Placental abruption

Question 1

What is placental abruption?

Answer 1

part or all of placenta separates from uterus causing bleeding

Question 2

What are the clinical features of placental abruption?

Answer 2

antepartum haemorrhage
abdo pain
uterine tenderness
woody hard uterus
foetal distress

Question 3

List three risk factors of placental abruption

Answer 3

pre-eclampsia
smoking
cocaine
multiple pregnancy
previous placental abruption
chronic HTN

Question 4

What is Kleihauer test?

Answer 4

detects fetal RBCs in maternal circulation. Important in rhesus negative mothers. Give anti-D

Question 5

Three investigations for placental abruption?

Answer 5

FBC
Renal profile
INR/APTT
X-match
Kleinhauer
CTG

Question 6

What is the management of placental abruption?

Answer 6

if fetal distress- delivery by C-section
if no fetal distress + <37 weeks- induction of labour
if no fetal distress + <34 weeks- close monitoring
+dexamethasone for fetal lung maturation