Placenta Accreta vs. Placenta Increta

Attribute	Placenta Accreta	Placenta Increta
Definition	Placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall	Placenta invades the uterine wall
Severity	Mild to severe	More severe than placenta accreta
Risk factors	Previous cesarean section, placenta previa	Previous placenta accreta, advanced maternal age
Management	Delivery by cesarean section, possible hysterectomy	Delivery by cesarean section, possible hysterectomy, more likely to require blood transfusion

Introduction

Placenta accreta and placenta increta are both serious pregnancy complications that involve abnormal attachment of the placenta to the uterine wall. While they share some similarities, there are also key differences between the two conditions that affect their management and outcomes.

Definition and Causes

Placenta accreta is a condition where the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall, while placenta increta occurs when the placenta penetrates the uterine muscle. Both conditions are typically caused by abnormalities in the development of the placenta, such as a lack of the normal layer of tissue that separates the placenta from the uterine wall. Other risk factors for these conditions include previous cesarean sections, advanced maternal age, and placenta previa.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Placenta accreta and placenta increta can both present with symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and an enlarged uterus. However, placenta increta is often diagnosed later in pregnancy or even after delivery, as the placenta may not separate properly from the uterine wall. Diagnosis of these conditions is typically made through ultrasound imaging and may be confirmed with MRI or other imaging studies.

Complications

Placenta accreta and placenta increta can both lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby. These complications can include severe bleeding during delivery, increased risk of infection, and the need for a hysterectomy to control bleeding. Placenta increta is generally considered to be more severe than placenta accreta, as the placenta penetrates deeper into the uterine muscle, increasing the risk of complications.

Treatment

The treatment for placenta accreta and placenta increta typically involves a team approach, including obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and sometimes interventional radiologists. In some cases, a planned cesarean section followed by hysterectomy may be necessary to remove the placenta and control bleeding. Other treatment options may include medications to help the uterus contract and reduce bleeding, as well as blood transfusions to replace lost blood volume.

Prognosis

The prognosis for placenta accreta and placenta increta can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the timing of diagnosis and treatment. In general, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can improve outcomes for both the mother and the baby. However, these conditions can still be associated with significant risks, including the need for additional surgeries, long-term complications, and even maternal mortality in severe cases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, placenta accreta and placenta increta are both serious pregnancy complications that require careful management and monitoring. While they share some similarities in terms of symptoms and risk factors, there are also important differences in terms of severity and treatment options. Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach to care are essential for improving outcomes for both the mother and the baby in cases of placenta accreta and placenta increta.