Electronic fetal monitoring characteristics of a patient with sudden onset of placental abruption and intrauterine fetal demise: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Placental abruption (PA) is a serious complication of pregnancy, associated with significant perinatal complications, including intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD). Continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) has been widely applied in China in recent decades. Exploration of potentially PA-specific patterns of EFM contributes to early detection of PA occurrence. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS: A 33-year-old woman (gravida 3, para 1) was referred to our hospital at 33(+3) weeks gestation due to non-reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern, and suffered sudden onset of severe PA and subsequent intrauterine fetal demise. INTERVENTIONS: We analyzed the characteristics of her non-stress tests (NSTs) 1 day and 10 min before the detection of PA, aiming to explore potentially PA-specific patterns of EFM and provide reference for early detection of asymptomatic PA occurrence in obstetric practice. OUTCOMES: Unfavored characteristics of FHR patterns before PA onset are analyzed. CONCLUSION: For those who sense decreased fetal movements (DFMs), a NST and a biophysical profile (BPP) are recommended for exclusion of potential adverse maternal and fetal complications.