Risk factors of placenta previa: a population based study and the review of the literature

Abstract

The aim of our study is to provide a population-based risk factor profile for placenta previa and thereby enable early diagnosis plus the necessary management for this risky group. Methods This research was a retrospective case control study including 25105 pregnancies in the period January 2000-December 2010. The data of 25105 pregnancies were examined on the hospital database. A total of 139 single pregnancies complicated by placenta previa were compared with a randomly selected control group of 1200 single pregnancies. Evaluation was made of risk factors for placenta previa. Results Of the 25105 pregnancies presenting at our clinic during the 10-year period, placenta previa was determined in 139, giving an incidence rate of 0.55%. In the comparison of the two groups; advanced maternal age, multiparity, a history of caesarean section, a history of abortion or uterine curettage, cigarette smoking and male gender were found to be statistically significant as a risk factor for placenta previa. Conclusions The knowledge of the predisposing obstetric factors in respect of the development of placenta previa on a population basis provides the possibility of a careful approach on an individual patient basis.