Fertility Post Placenta Accrete

Placenta accreta is an abnormal adherence of the placenta to the uterine wall. Three variants of abnormally invasive placentation have been described: placenta accreta, in which placental villi invade the surface of the myometrium; placenta increta, in which placental villi extend into the myometrium; and placenta percreta, where the villi penetrate through the myometrium to the uterine serosa and may invade adjacent organs, such as the bladder.

Placenta accrete is an increasingly prevalent and potentially dangerous complication of pregnancy. It appears to be most strongly predicted by a history of cesarean deliveries and low-lying placenta/previa. Additional risk factors include in vitro fertilization pregnancy, prior myomectomy, Asherman's syndrome, submucous leiomyomata, maternal age older than 35 years, elevated second-trimester levels of α-fetoprotein and β-human chorionic gonadotropin.

Pregnancies complicated with placenta accrete are associated with adverse maternal outcomes, including life-threatening maternal haemorrhage, large-volume blood transfusion, uterine rupture and peripartum hysterectomy. Moreover , strong association was found between abnormal placentation to significant perinatal morbidity and mortality such as small for gestational age, preterm delivery, neonatal intensive care unit hospitalization, perinatal death and neonatal death.

Prenatal diagnosis and adequate planning, particularly in high-risk populations, is indicated for the reduction of these adverse outcomes. Advances in grayscale and Doppler ultrasound have facilitated prenatal diagnosis. Despite advances in imaging techniques, no diagnostic technique affords the clinician complete assurance of the presence or absence of placenta accreta.

Management of placenta accrete could be conservative (aiming for uterine preservation) or interventional ( elective cesarean hysterectomy ) depending on the patients will to maintain the uterus for future fertility, the degree of placentation abnormality or complications during delivery. The extent (area, depth) of the abnormal attachment will determine the response-curettage, wedge resection, medical management, or hysterectomy. Uterine conserving options may work in small focal accretas, but abdominal hysterectomy usually is the most definitive treatment.

Post-partum hemorrhage is the major concern dealing with placenta accrete. Women with placenta accreta have a higher incidence of postpartum hemorrhage and are more likely to undergo emergency hysterectomy .

If the diagnosis or a strong suspicion is formed before delivery, a number of measures should be taken including counseling the patient about the likelihood of hysterectomy and blood transfusion, preparing blood products and clotting factors and considering using cell saver technology.The appropriate location and timing for delivery should be considered to allow access to adequate surgical personnel and equipment and a preoperative anesthesia assessment should be obtained.

A patient with stable vital signs and persistent bleeding, especially if the rate of loss is not excessive, may be a candidate for arterial embolization. Radiographic identification of bleeding vessels allows embolization with gelfoam, coils, or glue. Balloon occlusion is also a technique used in such circumstances. Embolization can be used for bleeding that continues after hysterectomy or can be used as an alternative to hysterectomy to preserve fertility.

Studies estimating the fertility and pregnancy outcomes after successful conservative treatment for placenta accrete have demonstrated placenta accreta does not appear to compromise the patients' subsequent fertility or obstetrical outcome.

By reviewing the literature, no prospective studies have specifically evaluated fertility, following uterine artery embolization during cesarean section due to placenta accrete .

Methods:

Women that were operated and fit inclusion criteria will be invited to participate in the study after getting advanced notice on requirements . After giving informed consent to participate in the study, demographic parameters and medical history will be taken, including - age , Body Mass Index ( BMI), parity, gravity, past medical history, past operations.

preoperative intra operative and post operative information will be collected.

All women participating will complete -

1. Day 2 blood sample for hormonal profile - follicle stimulating hormone ( FSH), estrogen (E2), progesterone (P)
2. Blood sample for anti mullarian hormon (AMH)
3. Vaginal ultrasound assessing antral follicle count (AFC)