence of perinatal complications. However, the underlying causes are unclear. We aimed to investigate whether serum E2, P4 levels are associated with perinatal complications. This is a retrospective cohort study, involving 306 successful FET pregnancies from 2017 to 2022. Participants were divided into Natural Cycle (NC) and Hormone Replacement Cycle (HRC) group. We compared serum hormone levels, maternal backgrounds, and perinatal outcomes and complications. Furthermore, within the HRC group, serum hormone levels were compared for perinatal complications previously reported to show differences in incidence rates depending on the method of endometrial preparation. HRC exhibited significantly higher serum E2 levels during the implantation period, but lower P4 levels during ovulation, implantation, and pregnancy test period compared with NC. HRC also had significantly higher rates of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). There was no association found between perinatal complications more likely to occur in HRC and serum E2, P4 levels. In HRC, there were more occurrences of PPH and PAS. Although serum E2, P4 levels during FET did not correlate with perinatal complications.

Peripartum Cesarean Hysterectomy for Placenta Percreta: A Retrospective Analysis of Cases With and Without Extrauterine Disease.

Objective The aim of this study was to compare maternal morbidity and prenatal characteristics in placenta percreta cases with extrauterine disease and those with disease confined to the uterus. Methods A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was done at a large tertiary referral center in Egypt from October 2018 through February 2023. A total number of 73 cases who underwent primary cesarean hysterectomy with intrapartum confirmation of placenta previa percreta where there was evidence of at least placental invasion through uterine serosa (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) grade 3) were included. Women without extrauterine disease (FIGO grade 3a) were compared to women with extrauterine disease where there was evidence of invasion of the bladder, parametrium, or both (FIGO grades 3b and 3c). Results Of 73 women included in the study, 46 women showed no evidence of extrauterine disease (group A), while the remaining 27 women had extrauterine disease (group B). The estimated amount of blood loss (mL) was 1,972 ± 671 in group A compared with 3,544 ± 899 in group B. There were no cases requiring massive transfusion in group A compared with eight of 27 cases (29.6%) in group B. Only two cases (4.3%) in group A had bladder injuries compared with 12 cases (44.4%) in group B. All 27 cases in group B required additional measures to control ongoing pelvic bleeding after hysterectomy compared with none of the cases in group A. The operating time (minutes) was 184 ± 30 in group A compared with 254 ± 42 in group B. Only five cases (10.9 %) in group A required postoperative intensive care unit admission, compared with 13 cases (48.1%) in group B. Conclusion Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) with extrauterine disease represents the ultimate level of PAS surgery as it is more difficult, complex, and associated with the highest maternal morbidity. Highly specialized PAS centers are advised to categorize the disease into two different entities: PAS with extrauterine disease and PAS with disease confined to the uterus, as this may aid in improving the diagnostic accuracy of the severest PAS cases.

Transcriptomic analysis identified novel biomarker in invasive placenta accreta spectrum

IntroductionPlacenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders pose a grave threat to maternal life due to severe hemorrhage and the heightened risk of peripartum hysterectomy. Consequently, there's a pressing need for circulating biomarkers in clinical settings. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), being stable in peripheral circulation, hold promise as potential biomarkers for PAS. MethodsThis study recruited singleton live pregnancies, including cases of invasive PAS, placenta previa (PP), and controls, across three phases. Initially, RNA-seq of peripheral blood identified 6 miRNAs in the screening phase. Subsequently, in the training and validation phases, miR-23a-5p, along with its target genes ASF1B and CHTF8, were validated using qRT-PCR. The diagnostic value of these markers for PAS and adverse outcomes was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. ResultsThe results showed miR-23a-5p was down-regulated in PAS, whereas ASF1B and CHTF8 were up-regulated. miR-23a-5p had modest diagnostic efficiency for PAS and adverse outcomes, as the AUC were 0.689 and 0.711 respectively. However, when miR-23a-5p combined with CHTF8, the AUC can improve greatly to 0.869 in PAS diagnosis and 0.856 in prediction of adverse outcomes. DiscussionWe propose the miR-23a-5p plays a role in PAS pathogenesis through regulating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis by targeting various genes. This study confirmed its potential value of miR-23a-5p combined with target gene CHTF8 as novel biomarkers for PAS and adverse outcomes.

Impact of high-order repeat cesarean deliveries on early maternal complications among major placenta previa patients in Southern Saudi Arabia.

To investigate the rates and odds ratios (ORs) of early maternal complications among patients with major placenta previa (PP) who have undergone high-order repeat cesarean deliveries (HOR-CDs) in comparison to those with low-order repeat cesarean deliveries (LOR-CDs). We carried out a retrospective review of all major PP patients (n=184) who delivered through second or subsequent repeat CDs, from January 2012 to December 2021 (Abha Maternity and Children's Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia). The patients were categorized into 2 groups: the LOR-CDs group (n=100), comprising individuals with their second and third CDs (CD2-CD3) and the HOR-CDs group (n=84), consisting of those undergoing their fourth to seventh CDs (CD4-CD7). In comparison to the LOR-CDs, the HOR-CDs group with major PP exhibited significantly higher rates and ORs of early maternal complications, including MRI-diagnosed placenta accreta spectrum (PAS, OR=2.67), transfusions of packed red blood cells (OR=2.71), moderate to severe intra-operative bleeding (OR=1.80), emergency hysterectomy (OR=2.96), urological injuries (OR=3.17), and length of post-operative hospital stay (OR=3.91). The major PP subgroup undergoing CD6-CD7 showed the highest rates and ORs for PAS diagnosis at 84.6% (OR=3.98) and emergency hysterectomy at 28.6% (OR=4.04). Among patients with major PP, undergoing more than 3 CDs is associated with a notable increase in both the rates and ORs of various early maternal complications. This trend of increasing many complications correlates directly with an ascending number of CDs.

Firsttrimester Diagnosis and Therapy @ 11-13+6 Weeks of Gestation- Part 2.

This extensive AWMF 085-002 S2e-guideline "First Trimester Diagnosis and Therapy @ 11-13+6 Weeks of Gestation" has systematically analyzed high-quality studies and publications and the existing evidence (evidence tables) and produced recommendations (level of recommendation, level of evidence, strength of consensus).This guideline deals with the following topics in the context of the 11-13+6 weeks scan: the legal basis, screening for anatomical malformations, screening for chromosomal defects, quality assessment and audit, screening for preeclampsia and FGR, screening for preterm birth, screening for abnormally invasive placenta (AIP) and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), screening for velamentous cord insertion and vasa praevia, screening for diabetes mellitus and LGA.Screening for complications of pregnancy can best be carried out @ 11-13+6 weeks of gestation. The issues of how to identify malformations, chromosomal abnormalities and certain disorders of placentation (high blood pressure and proteinuria, intrauterine growth retardation) have been solved. The problem of how to identify placenta percreta and vasa previa has been partially solved. What is still unsolved is how to identify disorders of glucose metabolism and preterm birth.In the first trimester, solutions to some of these problems are available: parents can be given extensive counselling and the risk that a pregnancy complication will manifest at a later stage can be delayed and reduced. This means that screening is critically important as it helps in decision-making about the best way to manage pregnancy complications (prevention and intervals between follow-up examinations).If no treatment is available and if a termination of pregnancy is considered, the intervention can be carried out with far lower complications compared to the second trimester of pregnancy. In most cases, further examinations are not required and the parents can be reassured. A repeat examination at around week 20 of gestation to complete the screening for malformations is recommended. NOTE: The guideline will be published simultaneously in the official journals of both professional societies (i.e. Ultraschall in der Medizin/European Journal of Ultrasound for the DEGUM and Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde for the DGGG).

Frequency of Maternal Morbidities in Patients with Placenta Previa - A Prospective Single-Centered Study in Hazara Division.

OBJECTIVES The study aimed to determine the maternal morbidities in patients with placenta previa in a tertiary care hospital. Moreover, patients’ risk factors and outcomes will also be accessed as secondary outcomes. METHODOLOGY This prospective cross-sectional study was undertaken at Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad from January 2022 to July 2024. Any pregnant patients carrying the ultrasound diagnosis of placenta previa in an emergency or the ward were included in the study. A non-randomized convenience technique was applied for sample collection. Patients with other placental anomalies, such as placenta accreta, were excluded from the current study. The data was analyzed in SPSS version 21, and significance was kept below 0.005.RESULTSIn the present study, 104 cases of placenta previa were recruited, among which 76(73%) patients fall in the age range between 24 and 34 years. The incidence of major placenta previa was observed in 76/104 cases. In 86% of cases, obstetric trauma was observed, and in 54 (52%) cases, purpureal sepsis was recorded. The purpureal sepsis was 10/36(28%) in patients with tamponade placement and 8/36(22%) in APH patients with a significance of 0.001. Presentation with antepartum hemorrhage was seen in 67% of cases (8/12) in the age group < 20 years. The maternal mortality was 2%. CONCLUSION The complication rate was relatively higher than reported in previous studies. The rate of morbidity can be minimized by following a multi-disciplinary approach. The cases should be managed in settings with ICU care and blood bank facilities.

Cesarean scar pregnancy: Case report

Cesarean scar pregnancy is an unusual entity that is classified as a subtype of ectopic pregnancy and in turn in the placenta accreta spectrum. We present a case in whom other diagnoses were initially suspected, which implied management difficulties. It is reported due to its low prevalence and diagnostic difficulty due to low clinical suspicion. In addition, a brief review of the current literature on this pathology is carried out.

Spatial proteomics and transcriptomics of the maternal-fetal interface in placenta accreta spectrum

In severe Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS), trophoblasts gain deep access in the myometrium (placenta increta). This study investigated alterations at the fetal-maternal interface in PAS cases using a systems biology approach consisting of immunohistochemistry, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics. We identified spatial variation in the distribution of CD4+, CD3+ and CD8+ T-cells at the maternal-interface in placenta increta cases. Spatial transcriptomics identified transcription factors involved in promotion of trophoblast invasion such as AP-1 subunits ATF-3 and JUN, and NFKB were upregulated in regions with deep myometrial invasion. Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes demonstrated that degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and class 1 MHC protein were increased in increta regions, suggesting local tissue injury and immune suppression. Spatial proteomics demonstrated that increta regions were characterised by excessive trophoblastic proliferation in an immunosuppressive environment. Expression of inhibitors of apoptosis such as BCL-2 and fibronectin were increased, while CTLA-4 was decreased and increased expression of PD-L1, PD-L2 and CD14 macrophages. Additionally, CD44, which is a ligand of fibronectin that promotes trophoblast invasion and cell adhesion was also increased in increta regions. We subsequently examined ligand receptor interactions enriched in increta regions, with interactions with ITGβ1, including with fibronectin and ADAMS, emerging as central in increta. These ITGβ1 ligand interactions are involved in activation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition and remodelling of ECM suggesting a more invasive trophoblast phenotype. In PAS, we suggest this is driven by fibronectin via AP-1 signalling, likely as a secondary response to myometrial scarring.

Scar matrix drives Piezo1 mediated stromal inflammation leading to placenta accreta spectrum.

Scar tissue formation is a hallmark of wound repair in adults and can chronically affect tissue architecture and function. To understand the general phenomena, we sought to explore scar-driven imbalance in tissue homeostasis caused by a common, and standardized surgical procedure, the uterine scar due to cesarean surgery. Deep uterine scar is associated with a rapidly increasing condition in pregnant women, placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), characterized by aggressive trophoblast invasion into the uterus, frequently necessitating hysterectomy at parturition. We created a model of uterine scar, recapitulating PAS-like invasive phenotype, showing that scar matrix activates mechanosensitive ion channel, Piezo1, through glycolysis-fueled cellular contraction. Piezo1 activation increases intracellular calcium activity and Protein kinase C activation, leading to NF-κB nuclear translocation, and MafG stabilization. This inflammatory transformation of decidua leads to production of IL-8 and G-CSF, chemotactically recruiting invading trophoblasts towards scar, initiating PAS. Our study demonstrates aberrant mechanics of scar disturbs stroma-epithelia homeostasis in placentation, with implications in cancer dissemination.

Identifying risk factors for urologic complications in placenta accreta spectrum surgical management.

To describe urologic complications associated with the surgical management of placenta accreta spectrum and determine their risk factors. A retrospective study was conducted on all patients diagnosed with abnormal invasive placentation who underwent surgery and delivered between 2002 and 2023 at a single expert maternity centre. Intra-operative and post-operative complications were described, with a special focus on urologic intra-operative injuries, including vesical or ureteral injuries. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors of intra-operative urologic injuries associated with placenta accreta spectrum surgical management. Additionally, using the Clavien-Dindo classification, the effects of intra-operative urologic injury and ureteral stent placement on post-operative outcome were evaluated. A total of 216 patients were included, of which 47 (21.48%) had an intra-operative bladder and/or ureteral injury. Placenta percreta was associated with a higher rate of intra-operative urologic injury than placenta accreta (72.34% vs. 6.38%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that patients who had placenta percreta and bladder invasion or emergency hysterectomy were associated with more intra-operative urologic injuries (OR = 8.07, 95% CI [2.44-26.75] and OR = 3.87, 95% CI [1.09-13.72], respectively). Patients with intra-operative urologic injuries had significantly more severe post-operative complications, which corresponds to a Clavien-Dindo score of 3 or more, at 90 days (21.28% vs. 5.92%, p = 0.004). Surgical management of placenta accreta spectrum is associated with significant urologic morbidity, with a major impact on post-operative outcomes. Urologic complications seem to be correlated with the depth of invasion and the emergency of the hysterectomy.

A case of isolated malrotation without midgut volvulus diagnosed prenatally and treated by laparoscopic surgery

BackgroundMalrotation is a congenital condition that predisposes individuals to midgut volvulus, which can result in significant bowel resection. While most cases of malrotation are diagnosed by the age of 1 year, typically presenting with symptoms related to volvulus or bowel obstruction, some cases remain asymptomatic. In children with visceral malposition, gastroschisis, omphalocele, or diaphragmatic hernia, malrotation may be suspected before symptoms manifest. However, isolated malrotation without midgut volvulus diagnosed prenatally is rare. We herein present a case of isolated malrotation without midgut volvulus that was prenatally diagnosed and successfully treated with laparoscopic surgery.Case presentationA 30-year-old woman (gravida 3, para 1) underwent routine obstetric ultrasound, which revealed increased blood flow in the lower uterine segment and abnormal placental attachment. To rule out placenta percreta, magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 34 weeks of gestation. Incidentally, abnormal fetal intestinal arrangement was noted, with the colon localized in the left hemi-abdomen and the small intestine distributed in the right hemi-abdomen, raising suspicion of malrotation. Postnatal contrast studies confirmed the diagnosis of malrotation without midgut volvulus. Given the risk of midgut volvulus, a laparoscopic Ladd’s procedure was performed on day 6 of life. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was still symptom-free 1 year postoperatively.ConclusionsThis case illustrates that malrotation can be prenatally diagnosed using fetal magnetic resonance imaging. Considering the risk of midgut volvulus, prophylactic Ladd’s procedure should be performed in neonatal period. In cases where malrotation is not complicated by midgut volvulus, a laparoscopic Ladd procedure can be safely performed in neonates.

Trends in Postpartum Hemorrhage Prevalence and Comorbidity Burden: Insights from the ENACT Network Aggregated Electronic Health Record Data.

The goal of this study was to assess trends in postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), its risk factors, and maternal comorbidity burden in the United States using aggregate data from the Evolve to Next-Gen Accrual to Clinical Trials (ENACT) network. This federated network employs interactive querying of electronic health record data repositories in academic medical centers nationwide. We conducted repeated annual cross-sectional analyses to evaluate PPH occurrence and comorbidities across various ethnoracial and sociodemographic groups, starting with a large cohort of 1,287,675 unique delivery hospitalizations collected from 22 ENACT sites between 2005 and 2022. During this time, there was a statistically significant increasing trend in the prevalence of PPH, rising from 5,634 to 10,504 PPH per 100,000 deliveries (P trend <0.001). Our findings revealed a continuous upward trend in PPH rates that remained consistent among women with ≥ 1 comorbid conditions (P trend <0.001) and those with ≥ 1 maternal risk factor (P trend <0.001). This result aligns with prior studies and extends beyond the time periods previously reported. Overall, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander women had the highest PPH prevalence (~ 13%), followed by Asian (9.8%), American Indian or Alaska Native (8.9%), multirace (8.6%), Black or African American (8.4%) and White (7.4%) women. The top PPH risk factor identified was placenta previa or accreta, while the top comorbidity was antepartum hemorrhage / placental abruption. The most common cause of PPH, namely uterine atony, was prevalent in ENACT data. Our analysis highlights significant ethnoracial disparities and underscores the need for targeted preventative interventions.

Identification and stratification of placenta percreta with gynecologic oncologist management

ObjectiveGynecologic oncologist involvement in the surgical team of patients with placenta percreta has shown improved patient outcomes. Yet, stratification of cases is dependent on identification of placenta percreta by ultrasonography...

What is the best mode of delivery in nulliparous, singleton, term, vertex pregnancies

With approximately 145 million births occurring worldwide each year—over 30 million by cesarean delivery (CD), the need for evaluation of maternal and perinatal outcomes in different delivery scenarios is more pressing than ever. Recently, in a meta-analysis of the available randomized controlled trials, planned CD was associated with significantly decreased rates of low umbilical artery pH, and neonatal complications such as birth trauma, tube feeding, and hypotonia when compared to planned vaginal delivery (VD). Among singleton pregnancies, planned CD was associated with a significantly lower rate of perinatal death. For mothers, planned CD was associated with significantly less chorioamnionitis, more wound infection, and less urinary incontinence at 1 to 2 years. Conversely, planned VD has been associated with benefits such as a lower incidence of wound infection and quicker postpartum recovery compared to planned CD. Nonetheless, several risk factors for CD are increasing—such as older maternal age, obesity, diabetes, excessive gestational weight gain, and birth weight—while maternal pelvises are getting smaller. Concerns about the potential long-term risks of multiple cesarean deliveries, such as placenta accreta spectrum disorders, highlight the need for a balanced evaluation of both delivery modes. However, the total fertility rate is decreasing in the US and around the world, with many people wanting two or fewer babies, which decreases future risk of placenta accreta incurred by multiple cesarean deliveries in these individuals. Furthermore, one in four obstetricians-gynecologists has undergone a CD on maternal request for their nulliparous, singleton, term, vertex (NSTV) pregnancy, and CD rates less than about 19% have been associated with higher perinatal and maternal mortality. Thus, we propose that it is imperative that we prioritize conducting randomized trials to compare planned cesarean to planned VD for NSTV pregnancies. Such trials would need to include 8000 or more individuals; they would ideally follow each participant to the end of their reproductive life and study perinatal and maternal outcomes, including nonbiologic outcomes such as patient satisfaction, postpartum depression, breastfeeding rates, mother-infant bonding, post-traumatic stress, and cost-effectiveness. The time for such a trial is now, as it holds the potential to inform and improve obstetrical care practices globally.

Risk factor stratification for urgent and nonurgent transfusion in patients giving birth

BackgroundA common approach to attempt to reduce maternal morbidity from hemorrhage is to recognize patients at increased risk, and to make advance preparations for possible blood transfusion in these patients. Preparation may consist of a hold clot, type, and screen, or crossmatch. Most hospitals, including ours, have pathways or guidelines that lay out which of these preparations should be made at the time a patient is admitted to labor and delivery. These are often based on risk factors for hemorrhage but do not take into account the probability that transfusion will be needed. The cost-effectiveness of performing a type and screen or routine crossmatch on patients admitted for delivery has been questioned. Several studies have shown that the chance of transfusions in individuals giving birth is very low. In terms of the need for routine blood preparation, the need for urgent transfusion is most relevant. This has not been included in studies of transfusion rates. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to quantify the relative importance of risk factors present on admission for needing a blood transfusion and to develop a formula to define each individual's risk. This could then be used to decide an appropriate level of initial blood preparation for patients at different risk levels. Study DesignRisk factors for hemorrhage and the level of transfusion preparation were extracted from the medical records of a cohort of 89,881 patients delivering in an 18-hospital healthcare system over 40 months. We tabulated the number who required at least one RBC transfusion and the number needing an urgent transfusion-defined as receiving blood during labor or within 4 hours after delivery. Odds ratios for requiring a transfusion were calculated for each risk factor. We then calculated the probability of needing a transfusion for each patient based on their risk factor profile. ResultsA total of 643 patients had any transfusion during their hospitalization (0.72% of deliveries), and 311 had an urgent transfusion (0.35% of deliveries). The calculated probability of needing a transfusion was less than 1% in 87.8% of patients and was greater than 5% in 1.2% of patients. The chance of needing a transfusion was highest for placenta accreta spectrum, admission Hgb <8.0, and placenta previa. A second tier of risk factors included abruption, bleeding with no specific diagnosis, and Hgb between 8.0 and 10.0. ConclusionIn our cohort, very few patients received a transfusion. Applying a formula derived from patient-specific risk factors, we found that almost all patients have a very low probability of needing a transfusion, especially an urgent transfusion. Based on these results, we suggest that a hold clot be used except for the highest-risk patients or in settings with barriers to procuring blood in the rare case of urgent transfusion need. Making this change would greatly reduce hospital blood bank charges.

Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics: Discovery of human placental development and disease.

The human placenta is a vital organ, encompassing many distinct cell types, that maintains the growth and development of the fetus and is essential for substance exchange, defense, synthesis, and immunity. Abnormalities in placental cells can lead to various pregnancy complications, but the mechanisms remain largely unclear. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics technologies have been developed in recent years to demonstrate placental cell heterogeneity and spatial molecular localization. Here, we review and summarize the current literature, demonstrating these technologies and showing the heterogeneity of various placenta cells and cell-cell communication of normal human placenta, as well as placenta-related diseases, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, advanced maternal age, recurrent pregnancy loss, and placenta accreta spectrum disorders. Meanwhile, current weaknesses and future direction were discussed.

Methylation alterations of imprinted genes in different placental diseases

BackgroundImprinted genes play important functions in placentation and pregnancy; however, research on their roles in different placental diseases is limited. It is believed that epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation, of placental imprinting genes may contribute to the different pathological features of severe placental diseases, such as pre-eclampsia (PE) and placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS).ResultsIn this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the methylation and expression of placental imprinted genes between PE and PAS using bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR, respectively. Additionally, we assessed oxidative damage of placental DNA by determining 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels and fetal growth by determining insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and cortisol levels in the umbilical cord blood using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results indicated that methylation and expression of potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1, GNAS complex locus, mesoderm specific transcript, and IGF2 were significantly altered in both PE and PAS placentas. Additionally, our results revealed that the maternal imprinted genes were significantly over-expressed in PE and significantly under-expressed in PAS compared with a normal pregnancy. Moreover, DNA oxidative damage was elevated and positively correlated with IGF2 DNA methylation in both PE and PAS placentas, and cortisol and IGF2 levels were significantly decreased in PE and PAS.ConclusionsThis study suggested that DNA methylation and expression of imprinted genes are aberrant in both PE and PAS placentas and that PE and PAS have different methylation profiles, which may be linked to their unique pathogenesis.

Machine Learning for the Prediction of Surgical Morbidity in Placenta Accreta Spectrum.

We sought to create a machine learning (ML) model to identify variables that would aid in the prediction of surgical morbidity in cases of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). A multicenter analysis including all cases of PAS identified by pathology specimen confirmation, across five tertiary care perinatal centers in New York City from 2013 to 2022. We developed models to predict operative morbidity using 213 variables including demographics, obstetrical information, and limited prenatal imaging findings detailing placental location. Our primary outcome was prediction of a surgical morbidity composite defined as including any of the following: blood loss (>1,500 mL), transfusion, intensive care unit admission, vasopressor use, mechanical ventilation/intubation, and organ injury. A nested, stratified, cross-validation approach was used to tune model hyperparameters and estimate generalizability. Gradient boosted tree classifier models incorporated preprocessing steps of standard scaling for numerical variables and one-hot encoding for categorical variables. Model performance was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV), and F1 score. Variable importance ranking was also determined. Among 401 PAS cases, 326 (81%) underwent hysterectomy. Of the 401 cases of PAS, 309 (77%) had at least one event defined as surgical morbidity. Our predictive model had an AUC of 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.69, 0.89), PPV 0.79, NPV 0.76, and F1 score of 0.88. The variables most predictive of surgical morbidity were completion of a hysterectomy, prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), absence of a second trimester ultrasound, socioeconomic status zip code, BMI at delivery, number of prenatal visits, and delivery time of day. By identifying social and obstetrical characteristics that increase patients' risk, ML models are useful in predicting PAS-related surgical morbidity. Utilizing ML could serve as a foundation for risk and complexity stratification in cases of PAS to optimize surgical planning. · ML models are useful models are useful in predicting PAS-related surgical morbidity.. · Optimal management for PAS remains unclear.. · Utilizing ML can serve as a foundation for risk and complexity stratification in cases of PAS..

Relationship between maternal serum sFlt-1 level and placenta accreta spectrum disorders in the third trimester

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate whether the third-trimester soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) serum levels could be related to placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders and the severity of postpartum blood loss.MethodsThis was a nested case–control study which compared serum sFlt-1 level between gravid women with or without PAS disorders. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between sFlt-1 level and the volume of postpartum blood loss. Confounding factors were adjusted to avoid the impact on the results.ResultsSixty gravid women were enrolled: 36 women in the PAS group and 24 women in the non-PAS group. Women in the PAS group had a median sFlt-1 level of 9407.1 [2745.9–21,691.5] pg/ml, whereas women in the non-PAS group had a median sFlt-1 level of 25,779.2 [14317.1–35,626.7] pg/ml, (p < 0.001). The sFlt-1 level was negatively related to the volume of postpartum blood loss (r = − 0.358, p = 0.041). After adjusting for maternal age and gestational age at blood taking, sFlt-1 level showed no significant relationship with PAS disorders (p = 0.245) and postpartum blood loss (p = 0.526).ConclusionThird-trimester sFlt-1 serum level is not independently associated with PAS disorders or postpartum blood loss after adjusting for confounding factors.

Psychological impact of Placenta Accreta Spectrum disorders (PAS) and risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A cross-sectional study

ObjectivePlacenta Accreta Spectrum disorders (PAS) are a group of obstetric complications with an increasing incidence. The high maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with PAS leads to concerns about the negative psychological impact, and even the risk of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The aim of this study was to assess the psychological impact of PAS diagnosis and intervention during pregnancy and postpartum and its potential association with PTSD.STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including cases of PAS FIGO grade 2 and 3 treated at University Hospital Center São João, between 2010–2023. Only cases with histopathological confirmation after peripartum hysterectomy were included. Data were obtained from electronic medical records (Sclinic® and Obscare®). The impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R), a validated questionnaire, was applied, after surgery for PAS, to assess the psychological impact of PAS diagnosis and treatment. ResultsFourteen cases of PAS were identified. The mean maternal age was 36.8 years. Approximately 86 % of cases had antenatal suspicion. The mean gestational age at delivery was 34 weeks. Of the 14 women, only 11 responded to the request to participate in the study (7 interviewed in person and 4 remotely). Four women had IES-R scores indicative of high risk of PTSD (IES-R>33 points), one had an intermediate risk (IES-R between 24–32 points), and 6 fell into the low-risk category. The mean score was 22.4 points. The analysis of IES-R results by clusters showed higher scores in the intrusion category, which relates to intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images and memories. ConclusionGiven the high morbidity and mortality described in women with PAS, the risk of PTSD should be acknowledged, motivating early intervention to prevent the development of severe and potentially chronic symptoms. Supportive measures and psychiatric and/or psychological follow-up should be promptly implemented, ideally by multidisciplinary teams.