Rising Prevalence of Placenta Accreta Syndrome (PAS) in Nigeria: A Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors and Maternal Health Implications

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, trends, risk factors, and management outcomes of Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) in a tertiary health facility in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Public health attention has increased regarding PAS because this severe obstetric condition continues to grow more common mainly among women who face multiple cesarean deliveries. The retrospective examination at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) included 14,195 person deliveries between 2016 and 2021 and revealed 39 cases of Placenta Accreta Spectrum. This research examined both general population statistics and medical birth attributes as well as diagnostic procedures and treatment results of PAS. This research discovered that PAS developed in 0.27% of delivered pregnancies and previous cesarean deliveries (71.8%), maternal age of 35-39 years and five births or more resulted in higher risk and placenta praevia (38.5%) showed significant relationships with PAS. A total of 50% of cases received hysterectomies as their main treatment for PAS yet all maternal patients survived through the experience. The study participants noted an increase in PAS cases which they mostly linked to growing rates of c-sections. The main barriers in managing PAS include delayed patient diagnosis together with restricted access to both imaging tests and blood testing services. The study establishes an urgent demand to enhance high-risk pregnancy surveillance methods while improving diagnostic medicine together with healthcare facilities. The scientific community recommends government policymakers to invest in healthcare education and screening tests and facility readiness to combat the increasing cases of PAS in Nigeria. Maternal and newborn medical success depends on the early discovery and proper treatment approaches.