RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MAJOR PLACENTA PREVIA

Objectives: To evaluate potential risk factors associated with major placenta previa.Material and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Naseer Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from January 2005 to December 2011.Chart records of all women who had undergone cesarean section for placenta previa were reviewed. Data on potential risk factors for placenta previa development was carefully extracted from medical records. Placenta previa was diagnosed by ultrasonography and/or direct visualization of placental location during ceasarean section.Statistical analysis was performed using simple percentages.Results: During the study period, there were 58 cases of ceasarean sections done for placenta previa, which is 0.7% of the total deliveries. Maximum number of women were in the age group ? 35 yrs and majority (62%) of them were grandmultipara. The identified risk factors included previous ceasarean section, multiparity, previous abortions and history of placenta previa. Maternal complications included postpartum anemia, postpartum haemorrhage and operative site infection.Conclusion: Placenta previa poses danger to both the mother and the baby. The most important risk factors for placenta previa development are advanced maternal age, multiparity and previous ceasarean sections.