[Abruptio placentae--a clinical diagnosis?].

The diagnosis of abruptio placentae is based on clinical symptoms and the classical presentation seldom causes diagnostic doubt. There is no significant correlation between the presenting symptoms and degree of placental abruption. Additional diagnostic parameters would be useful in cases with few symptoms. The survey describes the clinical presentation and diagnosis. The use of paraclinical tests in diagnosing, monitoring and estimating prognosis in cases with suspicion of abruptio placentae is reviewed.