Placental abruption

Overview

Placenta abruption is a complete or partial separation of the implanted placenta before birth.

• Common complication and the leading cause of fetal death following trauma. (Jain et al, 2015) (Brown & Mozurkewich, 2013)
• Most occur within 2-6 hrs and almost all within 24 hours post injury.
• Mechanism of injury – rapid deceleration often without direct trauma. (Wyant & Collett, 2013)

Description

Provides participants with the basic knowledge and skills on how to assess and manage placental abruption following a traumatic incident.

Learning objectives

• Understand the importance of the initial assessment (primary and secondary) on admission to Emergency for a pregnant patient following a road traffic collision (RTC).
• Identify the need for additional investigations in the pregnant trauma patient.
• Recognise, manage and respond to clinical deterioration from placental abruption.

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Further reading