Placental abruption complicates about 0.3% to 1% of births.[3]Ananth CV, Keyes KM, Hamilton A, et al. An international contrast of rates of placental abruption: an age-period-cohort analysis. PLoS One. 2015 May 27;10(5):e0125246.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26018653?tool=bestpractice.com
[4]Tikkanen M. Placental abruption: epidemiology, risk factors and consequences. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2011 Feb;90(2):140-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21241259?tool=bestpractice.com
These incidences for the most part are based on epidemiological studies from medical records and birth certificate data. However, the incidence varies according to the criteria used for the diagnosis. When the placenta is routinely examined by a pathologist, a higher incidence of abruption is reported.[5]Bernischke K. Placental pathology and asphyxia. In: Gluck L, ed. Intrauterine asphyxia and the developing fetal brain. Chicago, IL: Yearbook Medical Publishers; 1977.[6]Ventolini G, Samlowski R, Hood DL. Placental findings in low-risk, singleton, term pregnancies after uncomplicated deliveries. Am J Perinatol. 2004 Aug;21(6):325-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15311368?tool=bestpractice.com
Furthermore, small abruptions may not be recognised by the delivering physician. The incidence of abruption has risen slightly in recent years, although this may be the consequence of improved ascertainment.[7]Ananth CV, Oyelese Y, Yeo L, et al. Placental abruption in the United States, 1979 through 2001: temporal trends and potential determinants. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Jan;192(1):191-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15672024?tool=bestpractice.com
The incidence has risen more in black women than in white women.[7]Ananth CV, Oyelese Y, Yeo L, et al. Placental abruption in the United States, 1979 through 2001: temporal trends and potential determinants. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Jan;192(1):191-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15672024?tool=bestpractice.com
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