Diagnostic terminology in placenta accreta spectrum: a scoping review

Broom, M. A., Bailey, E. , Kearns, R. J. , McMillan, M. and McPeake, J. (2022) Diagnostic terminology in placenta accreta spectrum: a scoping review. International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia, 51, 103572. (doi: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2022.103572) (PMID:35868995)

Abstract

Background: Anaesthetic management strategies for Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) remain diverse, and literature interpretation is complicated by a range of terminology. The International Federation for Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) published guidance in 2018 to improve PAS diagnosis and management by standardising definitions. We mapped the range, clarity and consistency of terminology in literature pertaining to both PAS and anaesthesia, and determined whether this changed followed FIGO guidance. Methods: A literature search of four medical databases was performed. Papers included had PAS (or any ‘synonym’) in the title, and mode of anaesthesia in title or abstract. Narrative reviews, and papers not containing original data, were excluded. Diagnostic terms, and evidence supporting their use, were described. Results: Among 680 abstracts identified, 62 papers were included. Thirty distinct terms were used to describe PAS and subtypes. Terminology was clearly defined 46% of the time and used consistently within a paper 47% of the time. Nine papers (15%) provided no diagnostic evidence to support the terminology used. In 14 (23%) papers published after FIGO guidelines, 14 terms were used to describe PAS. Two papers (14%) specified the diagnostic criteria used. Six (43%), confirmed diagnoses using pathology. Four (29%) were consistent in use of terminology throughout the paper. Conclusions: Despite international consensus criteria for reporting PAS, the language pertaining to PAS and anaesthesia remains heterogeneous, inconsistent, and variably defined. Reporting of PAS should adhere to FIGO criteria to allow unambiguous interpretation of work, and generation of evidence that is transferrable into clinical practice.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bailey, Dr Emma and Broom, Dr Malcolm and McPeake, Dr Jo and McMillan, Mr Martin and Kearns, Dr Rachel
• Authors: Broom, M. A., Bailey, E., Kearns, R. J., McMillan, M., and McPeake, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
• Journal Name: International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0959-289X
• ISSN (Online): 1532-3374
• Published Online: 28 June 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 Crown Copyright
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia 51: 103572
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy