Clinical significance of pregnancies with circumvallate placenta

Aim: This study examined the clinical significance of patients complicated by circumvallate placenta in comparison with patients with a normal placenta. Methods: Data were collected from 139 singleton deliveries complicated by circumvallate placenta and from 7666 unaffected controls managed at Japanese Red Cross Katsushika Maternity Hospital between 2002 and 2005. Results: The incidence of premature delivery, oligohydramnios, non-reassuring fetal status on cardiotocogram, placental abruption and intrauterine fetal death in patients complicated by circumvallate placenta were significantly higher than those in control patients. The odds ratio of placental abruption in patients complicated by circumvallate placenta was 13.1 (95% confidence limits: 5.65-30.2). Conclusion: A circumvallate placenta is associated with a higher incidence of serious perinatal complications such as placental abruption.