Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes of Placenta Praevia at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt

Background: Placenta praevia is associated with high foeto-maternal morbidity and mortality. Aim: To assess the maternal and perinatal outcomes of placenta praevia at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of all recorded cases of placenta praevia manage at RSUTH from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2021. Data were analysed using IBM, Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25.0 Armonk, NY.

Results: The most common maternal complication was blood transfusion [128(93.4%)], followed by preterm delivery [49(35.8%)], and postpartum haemorrhage [34(24.8%)]. Three (2.2%) of the participants had Caesarean hysterectomy. There was no case of maternal mortality. There was a male sex preponderance among the foetuses. The mean± SD foetal weight was 2.9±0.65, 95%CI: 2.79,3.01. Seventy-three (53%) of the foetuses were males. The majority 51(37.2%) of the foetuses were admitted into the special care baby unit (SCBU) for special care. Other observed perinatal complications were prematurity, low birth weight, birth asphyxia and stillbirth accounting for 35.8%, 22.6%, 14.6% and 12.4% of cases respectively.

Conclusion: The commonest maternal and perinatal complications of placenta praevia at the RSUTH were blood transfusion and admission into SCBU respectively. Prompt diagnosis, efficient blood transfusion services and adequate management will improve foeto-maternal outcomes.