Objective: To evaluate risk factors associated with occurrence of abruptio placentae in preterm deliveries.
Methods: Risk factors were evaluated in 55 consecutive index cases of abruptio placentae and 726 control patients delivered between 24-36 weeks' gestation.
Results: In logistic regression analysis abruptio placentae was associated with a low number of antenatal visits, smoking in pregnancy, hypertension, intravenous drug abuse and a history of recent abdominal trauma. Among hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension was associated with the highest risk of premature placental separation. Finally, there was a significant trend relating duration of premature rupture of membranes with abruptio placentae (chi-square for trend = 3.93, p = 0.047).
Conclusions: Several risk factors seem strongly associated with abruptio placentae in preterm deliveries; the presence of these risk factors should dictate intensive surveillance.