High intensity focused ultrasound in management of placenta accreta
spectrum: A systematic review
Abstract
Background: High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive
procedure that has been recently studied in management of placenta
accreta spectrum (PAS). Objective: To appraise efficacy and safety of
HIFU in management of PAS and to highlight restrictions of transitioning
uterus-preserving studies to clinical practice. Search Strategy: A
search on Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed and Web of Science was conducted from
date of database inception to January 31st, 2020. Selection Criteria:
Studies on use of HIFU in management of PAS were eligible. Review
articles, conference papers, animal studies, and case reports were
excluded. Data Collection and Analysis: A standardized data collection
sheet was used to abstract data from eligible studies. CON-PAS registry
was used to include studies on other conservative modalities of
management of PAS. Results: Out of 30 studies, four were eligible (399
patients). Average residual placental volume was 61.74 cm3 (6.01-339).
Treatment was successful in all patients. Normal menstruation recovered
after 48.8 days (15-150). Average time for normalization of β-HCG was
16.5 (1-82) days. No major complications were encountered. Sixty-one
studies were retrieved from CON-PAS registry; uterine artery
embolization (23 studies), Prophylactic balloon placement (15),
compression sutures (10), leaving placenta in situ (7), and uterine wall
excision (6) were successful in 83.7% 92.9% 87.9%, 85.2%, and 79.3%
of patients, respectively. Conclusions: HIFU yields promising success
and safety profile in management of PAS in certain clinical situations.
A global research strategy is recommended to incorporate conservative
approaches in selected patients within a comprehensive protocol to
manage PAS.