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The effect of placenta previa on blood loss in second-trimester pregnancy termination
A G Thomas1, M Alvarez, F Friedman
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.
Objective:
To determine whether placenta previa increases bleeding during second-trimester pregnancy termination.
Methods:
The records of 131 consecutive women undergoing elective pregnancy termination at 13-24 weeks' gestation were reviewed and divided into those with and without placenta previa based on an ultrasound examination before the procedure. These two groups were then compared for differences in maternal characteristics, estimated blood loss, operative time, infection, and hospital admission.
Results:
Twenty-three of 131 women (17.6%) had placenta previa. Sixty-seven percent of the previa patients smoked, versus 37% in the control group, a statistically significant difference. A statistical difference was noted with respect to placenta previa in intraoperative blood loss (P < .05), but not operative time, time to discharge, infection, hemorrhage, or other complications.
Conclusion:
Second-trimester pregnancy terminations in the presence of placenta previa are associated with a higher estimated blood loss, but no apparent increase in abortion-related infection, postoperative transfusion requirements, hysterectomy, or other complications.