Placenta accreta and the developing world--a review

The rising Caesarean section rate in the developing world implies that the incidence of placenta accreta might be on the increase and this might worsen the maternal mortality burden.

To draw the attention of Obstetricians and other relevant professionals to this emerging but challenging trend.

Original research findings and reviews published in the English literature. Additional information was obtained from texts and electronic books such as CD ROMS.

Online searches of electronic database (Medline, Pubmed and Embase), requests for reprints from corresponding authors and institutional/private subscriptions.

Information obtained was categorised accordingly.

Optimal treatment of women with placenta accreta requires recognition of the clinical risk factors, accurate pre-operative diagnosis and meticulous planning to ensure safety at the time of delivery. In view of the rising incidence of this condition, and the absence of a highly reliable antenatal diagnostic method especially in developing countries, a high index of suspicion and advanced preparation is required to reduce its associated maternal morbidity and mortality.