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Vasa praevia: a lethal threat to the fetus

  • Clinical Review
  • Published:
European Clinics in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Abstract

Vasa praevia constitutes a rare obstetric complication that is potentially lethal for the generally healthy infant. If unrecognized antenatally, the condition carries a higher fetal mortality rate than any other complication in pregnancy. Only in the past two decades have major diagnostic advances led to a dramatic improvement of perinatal survival and lower morbidity rates. Good outcomes depend primarily on prenatal diagnosis and appropriate management. The performance of a caesarean section before rupture of the membranes and the onset of labour is mandatory. Simple modifications of standard screening protocols and the recognition of high-risk patients will allow identification of most cases of vasa praevia.

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Correspondence to L. Ameryckx.

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Ameryckx, L., Amy, J.J. Vasa praevia: a lethal threat to the fetus. Eur Clinics Obstet Gynaecol 2, 128–130 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11296-006-0040-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11296-006-0040-y

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