Placenta Praevia in a Tertiary Hospital in Southern Nigeria: A Six-Year Review of Prevalence, Trend, and Risk Factors

Background: Placenta praevia is a major cause of antepartum haemorrhage. It is associated with high foeto-maternal morbidity and mortality. The study was aimed at reviewing cases of placenta praevia managed at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) over 6 years, to determine the prevalence, trend, and sociodemographic/obstetrics factors. 

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of all recorded cases of placenta praevia managed at RSUTH from 1^st January 2016 to 31^st December 2021. Descriptive and inferential statistics were derived using IBM, Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 25.0 Armonk, NY.

Results: There were 14,195 deliveries and 137 cases of placenta praevia; giving the prevalence of 0.97% or 9.7 per 1000 or 1 in 103 deliveries The rate of placenta praevia per 1000 deliveries increased from 0.98 in 2016 to 3.03 in 2018 and then decreased to 1.54 in 2021. The mean (SD) age and gestational age of the participants were 32.5±4.9 (95% CI: 31.67, 33.34) years and 36.7 ±2.6 (95% CI: 36.34,37.10) weeks. The modal parity was para 1. The median blood loss was 600mls range 300-3,200 mls. The majority of the patients were booked 116 (84.7%), multiparas 65(47.4%) and had tertiary level education 56(40.9%). The most common risk factor identified was the history of a previous caesarean section 66(37.5%).

Conclusion: The prevalence of placenta previa in RSUTH is 0.97%; with a declining pattern of occurrence. Placenta praevia occurs more among multiparous women with a history of previous caesarean sections. Knowledge of this will be helpful to clinicians in making diagnosis and management of cases.