Abstract
Background Placenta previa is a major obstetric problem with high rates of fetomaternal mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and fetal and maternal outcomes of major degree placenta previa among Sudanese women. Method This is a prospective descriptive study conducted in the period from January 1 to June 30, 2109, at Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. Fetal and maternal complications associated with major degree placenta were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results The total number of deliveries was 22,000, of which 87 cases were of major degree placenta previa, giving a prevalence rate of 0.4%, the hysterectomies rate was 23% (n= 20), and the total maternal deaths were 6.9% (n= 6). Intraoperative interventions used to control the bleeding were multiple hemostatic sutures in 34.5% (n=30) of cases, followed by uterine backing (20.7%; n= 18), and uterine artery ligation (12.6%; n=11). The common reported maternal complications were bladder injuries (28.7%; n= 25) followed by bowel injuries (4.6%; n=5). Of all mothers, 48.27% (n=42) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Of all deliveries, 26.4% (n=23) were preterm, and 38% (n=33) of neonates were admitted to the newborn intensive care unit (NICU), and 9.2% (n=8) were fresh stillbirth (FSB). Conclusion Neonatal complications were comparable to other studies but maternal deaths were relatively high. The study indicated the need for effective management protocols and more training of the medical staff in order to overcome the problem.