Antenatal suspicion of ischemic placental disease and coexistence of maternal and fetal placental disease: analysis of over 500 cases

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the antenatal suspicion of placental disease and the coexistence of maternal and fetal placental ischemic disease.

Study design: A prospective cohort study on normally formed singleton infants from 2000 to 2008 inclusive with placental ischemic disease.

Results: Uteroplacental ischemia or fetoplacental thrombotic vasculopathy was identified in 511 of 74,857 births (7/1000 births). Four hundred fifty-nine cases met the inclusion criteria. Maternal and fetal placental vascular disease coexisted in 9.2% (n = 42) of cases. Placental ischemic disease was suspected antenatally in 70% (324/459). Maternal placental disease occurred in 40% (184/459) and 30% (140/459) had fetal pathology. The perinatal mortality rate was 12.7/1000. Antenatal suspicion of placental disease led to increased obstetric intervention and delivery of small-for-gestational age infants.

Conclusion: Maternal and fetoplacental vascular disease coexisted in 9.2%. Placental disease was suspected antenatally in 70% of cases and was associated with increased rates of obstetric intervention.