Effect of anesthesia selection on neonatal outcomes in cesarean hysterectomies for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS)

J Perinat Med. 2022 May 25;50(9):1210-1214. doi: 10.1515/jpm-2022-0062. Print 2022 Nov 25.

Abstract

Objectives: Optimal treatment for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is late-preterm cesarean hysterectomy to minimize maternal morbidity. This study aims to assess the impact of surgical planning during this gestational age on neonates as a key part of the pregnancy dyad.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed of 115 singleton, non-anomalous pregnancies complicated by PAS at the University of Texas Health San Antonio Placenta Accreta program from 2005 to 2020. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the individual impact of variables such as anesthesia selection, advancing gestational age and operative characteristics.

Results: With regards to neonatal intubation, on multivariate analysis, neuraxial anesthesia (OR=0.09, [95% CI 0.02, 0.37]) and advancing gestational age (OR=0.49 [95% CI 0.34, 0.71]) were independent protective factors. In addition, NICU length of stay was directly impacted by neuraxial anesthesia (IRR=0.73, [95% CI 0.55, 0.97]) and advancing gestational age (IRR=0.80 [95% CI 0.76, 0.84]), resulting in shorter NICU admissions.

Conclusions: As gestational age at delivery may not be modifiable in cases of PAS, the utilization of neuraxial anesthesia (as oppose to general anesthesia) presents a modifiable intervention which may optimize neonatal outcomes from cesarean hysterectomy.

Keywords: cesarean hysterectomy; general anesthesia; neonatal abnormal placentation; placenta accreta.

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia, General
  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy / adverse effects
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Placenta Accreta* / surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies