Identifying sonographic markers for placenta accreta in the first trimester.

Our study attempted to identify whether sonographic markers for placenta accreta may be present as early as the first trimester. We reviewed 10 cases with pathologically proven accreta and retrospectively analyzed their first-trimester images. The gestational ages ranged from 8 weeks 4 days to 14 weeks 2 days.

Preoperative intravascular balloon catheters and surgical outcomes in pregnancies complicated by placenta accreta: a management paradox.

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare outcomes between patients who did and did not receive preoperative uterine artery balloon catheters in the setting placenta accreta.

Study Design: This was a retrospective case-control study of patients with placenta accreta from 1990 to 2011.

Results: Records from 117 patients with pathology-proven accreta were reviewed.

Placenta accreta and postpartum hemorrhage.

Placenta accreta is the abnormal adherence of the placenta to the uterine wall. Where placenta accreta is present, the failure of the placenta to separate normally from the uterus after delivery is accompanied by severe postpartum hemorrhage. The best outcomes in placenta accreta are in prenatally diagnosed electively delivered cases.

Effect of predelivery diagnosis in 99 consecutive cases of placenta accreta.

Objective: To estimate the effects of prenatal diagnosis and delivery planning on outcomes in patients with placenta accreta.

Methods: A review was performed of all patients with pathologically confirmed placenta accreta at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center from January 1990 to April 2008. Cases were divided into those with and without predelivery diagnosis of placenta accreta.

Accuracy of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of placenta accreta.

Background: The incidence of placenta accreta has increased dramatically over the last three decades, in concert with the increase in the cesarean delivery rate. Optimal management requires accurate prenatal diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the precision and reliability of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing placenta accreta.

Evaluation of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in normal and preeclamptic women.

Objective: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is synthesized in cardiac ventricles in response to volume expansion. This study evaluated BNP levels to determine trends during pregnancy, and to assess BNP as a diagnostic tool in preeclampsia.

Study Design: We studied 163 BNP levels in 118 pregnant women, ranging from first trimester to term.

Intrauterine growth restriction.

Fetal intrauterine growth restriction presents a complex management problem for the clinician. The failure of a fetus to achieve its growth potential imparts a significantly increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Consequently, the obstetrician must recognize and accurately diagnose inadequate fetal growth and attempt to determine its cause.