Incidence of Placenta Previa at Aswan University Hospital One Year Study

Background: Bleeding from placenta is a leading cause of antepartum hemorrhage and one of the most acute life threatening obstetric emergencies. The incidence of placenta previa increases with advancing age and higher parity, surgical history, especially of previous caesarean section for placenta previa, is linked to recurrent development of placenta previa and more importantly placenta accreta. Methods: A list of patients that had placenta previa from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 admitted to Aswan University Hospital was oblained from the medical records department, labour room and theatre records. The case notes retrieved from the Medical Records Department in the form of data relating to the age, parity, gestational age risk factors an history of abortion or history of caesarean section, method of termination of pregnancy fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The type of placenta previa was ascertained from ultrasound scan findings and from findings at surgery. Results: There were 4284 deliveries during the period under review of these 67 patients had placenta previa the age of the patients ranged from 20-40 years with average 30 years. The peak incidence of placenta previa was observed in the patients with age group ranged from 25-34 years which disagree with other studies observed that the peak incidence of placenta previa in between 20-30 years. Conclusions: A strong association between placenta previa, placenta accreta and prior caesarean section has been documented. Because most of the risk factors is due to previous history of caesarean section.