Assessment of Feto-Maternal Outcomes Following Abruptio Placentae: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Abruptio placentae (AP) is defined as placental detachment before and during delivery. It is a major obstetric complication associated with an increased risk of foetal and maternal morbidity and mortality globally, especially in developing countries. This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted from 2019 to 2021 at Aljala Maternity Hospital. Data were collected from 104 medical files of pregnant women diagnosed with abruptio placentae, using a structured, predesigned questionnaire. Multiple variables were used to assess the feto-maternal outcomes related to abruptio placentae. Data were coded and analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 16. All variable results were considered statistically significant at a P value of less than 0.05. We studied 104 pregnant women diagnosed with abruptio placentae, whose age ranged between 17 and 48 years; the most frequent age group was 20-25 years, which accounted for 47% of cases. The mean gestational age at hospital admission was 36.81 ± 3.564 weeks (minimum 21, maximum 39 weeks), the mean parity was 2.97 ± 1.745, and the mean number of previous miscarriages was 1.90 ± 2.45. The most frequent blood group was B Rh-positive (39.42%), followed by A Rh-positive (34.62%). The mean number of previous caesarean sections was 2.71 ± 1.426. The most frequent risk factors for abruptio placentae were preeclampsia (43.5%), followed by previous abruptio placentae in the last pregnancy (32.7%) and bronchial asthma (17.6%). Regarding mode of delivery, 73.1% of women delivered by caesarean section (C/S), of which 91.45% were emergency procedures. Male neonates were more prevalent than female neonates (59.22% vs 40.78%). Maternal and neonatal mortality were 1% and 33.2%, respectively, and 26.4% of mothers were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and pulmonary embolism as causes of death. This study identified preeclampsia and previous abruptio placentae as the most important risk factors, occurring with the highest frequency. Early assessment and diagnosis of abruptio placentae are therefore critical to preventing adverse health outcomes for both mothers and neonates.
Source: Libyan Medical Journal
DOI: 10.69667/lmj.26907
Authors: Rania Gammo, Amel Morgham
Institution: University of Tripoli
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7212372576