Management of fetal death with placenta previa

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2012 Feb;25(2):196-9. doi: 10.3109/14767058.2011.560624. Epub 2011 Mar 10.

Abstract

Management of second- and third-trimester fetal death in the presence of placenta previa is a dilemma for obstetricians. We herein describe a case of fetal death occurring at 23 weeks' gestation in the presence of placenta previa. Three weeks of expectant management failed to reduce uteroplacental blood perfusion evaluated with pulsatility index of the uterine artery. Labor was then induced with gemeprost vaginal pessary following overnight laminaria pretreatment. Vaginal delivery was achieved with total blood loss of 1900 ml. Homologous blood transfusion was obviated owing to autologous blood that had been stored during the waiting period.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fetal Death / etiology
  • Fetal Death / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Labor, Induced / adverse effects*
  • Placenta Previa*
  • Pregnancy
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / etiology