Medline ® Abstract for Reference 98

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed retrospectively to clarify the clinical features of persistent subchorionic hematoma with clinical symptoms until delivery.

METHODS: We studied all the 22 cases of persistent subchorionic hematoma with symptoms until delivery from 4763 singleton pregnant women delivered in our hospital from 1985 to 1996 inclusive to investigate their clinical course and pregnancy outcome.

RESULTS: The initial symptom of subchorionic hematoma was vaginal bleeding and/or uterine contractions. The onset of the symptoms showed two peaks at 9-11 and 30-31 weeks of gestation. The pregnancy outcome was spontaneous abortion in three cases (13.6%), premature labor in 17 cases (77.3%) or full-term delivery in two cases (9.1%). Tocolysis was needed in 17 of the 22 cases (77.3%), of which 16 cases failed to prevent premature delivery.

CONCLUSION: Persistent subchorionic hematoma with clinical symptoms until delivery is likely to result in abortion or premature labor, because that may be thought to be a severe type.