Severe abruptio placentae — still unpreventable

The management of abruptio placentae remains a problem, despite advances in medical science. This study analyses severity of abruption, resultant morbidity, and maternal and fetal mortality in 105 cases. Among the contributory factors, hypertension (44%) and grand multiparity (24%) were common. There was no maternal death among these cases, mainly because of liberal use of blood transfusion, prompt delivery, and careful fetal monitoring, but perinatal mortality remained high (73%). Factors responsible for this high perinatal mortality and its prevention are discussed.