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Vasa previa and extreme prematurity: a population-based study

Journal of Perinatology volume 39, pages 475–480 (2019)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective

To determine population-based risks of preterm birth associated with vasa previa.

Study design

Included were 945,950 singleton, live birth cesarean deliveries with and without vasa previa (gestational ages 24–41 weeks) in California between 2007 and 2012. Odds ratios (ORs) of preterm birth were estimated using logistic regression.

Results

In total, 586 were complicated by vasa previa (0.06%). In total, 369 (63%) of those with vasa previa were delivered <37 weeks, compared with 91,662 (10%) of those without. Odds of extreme and very preterm birth were substantially higher for pregnancies with vasa previa even after controlling for comorbidities known to contribute to prematurity, with ORs of 4.6 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.7–12.5) and 16.0 (95% CI: 10.3–24.8), respectively.

Conclusion

Based on these population-based data, most patients with vasa previa are delivered between 32 and 36 weeks gestation; however, a clinically significant portion occur before 32 weeks. These data are helpful in counseling patients with vasa previa regarding prematurity risk.

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Acknowledgements

Funding from the March of Dimes (MOD) supported this research. The MOD had no role in the study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the article for publication. Paper presentation information: These findings were presented at the 37th Annual Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine in Las Vegas, Nevada; January 23–28, 2017.

Author contributions

AY-M, AIG, JAM, YJB, YYE-S, DKS, and GMS contributed to the conception and design of the study, interpretation of the data, drafting of the article and revising it critically along with performing a final review prior to its submission for publication. JAM and GMS contributed to the analysis of the data.

Funding

Funding from the March of Dimes (MOD) supported this research.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA

    Amanda Yeaton-Massey, Anna I. Girsen, Yair J. Blumenfeld & Yasser Y. El-Sayed

  2. March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA

    Jonathan A. Mayo, David K. Stevenson & Gary M. Shaw

Authors
  1. Amanda Yeaton-Massey
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  2. Anna I. Girsen
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  6. David K. Stevenson
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Correspondence to Amanda Yeaton-Massey.

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Yeaton-Massey, A., Girsen, A.I., Mayo, J.A. et al. Vasa previa and extreme prematurity: a population-based study. J Perinatol 39, 475–480 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-019-0319-8

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