Objective This study was performed to assess whether prophylactic uterine artery embolization (UAE) is beneficial for second-trimester abortion with complete placenta previa (CPP). Methods Patients with CPP who underwent second-trimester pregnancy termination by labor induction with or without UAE from January 2010 to January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. In total, 25 patients were eligible for analysis. The primary outcomes were the abortion success rate and bleeding volume, and the secondary outcomes were the induction-to-abortion time, length of hospital stay, and complications. Results CPP occurred in all 25 patients. Fifteen patients underwent prophylactic UAE (UAE group) and 10 did not (control group). Abortion was successful in 13 of 15 (86.7%) women in the UAE group and in 9 of 10 (90.0%) women in the control group. There was no significant difference in the bleeding volume or induction-to-abortion time between the two groups. The hospital stay was longer and pyrexia was more common in the UAE than control group. Conclusion Prophylactic UAE did not markedly improve the outcomes of second-trimester abortion in patients with CPP. Conversely, it may increase the risk of complications and prolong the hospital stay.

Diazepam used in the treatment of eclampsia crosses the placental barrier readily, and may cause various clinical effects in the neonates. Twenty-five (25) live born babies of eclamptic mothers receiving diazepam were studied and cord blood diazepam concentration was estimated. Effect of low dose of diazepam is minimal apart from lowering of rectal temperature and the effects lasted for a period of 12 hours. But high dose (> 30 mg) of diazepam and prolonged duration of diazepam therapy in mothers causes significant depression of the newborn and the effects lasted for a period of 36-48 hours. As the clinical condition of the newborn is not related to the diazepam concentration in cord blood, the cord blood estimation is not helpful in the assessment of clinical effects of the drug in newborn. The tissue storage of the drug in newborn appears to be responsible for the clinical effects.