Placenta Accreta Spectrum; Risk Factors, Complications, Advantages and Disadvantages to Decrease Maternal Morbidity and Mortality

Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) is a condition in pregnant women where trophoblastic tissue attaches abnormally to the uterus myometrium, causing maternal deaths. Major risk factors include placenta previa and cesarean delivery, which is increasing without medical indication. This study was conducted with aim to explore the risk factors of PAS, clinical outcomes of affected patients, and strategies to minimize maternal morbidity and mortality.

A total of 142 women who had undergone at least one cesarean delivery in the past were included. Among them, 85 women had placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in their current pregnancy (group 1), while 57 did not have PAS (group 2). The information regarding their demographics and previous gynecological history, including placenta previa were collected. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The risk of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is significantly higher in cases where there has been a previous cesarean delivery and placenta previa (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between past elective or emergent cesarean delivery (p>0.05). PAS was associated with more emergent cesarean deliveries (p<0.001) and hysterectomies (p<0.001). Moreover, 97% of patients with history of placenta previa developed PAS (p<0.001). Most of the patients who underwent hysterectomy had PAS and placenta previa (p<0.001). There was no significant correlation between previous hysteroscopies and curettages and a higher risk of PAS (p>0.05).

Women with previous cesarean delivery are significantly at risk of placenta accreta in their future pregnancies. Pregnant women should avoid insisting on elective cesarean delivery without medical indication. Planned cesarean delivery could reduce the maternal complications.