Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
04:08
Mouse Model of Surgical Uterine Injury and Subsequent Pregnancy Outcomes
Published on: June 27, 2025
Placental abruption: epidemiology, risk factors and consequences
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. minna.tikkanen@hus.fi
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|January 19, 2011
Summary
Placental abruption, premature placental separation, is a major cause of pregnancy bleeding and adverse outcomes. This condition significantly increases risks for both mothers and infants, despite its complex etiology.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Placental abruption is a leading cause of second-half pregnancy vaginal bleeding.
- It complicates 0.4-1% of pregnancies, with higher prevalence in the USA than Nordic countries.
- This condition is a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and perinatal mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiology, risks, and consequences of placental abruption.
- To highlight the impact of placental abruption on maternal and perinatal health outcomes.
- To underscore the multifactorial and not fully understood etiopathogenesis of placental abruption.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing data on placental abruption.
- Analysis of prevalence rates across different geographical regions.
- Compilation of maternal and perinatal risks associated with placental abruption.
Main Results:
- Placental abruption leads to severe maternal complications like hemorrhage, hysterectomy, and renal failure.
- Perinatal outcomes include low birthweight, preterm delivery, asphyxia, stillbirth, and perinatal death.
- The condition accounts for a substantial proportion of preterm births and perinatal deaths in developed countries.
Conclusions:
- Placental abruption poses significant risks to maternal and fetal well-being.
- Increasing rates globally necessitate further research into its complex etiopathogenesis.
- Understanding and managing placental abruption is crucial for improving obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...