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The retained placenta: historical and geographical rate variations
W M C Cheung1, A Hawkes, S Ibish
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Whiston Hospital, Prescot, UK. waimun.cheung@gmail.com
Summary
Retained placenta rates are higher in developed countries. Manual removal rates have also increased significantly in the UK over time, indicating potential shifts in obstetric practices.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Reproductive Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Retained placenta is a significant obstetric complication.
- Understanding global and historical variations in its incidence is crucial for improving maternal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the global variation in reported rates of retained placenta.
- To examine the historical trends of retained placenta rates in the UK.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of observational studies for global data.
- Analysis of annual hospital reports from Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists archives for UK historical data.
Main Results:
- Median retained placenta rate at 30 minutes was higher in developed countries (2.67%) compared to other regions (1.46%).
- Median manual removal rate was significantly higher in developed countries (2.24%) versus other regions (0.45%).
- A notable rise in manual removal rates in the UK was observed, from 0.66% in the 1920s to 2.34% in the 1980s.
Conclusions:
- Significant disparities exist in retained placenta rates globally, with higher incidences in developed nations.
- The increasing trend in manual removal rates in the UK suggests evolving obstetric management strategies over the 20th century.
