Histopathologic Changes in the Placenta of Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia

Abstract

Objective: The placenta plays a key role in the development of pre-eclampsia. Knowledge of the histopathologic changes in the preeclamptic placenta will improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, which may contribute to the development of timely interventions, prevention strategies or treatment options. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the histopathologic changes in the placentas of pre-eclampsia patients. Material and Methods: This study was conducted between May 01, 2023, and January 31, 2024, at tertiary hospital. A total of 30 pregnancies were included in the study, 15 with preeclampsia and 15 that were otherwise normal pregnancies. After delivery by cesarean section, the placentas of these patients were taken to the Department of Histology and Embryology examined histologically by staining with hematoxylin-eosin. Results: Compared to the control group, the placentas of the pre-eclampsia patients showed a more degeneration of the villi, hemorrhage in the intervillous area, the presence of immune cells, vasodilation, and congestion. In addition, there were more fibrinoid accumulations and more syncytial knots in the placentas of the pre-eclampsia patients. Conclusion: There were histologic differences between the placenta of pre-eclampsia patients and the control group. The studies that search the precursor markers leading to these histopathologic changes are necessary to improve our understanding of preeclampsia and to develop further strategies such as treatment options and prevention strategies. Keywords: Preeclampsia, hematoxylin-eosin staining, histopathologic examination