Exxcellence pearls: vasa previa

Question 0

What is the rate of vasa previa?

Answer 0

One in 1500-5000 pregnancies

Question 1

What is a vasa previa?

Answer 1

Occurs when fetal vessels traverse the membranes separate from the umbilical cord or placenta and overlie the cervix before the presenting parts.

Question 2

What placental abnormalities are typically associated with vasa previa?

Answer 2

Type I: velamentous cord insertion

Type II: succenturiate placental lobe formation

Question 3

What conditions are associated with increased risk of vasa previa?

Answer 3

Low lying placenta, multi-fetal gestation, IVF, accessory lobe of the placenta

Question 4

In general, how should vasa previa be managed?

Answer 4

Pelvic rest, possible hospitalization at approximately 32 weeks, antenatal steroids, and preterm cesarean delivery at approximately 35 weeks.

Question 5

What experimental procedure can be considered with vasa previa due to a succenturiate lobe?

Answer 5

Laser ablation of the vessels