Authors: Salifou K, Vodouhe M, Obossou A, Kitcho C, Hounkponou F, Sidi Imorou R
In Africa, despite the systematic practice of ultrasound during pregnancy, placenta previa (PP) is still a high risk and very unpredictable gestational complication with a high fatality rate.
Goal: To determine the factors associated and prognosis of placenta previa (PP).
Materials and Method: It was a retrospective and case-control study on PP at the maternity ward of Borgou UHC, over a period of 2 years from January 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2017. We have included expectant mothers who had a gestational age ≥28 weeks of amenorrhea for whom the diagnosis of PP had been established.
Results: The frequency of PP in our survey was 1.08 %. The factors associated were maternal age ≥30 years in 34.4% of cases against 17.3% in the control group (p=0.039). Multiparity (50.0% vs 28.9% p=0.008), multigravidity (54.6% vs 31.2% p=0.001) and a prior history of cesarean section (32% vs 11%, p=0.00). Factors associated with morbidity among neonates in a context of placenta previa were prematurity (51.6 % vs 24.2% in the control group p=0.000), low birth weight (50% vs 16.4% p=0.000), resuscitation (31.3% vs 4.7% p=0.000), neonatal distress (32.81% vs 5.2% p=0.000) and neonatal infection (6.25% vs 0% p=0.050). The perinatal mortality was higher
in case of placenta previa (26.6% versus 3 % in the control group; p=0.000). Maternal morbidity was marked by anemia (50%), state of shock (25.5%), PPH (11.8%), bleeding disorders (7.8%), parietal suppuration (2%). Maternal mortality was high (1.6%).
Conclusion: PP prevalence is high in Parakou, and it’s associated to a high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Some factors are associated to that pathology and its prognosis. Those factors should be taken into account for its management.
View/Download pdf