[Clinical investigation in the methods for complete placenta previa labor induction in the second trimester]

Objective: To investigate the appropriate method of labor induction in the second trimester for complete placenta previa patients. Methods: The labor induction outcomes of 85 cases with complete placenta previa in the second trimester were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty patients in group A were treated with cesarean section, 30 patients in group B were treated with ethacridine and mifepristone combined with uterine artery embolization (UAE), and 35 patients in group C were induced by using ethacridine and mifepristone. The clinical features and induction outcomes of three groups were compared. Results: The total duration of labor in group B [(28.7±30.1) hours] was significantly longer than that of group C [(24.3±21.9) hours; P<0.05]. The total amount of blood loss during induction and labor in group B [(302±271) ml] was significantly lower than those of group C [(393±523) ml] and group A [(626±487) ml; P<0.05]. The incidence of fever in group B (13%, 4/30) was significantly higher than those of group C (11%, 4/35) and group A (10%, 2/20; P<0.05). In group C, 13 patients (37%, 13/35) underwent emergency UAE, and 2 patients (6%, 2/35) underwent emergency cesarean section. As to average hemoglobin level and blood transfusion rate, there were no difference among the three groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Prophylactic UAE combined with drug induction in patients with complete placenta previa in the second trimester could significantly reduce the amount of bleeding during induction and reduce the risk of emergency procedures.