Key words
placenta accreta/increta - conservative management - outcome
Schlüsselwörter
Placenta accreta/increta - konservatives Management - Outcome
Introduction
Placenta accreta/increta/percreta are placental attachment disorders in which the
placental villi extend into the uterine myometrium due to an almost complete lack
of decidua basalis (placenta accreta, approx. 78 % of cases), extend deep into the
myometrium (placenta increta, approx. 15 % of cases) or penetrate the entire myometrium
(placenta percreta, 5–7 %) and extend into the serosa, in some cases even infiltrating
the bladder or rectum. The incidence of placental attachment disorders (placenta accreta/increta/percreta)
in clinical practice, particularly in association with placenta praevia or a low-lying
placenta, is increasing [3] due to higher numbers of caesarean sections being performed (up to 40 % after 2
or more caesarean sections) [1], [2]. The incidence of placenta accreta ranges from 1 : 2500 to 1 : 533 births, with
a tenfold increase reported over the last 50 years [2], [4], [5]. Risk factors include previous uterine operations (e.g., myoma enucleation, curettage,
etc.), particularly previous caesarean section, and placenta praevia with or without
previous uterine surgery, but also maternal age and multiparity [5]. The diagnosis of placenta accreta/increta/percreta is rarely made prenatally. However,
suspected placenta accreta/increta may be diagnosed by sonography in women with an
increased risk of this condition, using colour Doppler [6] or MRI for more detail [7]. Post partum, placenta accreta/increta is associated with placenta retention, heavy
maternal bleeding and significantly higher maternal morbidity and mortality rates
of up to 6–7 % [8]. Life-threatening haemorrhage, embolism, damage to neighbouring organs with secondary
injuries,
transfusion-related complications, re-operation, and multi-organ failure are only
a few of the possible consequences of placenta accreta, making optimal clinical management
extremely important.
In cases with placenta accreta/increta diagnosed prenatally, the child should be delivered
by planned caesarean section carried out in a large perinatal centre with a good infrastructure
and a blood bank, and the possibility that the patient will require abdominal hysterectomy
immediately after caesarean section needs to be previously discussed with the patient
[1], [9]. The standard therapy for placenta accreta/increta diagnosed post partum is currently
also hysterectomy. However, some reports have described various therapies [10] which resulted in preservation of the uterus and of fertility. Reported therapies
include medical treatment with methotrexate [11], embolisation of the uterine artery and expectant management [12], [13], and the associated maternal morbidity was low; however, treatment was done
predominantly in patients delivered by caesarean section [14]. We describe here 3 cases of placenta accreta/increta after vaginal delivery treated
conservatively with preservation of the uterus and of fertility.
Method
A retrospective analysis of patients with placental attachment disorders presenting
to our perinatal centre between November 2009 and April 2011 was done. The patient
collective was initially identified using the ICD-10 codes (O43 – Placental disorders)
for placenta accreta/increta/percreta obtained from the hospital database ORBIS©.
The patient records were searched for cases with placental attachment disorders which
were subsequently analysed with regard to risk factors, maternal morbidity, preservation
of the uterus and of fertility, and neonatal outcome. Only patients with a peripartal
diagnosis of placental attachment disorder who gave birth vaginally were included
in our study. Patients with placenta accreta/increta diagnosed prenatally who underwent
planned primary section were excluded. The case reports of the patients with placenta
accreta/increta identified in this series are described here.
Results
A total of 2137 births were recorded for the period from November 2009 to April 2011;
1457 of these were vaginal deliveries, and 3 cases of placenta accreta/increta after
vaginal delivery were identified. All 3 cases were treated conservatively.
The first patient, a 34-year-old III G II P with 2 previous vaginal births and pregnancies
occurring in rapid succession (< 1 year), was admitted to hospital in the 40 + 0 GW
with premature rupture of the amnion. She had no known secondary diagnosis and had
had no previous operations. The birth was a forceps delivery without complications
due to pathological CTG, and the patient gave birth to a vital, female infant (Apgar
score 9/10/10, arterial pH [pHa] 7.20, venous pH [pHv] 7.32). Placenta accreta/increta
was suspected after the placenta failed to detach post partum. Two unsuccessful attempts
at manual detachment with intrauterine palpation followed, but the placenta remained
in utero. Hb dropped to 4.4 g/dl and the patient was transfused 2 units of packed
red blood cells; therapy was then continued with uterotonic drugs (oxytocin and sulproston).
As the uterus had contracted well and the patientʼs circulation was stable, the decision
was taken to manage the patient
conservatively, and the patient was discharged on the 6th day post partum under close
outpatient monitoring. On the 14th day post partum the patient was admitted with spontaneous
detachment of the placenta and incipient endomyometritis (CRP 0.47 mg/dl, leukocytes
11.48/nl, Hb 8.7 g/dl), which was treated successfully with Methergin® (methylergometrine)
and i. v. antibiotic therapy with metronidazole. Histological examination of the placenta
showed regressive changes in the placental tissue without active inflammation. After
a brief stay in hospital the patient was discharged home in good health.
The 2nd patient was a 34-year-old III G 0 P admitted to hospital ex domo in the 38 + 2
week of pregnancy with premature rupture of the amnion. The patient had gestational
diabetes which was successfully managed dietetically and had previously been treated
for sterility. She had a known secondary diagnosis of grade IV endometriosis with
two previous laparotomies and two laparoscopies, and had had two previous miscarriages
with curettage, in 2006 and 2009, requiring re-curettage of retained material. The
patient also had recurrent episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia treated
in 2009 by electroconversion, although this was not considered a contraindication
for vaginal birth. The patient developed contractions close to term. Dilation and
the second stage of labour were unremarkable, and resulted in spontaneous vaginal
birth of a vital, male infant (Apgar 9/10/10, pHa 7.17, pHv 7.29) with a cleft lip
and palate diagnosed prenatally. The placenta was retained
and an attempt at manual detachment followed by intrauterine palpation was made (cervical
dilation 5 cm). The attempt was unsuccessful, and placenta increta in the area where
the right fallopian tube joins the uterus was suspected for the first time. It was
subsequently decided to manage the patient conservatively, and the placenta was left
in place as the patientʼs circulation was stable and the uterus had contracted well
([Fig. 1]). Postoperatively the patient received a transfusion of 2 units of packed red blood
cells (Hb control 8.7 mg/dl). The patient was monitored closely, with regular clinical
and laboratory controls and daily ultrasonography imaging to pick up potential signs
of haemorrhage or infection. On the 13th day post partum an attempt was made with
sulprostone 1500 µg/24 h administered intravenously, however the placenta continued
to remain in situ. The further course of action was discussed with the patient and
it was proposed
that she be discharged home with close monitoring on an outpatient basis. Initially
the patient returned to the outpatient clinic every week, subsequently every second
week, where her progress was monitored and she was treated with uterotonic drugs (Cergem
[gemeprost 1 mg]/sulprostone and Prepidil gel [0.5 mg Dinoprost]/sulprostone). Over
time, sonography showed reduced placental perfusion and there were gradual signs of
detachment in the affected area, so that on the 100th day post partum a repeat attempt
at manual detachment followed by intrauterine palpation was indicated, following which
the placenta increta could be successfully detached ([Figs. 2] to [4]). During the whole period the patientʼs circulation remained stable, the uterus
had contracted well and there were no signs of infection.
Fig. 1 Sonographic image. Patient 2 with placenta increta 7 days post partum.
Fig. 2 Sonographic image. Patient 2 with placenta increta 44 days post partum.
Fig. 3 Macroscopic image of regressive changes to placenta increta in utero 100 days post
partum.
Fig. 4 Fibrotic villi 100 days post partum (H & E stain).
The 3rd patient, a 38-year-old II G I P, was admitted to hospital with contractions
in the 39 + 0 GW and remained in hospital from March to April 2011. The patient had
a history of previous spontaneous birth and placenta accreta, treated with manual
detachment of the placenta and intrauterine palpation. There was no history of any
other previous operations or secondary diagnoses. On March 11, 2011, after a spontaneous
vaginal birth without complications, the patient was delivered of a vital, male infant
(Apgar score 9/10/10, pHa 7.21, pHv 7.33). As bleeding increased post partum and the
placenta was retained, placenta accreta/increta was again suspected. As the uterus
had contracted well and the patientʼs circulation remained stable, the decision for
conservative expectant management was taken together with the patient. The patients
was followed up regularly with clinical, laboratory and sonography investigations
([Fig. 5]). On the 3rd day post
partum, sonography appeared to indicate that the placenta had completely detached
from the myometrium after therapy with the uterotonic drug oxytocin. However, although
the cervix was dilated the placenta could not be removed. The patient had intermittent
bleeding and Hb dropped to 5.7 g/dl during her stay in hospital, requiring transfusion
of a total of 6 units of packed red blood cells und 1 unit of fresh frozen plasma
(FFP) during her stay in hospital. On the 8th day post partum, after it was shown
that the uterus had contracted well and the patientʼs circulation was stable, the
patient was discharged as an outpatient under close supervision (CRP 2.92 mg/dl, leukocytes
11.07/nl, Hb 7.8 g/dl). Post partum the patient received additional antibiotic therapy
consisting of ampicillin and cefuroxime for 7 days. The patient was informed about
the rules she need to follow at home, including regular measurement of her temperature,
and the importance of returning to hospital
immediately in the event of vaginal bleeding. The next ultrasound follow-up was on
the 14th day post partum and the patient was seen to be in good clinical health but
with slightly increased inflammation parameters (CRP 6.85 mg/dl, leukocytes 11.36/nl,
Hb 8.1 g/dl). Sonographic imaging was able to differentiate the placenta from the
endometrium/myometrium, but perfusion was still present in the basal areas near the
endometrium. Continued expectant management was agreed on with the patient. On the
19th day post partum the patient presented to the clinic with a temperature of 37.4 °C
and was again admitted to hospital. Laboratory values showed signs of infection (CRP
14.77 mg/dl, leukocytes 16.03/nl and Hb 8.5 g/dl) and intravenous antibiotic therapy
with ampicillin was initiated. Treatment to trigger uterine contractions was started
with sulprostone. Laboratory values of inflammation parameters continued to increase
and the patientʼs temperature remained subfebrile.
Antibiotic therapy was expanded to include metronidazole, and the decision was taken
to detach the placenta manually with intrauterine palpation the following day due
to increased bleeding. The cervix was dilated by 3–4 cm, the placenta was removed
manually followed by careful curettage of the endometrial cavity. Sonography showed
no sign of any remnants remaining in situ; sulprostone perfusion was continued until
the following day to prevent atonic haemorrhage. Only a few hours postoperatively,
the patient developed incipient sepsis or SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome)
with a temperature of 39.2 °C, leukopenia of 2.00/nl, CRP level of 22.23 mg/dl and
a drop in Hb to 5.4 g/dl on the 1st postoperative day. Thrombocytes remained stable
and within normal ranges. The patient had tachycardia of 120/min, oliguria, and a
continued high temperature. She received 2 units of packed red blood cells and 2 units
of FFP. Volume replacement and diuretic therapy were
initiated, and antibiotic management was changed to imipenem and metronidazole administered
intravenously with close clinical and laboratory controls. The uterus remained well-contracted
at all times. Blood culture confirmed infection with ESBL-producing Escherichia coli
sensitive to imipenem according to the antibiogram. The patientʼs condition quickly
stabilised and she could be transferred from the delivery room to a normal ward where
i. v. antibiotic therapy was continued. The patient was discharged in good health
with a well-contracted uterus on the 6th day postoperatively (26th day post partum).
Fig. 5 Sonographic image. Patient 3 with placenta accreta post partum.
The mean maternal age of these 3 patients was 35.3 years, gestational age ranged between
39 and 41 weeks, and mean duration between delivery of the baby and delivery of the
placenta was 44.67 days (range: 14–100 days). Two patients developed endomyometritis
or SIRS. All three patients received packed red blood cells (mean: 4 units per patient).
All 3 women were treated conservatively and the uterus could be preserved in all cases.
Foetal outcome based on Apgar scores and pH values remained unaffected by placenta
accreta/increta in all three cases ([Table 1]).
Table 1 Patient characteristics and results for placenta accreta/increta.
|
|
G/P
|
Age
(years)
|
GW at delivery
|
Days to delivery of the placenta
|
Apgar score
|
Birth weight (g)
|
pHa/pHv
|
Number of PRBCs
|
|
Patient 1
|
III/II
|
34
|
40 + 0
|
14
|
9/10/10
|
3 500
|
7.20/7.32
|
2
|
|
Patient 2
|
III/0
|
34
|
38 + 3
|
100
|
9/10/10
|
3 320
|
7.17/7.29
|
2
|
|
Patient 3
|
II/I
|
38
|
39 + 0
|
20
|
9/10/10
|
3 280
|
7.21/7.33
|
8
|
|
Mean
|
|
35.3
|
39 + 1
|
44,7
|
9/10/10
|
3 367
|
7.19/7.31
|
4
|
Discussion
Three cases of placenta accreta/increta after vaginal birth were diagnosed in our
perinatal centre in the last 1.5 years (incidence 1 : 486), which is in accordance
with the reports of increased placentation disorders in the past few years. The risk
factors for placenta accreta/increta outlined in the introduction (advanced maternal
age, previous uterine operations) were all present in our patient collective ([Table 1]). Nevertheless, in all cases the diagnosis was only made post partum. The cases
described here show that conservative expectant management is possible in selected
patients with placenta accreta/increta diagnosed peripartally, even after vaginal
birth, with patients closely supervised on an outpatient basis. Such patients need
to have a stable circulation and no haemodynamically relevant bleeding or bleeding
controllable by RPBC transfusion and measures such as the administration of uterotonic
drugs (oxytoxin, sulprostone,
methylergometrine). Moreover, if women have been discharged home as outpatients, then
regular clinical, laboratory and sonographic controls with close follow-up to ensure
early recognition and management of possible complications are indispensable for successful
conservative therapy. Two of the 3 cases described here developed infection, and both
cases were successfully treated. In 2 of the 3 patients managed expectantly, the placenta
was detached manually with intrauterine palpation to retrieve the placenta after sonography
had indicated that the placenta was gradually becoming detached. Like the results
reported by Senthiles et al. [12] and Provansal et al. [15], we were able to preserve the uterus and preserve fertility in 3 selected patients
with placenta accreta/increta diagnosed peripartally through conservative, expectant
management, combined with symptomatic therapy and close monitoring.
Conclusion
If a patient does not want any more children, hysterectomy following caesarean section
is the treatment of choice for placenta accreta/increta [1]. Nevertheless, if the patient wishes to have another child the possibility of conservative
management leaving the placenta in situ (after spontaneous vaginal birth or caesarean
section) needs to be evaluated in larger studies to develop evidence-based therapy
options. At present, the option of conservative management can be discussed with selected
patients taking the above-mentioned conditions into consideration.
