Factors associated with abruptio placentae in preterm deliveries.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate risk factors associated with occurrence of abruptio placentae in preterm deliveries.

METHODS

Risk factors were evaluated in 55 consecutive index cases of abruptio placentae and 726 control patients delivered between 24-36 weeks' gestation.

RESULTS

In logistic regression analysis abruptio placentae was associated with a low number of antenatal visits, smoking in pregnancy, hypertension, intravenous drug abuse and a history of recent abdominal trauma. Among hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension was associated with the highest risk of premature placental separation. Finally, there was a significant trend relating duration of premature rupture of membranes with abruptio placentae (chi-square for trend = 3.93, p = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

Several risk factors seem strongly associated with abruptio placentae in preterm deliveries; the presence of these risk factors should dictate intensive surveillance.