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Introduction: Pregnant women with a fibrinogen level <2 g/L represent a high‐risk group that is associated with severe postpartum hemorrhage and other complications. Women who would qualify for fibrinogen therapy are not yet identified. Material and methods: A population‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted using the UK Obstetric Surveillance System between November 2017 and October 2018 in any UK hospital with a consultant‐led maternity unit. Any woman pregnant or immediately postpartum with a fibrinogen <2 g/L was included. Our aims were to determine the incidence of fibrinogen <2 g/L in pregnancy, and to describe its causes, management and outcomes. Results: Over the study period 124 women with fibrinogen <2 g/L were identified (1.7 per 10 000 maternities; 95% confidence interval 1.4–2.0 per 10 000 maternities). Less than 5% of cases of low fibrinogen were due to preexisting inherited dysfibrinogenemia or hypofibrinogenemia. Sixty percent of cases were due to postpartum hemorrhage caused by placental abruption, atony, or trauma. Amniotic fluid embolism and placental causes other than abruption (previa, accreta, retention) were associated with the highest estimated blood loss (median 4400 mL) and lowest levels of fibrinogen. Mortality was high with two maternal deaths due to massive postpartum hemorrhage, 27 stillbirths, and two neonatal deaths. Conclusions: Fibrinogen <2 g/L often, but not exclusively, affected women with postpartum hemorrhage due to placental abruption, atony, or trauma. Other more rare and catastrophic obstetrical events such as amniotic fluid embolism and placenta accreta also led to low levels of fibrinogen. Maternal and perinatal mortality was extremely high in our cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the management and outcomes of women with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in France and the UK. Design: Two population‐based cohorts. Setting: All obstetrician‐led hospitals in the UK and maternity hospitals in eight French regions. Population: A cohort of 219 women with PAS in France and a cohort of 154 women with PAS in the UK. Methods: The management and outcomes of women with PAS were compared between the UK and France. Main outcome measures: Median blood loss, severe postpartum haemorrhage (≥3 l), postpartum infection and damage to surrounding organs. Results: The management of PAS differed between the two countries: a larger proportion of women with PAS in the UK had a caesarean hysterectomy compared with France (43% vs 26%, p < 0.001), whereas in France a larger proportion of women with PAS received a uterus‐preserving approach compared with the UK (36% vs 19%, p < 0.001). The total median blood loss in the UK was 3 l (IQR 1.7–6.5 l), compared with 1 l (IQR 0.5–2.5 l) in France; more women with PAS had a severe postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in the UK compared with women with PAS in France (58% vs 21%, p < 0.001) [Correction added on 06 May 2022, after first online publication: '24 hour' has been changed to 'total' in the preceding sentence]. There was no difference between the UK and French populations for postpartum infection or organ damage. Conclusions: The UK and France have very different approaches to managing PAS, with more women in France receiving a uterine‐conserving approach and more women in the UK undergoing caesarean hysterectomy. A life‐threatening haemorrhage was more common in the UK than in France, which may be the result of differential management and/or the organisation of the healthcare systems. In women with placenta accreta spectrum, severe haemorrhage was more common in the UK than in France. In women with placenta accreta spectrum, severe haemorrhage was more common in the UK than in France. In women with placenta accreta spectrum, severe haemorrhage was more common in the UK than in France. Linked article: This article is commented on by Amarnath Bhide, pp. 1686 in this issue. To view this minicommentary visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17170. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) has a high risk of maternal morbidity, and requires meticulous antenatal and peripartum management. Aims: To compare the management and outcomes of PAS between women with and without antenatally suspected disease, and to evaluate the effect of multidisciplinary team (MDT) management. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study identified all hysterectomy specimens with a histopathological diagnosis of PAS in the Western Sydney Local Health District between January 2006 and December 2019, and analysed each patient's clinical course. Results: Seventy patients had PAS diagnosed on hysterectomy specimens, of which 38 cases (54%) were antenatally suspected. Women with suspected PAS were more likely to have a previous caesarean section (100% vs 68%, P < 0.001), placenta praevia (92% vs 56%, P < 0.001) and anterior placenta (95% vs 66%. P = 0.011). Suspected PAS was associated with less maternal blood loss (median blood loss 2000 mL vs 4000 mL, P < 0.001), fewer red blood cell transfusions (median four units vs nine units, P < 0.001), and shorter intensive care or high dependency unit admission (mean stay one day vs three days, P = 0.037). There were no significant differences in other maternal morbidities. MDT management was associated with a clinically significant reduction in maternal blood loss (1500 mL vs 2520 mL, P = 0.09) and red blood cell transfusion (one unit vs six units, P = 0.04). The mean gestation of delivery was 37 weeks in both groups with no differences in neonatal morbidity. Conclusions: Both antenatally diagnosed PAS and MDT management reduced blood loss and blood transfusion. Elective delivery at 37 weeks gestation reduces the neonatal risks of preterm delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Stephen J. McCall et al., pp. 1676–1685 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17169 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To describe the management and outcomes of placenta accreta, increta, and percreta in the UK. Design A population-based descriptive study using the UK Obstetric Surveillance System ( UKOSS). Setting All 221 UK hospitals with obstetrician-led maternity units. Population All women diagnosed with placenta accreta, increta, and percreta in the UK between May 2010 and April 2011. Methods Prospective case identification through the monthly mailing of UKOSS. Main outcome measures Median estimated blood loss, transfusion requirements. Results A cohort of 134 women were identified with placenta accreta, increta, or percreta: 50% (66/133) were suspected to have this condition antenatally. In women with a final diagnosis of placenta increta or percreta, antenatal diagnosis was associated with reduced levels of haemorrhage (median estimated blood loss 2750 versus 6100 ml, P = 0.008) and a reduced need for blood transfusion (59 versus 94%, P = 0.014), possibly because antenatally diagnosed women were more likely to have preventative therapies for haemorrhage (74 versus 52%, P = 0.007), and were less likely to have an attempt made to remove their placenta (59 versus 93%, P < 0.001). Making no attempt to remove any of the placenta, in an attempt to conserve the uterus or prior to hysterectomy, was associated with reduced levels of haemorrhage (median estimated blood loss 1750 versus 3700 ml, P = 0.001) and a reduced need for blood transfusion (57 versus 86%, P < 0.001). Conclusions Women with placenta accreta, increta, or percreta who have no attempt to remove any of their placenta, with the aim of conserving their uterus, or prior to hysterectomy, have reduced levels of haemorrhage and a reduced need for blood transfusion, supporting the recommendation of this practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Placenta accreta/increta/percreta is associated with major pregnancy complications and is thought to be becoming more common. The aims of this study were to estimate the incidence of placenta accreta/increta/percreta in the UK and to investigate and quantify the associated risk factors. Methods: A national case-control study using the UK Obstetric Surveillance System was undertaken, including 134 women diagnosed with placenta accreta/increta/percreta between May 2010 and April 2011 and 256 control women. Results: The estimated incidence of placenta accreta/increta/percreta was 1.7 per 10,000 maternities overall; 577 per 10,000 in women with both a previous caesarean delivery and placenta praevia. Women who had a previous caesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 14.41, 95%CI 5.63-36.85), other previous uterine surgery (aOR 3.40, 95%CI 1.30-8.91), an IVF pregnancy (aOR 32.13, 95%CI 2.03-509.23) and placenta praevia diagnosed antepartum (aOR 65.02, 95%CI 16.58-254.96) had raised odds of having placenta accreta/increta/percreta. There was also a raised odds of placenta accreta/increta/ percreta associated with older maternal age in women without a previous caesarean delivery (aOR 1.30, 95%CI 1.13-1.50 for every one year increase in age). Conclusions: Women with both a prior caesarean delivery and placenta praevia have a high incidence of placenta accreta/ increta/percreta. There is a need to maintain a high index of suspicion of abnormal placental invasion in such women and preparations for delivery should be made accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the UK, around 10–15% of the obstetric population have experienced prior caesarean delivery. This article provides a practical evidence-based approach to the antenatal and intrapartum management of such women. This review is primarily sourced from data presented in guidelines produced by UK (RCOG, NICE) and USA (ACOG, NIH) professional bodies. Antenatal counselling should incorporate an individualized assessment of the risks and benefits of ERCS (elective repeat caesarean section) and planned VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) modes of delivery. Planned VBAC is associated with slightly (0.25%) increased perinatal risk than planned ERCS, although absolute risks are low for both modes of delivery. This information, coupled with high rates of VBAC success (70%) and very low-risk of uterine scar rupture (0.5%), indicates planned VBAC is an appropriate option for the vast majority of multiparous women with previous caesarean delivery and is cost effective for the healthcare provider. Of significance, recent guidance from NICE (UK) adds a further dimension to decision making as it has stated that maternal request for caesarean section is permissible in certain circumstances. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives To identify women undergoing peripartum hysterectomy in the UK and to describe the causes, management and outcome of the associated haemorrhage. Design A population-based descriptive study using the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS). Setting All 229 hospitals with consultant-led maternity units in the UK. Population All women in the UK delivering between February 2005 and February 2006. Methods Prospective case identification through the UKOSS monthly mailing. Main outcome measures Rates with 95% CIs. Odds ratio estimates. Results Three hundred and eighteen women underwent peripartum hysterectomy. The most commonly reported causes of haemorrhage were uterine atony (53%) and morbidly adherent placenta (39%). Women were not universally managed with uterotonic therapies. Fifty women were unsuccessfully managed with B-Lynch or other brace suture prior to hysterectomy, 28 with activated factor VII and 9 with arterial embolisation. Twenty-one percent of women suffered damage to other structures, 20% required a further operation and 19% were reported to have additional severe morbidity. Bladder damage was more likely in women with placenta accreta (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.55–7.48) than in women with uterine atony. There were no significant differences in outcomes between women undergoing total or subtotal hysterectomy. Two women died; case fatality 0.6% (95% CI 0–1.5%). Conclusions For each woman who dies in the UK following peripartum hysterectomy, more than 150 survive. The associated haemorrhage is managed in a variety of ways and not universally according to existing guidelines. Further investigation of the outcomes following some of the more innovative therapies for control of haemorrhage is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of placenta accreta spectrum is rising worldwide. The severe end of the spectrum where the placenta has invaded other organs is fortunately rare, however, few surgical techniques for such a complex hysterectomy have been described in the literature.Objective: This study aimed to describe a stepwise, systematic technique for radical cesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum to investigate outcomes for women with severe, invasive placenta accreta spectrum who were hysterectomized using this technique.Study Design: This was a retrospective cohort study undertaken at a large UK tertiary referral center. A total of 24 cases of elective primary cesarean hysterectomy with a confirmed intrapartum diagnosis of severe percreta (Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grades 3b and 3c) were identified between 2011 and 2020. Among those cases, 16 had standard care (surgical technique dependent on surgeon's preference), and 8 had a radical peripartum hysterectomy using the Soleymani-Alazzam-Collins technique as described. Nonparametric testing was used because of sample size.Results: The Soleymani-Alazzam-Collins technique resulted in significantly less blood loss (P=.032), more transverse incisions (P=.009), and less intensive care unit admissions (P=.046). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in theater time.Conclusion: The Soleymani-Alazzam-Collins technique demonstrated a significant improvement in outcomes for women with severe placenta accreta spectrum, without increasing surgical time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate the incidence of caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and to describe the management outcomes associated with this condition., Design: A national cohort study using the UK Early Pregnancy Surveillance Service (UKEPSS)., Setting: 86 participating Early Pregnancy Units., Population: All women diagnosed in the participating units with CSP between November 2013 and January 2015., Methods: Cohort study of women identified through the UKEPSS monthly mailing system., Main Outcome Measures: Incidence, clinical outcomes and complications., Results: 102 cases of CSP were reported, with an estimated incidence of 1.5 per 10 000 (95% CI 1.1-1.9) maternities. Full outcome data were available for 92 women. Management was expectant in 21/92 (23%), medical in 15/92 (16%) and surgical in 56/92 (61%). The success rates of expectant, medical and surgical management were 43% (9/21), 46% (7/15) and 96% (54/56), respectively. The complication rates were 15/21 (71%) with expectant, 9/15 (60%) with medical and 20/56 (36%) with surgical management. Discharge from care (median number of days) was 82 (range 37-174) with expectant, 21 (range 10-31) with medical and 11 (range 4-49) with surgical management., Conclusions: Surgical management appears to be associated with a high success rate, low complication rate and short post-treatment follow up., Tweetable Abstract: Surgery for CSP appears to be successful, with low complication rates and short post-treatment follow up., (© 2018 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.)

Purpose: A retained placenta after vaginal delivery where manual removal of placenta fails is a clinical challenge. We present six cases that illustrate the heterogeneity of the condition and discuss the etiology and terminology as well as the clinical management., Methods: Members of the European Working group on Abnormally Invasive Placenta (EW-AIP) were invited to report all recent cases of retained placenta that were not antenatally suspected to be abnormally adherent or invasive, but could not be removed manually despite several attempts., Results: The six cases from Denmark, The Netherlands and the UK provide examples of various treatment strategies such as ultrasound-guided vaginal removal, removal of the placenta through a hysterotomy and just leaving the placenta in situ. The placentas were all retained, but it was only possible to diagnose abnormal invasion in the one case, which had a histopathological diagnosis of increta. Based on these cases we present a flow chart to aid clinical management for future cases., Conclusion: We need properly defined stringent terminology for the different types of retained placenta, as well as improved tools to predict and diagnose both abnormally invasive and abnormally adherent placenta. Clinicians need to be aware of the options available to them when confronted by the rare case of a retained placenta that cannot be removed manually in a hemodynamically stable patient.