subject: Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis of Abruptio Placenta [print this page] Abruptio placenta is a complication of pregnancy in which the placenta prematurely separates from the wall of the uterus. Since the placenta brings blood and nutrients to the fetus and carries away waste products the placenta is vital for the baby's survival.
Abruptio placenta can result in severe, uncontrollable vaginal bleeding, which can lead to shock, blood clotting problems, uterine scarring, hysterectomy or death of the mother and the death of the fetus. Doctors must take immediate action to avoid catastrophic birth injuries or the death of the fetus, and injury and death of the mother.
Symptoms of Abruptio Placenta
The symptoms of abruption placenta may include, but not be limited to:
Severe vaginal bleedingCrampingAbdominal painAbdominal hardnessFetal distressMaternal shockPremature labor
Causes of Abruptio Placenta
The causes of abruption placenta are mostly unknown, but a number of risk factors include:
Older mothersPrevious history of abruption placentaHigh blood pressureDiabetesSmoking and heavy alcohol useMalformation of the uterus or placentaInjury to the abdomen as in a motor vehicle accident
The prognosis for cases of abruption placenta varies according to the severity, but death of the mother can occur in 5% of cases due to severe blood loss, heart failure and kidney failure. In severe cases of abruption placenta 50% to 80% of all fetuses die. Nearly half of fetuses who do survive suffer lifelong problems due to oxygen deprivation in utero and premature birth.
The Consequences of a Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of abruption placenta can result in severe birth injuries or death to the baby and the mother. This negligent medical care and treatment is medical malpractice of the most devastating kind.
Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis of Abruptio Placenta
