Histopathology of placenta in covid-19 infection and correlation with fetal outcome

Abstract

Placental examination can yield valuable information that may be essential to enhance our understanding of disease pathogenesis and to identify underlying causes of adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is increasing evidence that COVID-19 infection leaves tell-tale signs of injuries in the placenta. To study histopathological features of placenta of covid 19 positive mothers. Prospective observational study. Out of fifteen placenta histopathological changes observed, intervillous fibrin deposition was most common finding that was present in 6 placenta (40%); calcifications, chorangiosis in 4 placenta(26.6%); deciduitis, thrombosis were present in 3 placentas(20%)respectively; increased fibrinoid material, decidual vasculopathy, chorioamnionitis were present in 1 placenta(6.6%)respectively. Out of fifteen infants, 13(86.6%) infants were term (>37weeks) and 2(13.3%) infants were preterm (<37 weeks) including one twin delivery. Two (13.3%) infants were IUGR and 3 (20%) infants were low birth weight and Small for gestational age. Six infants (40%) required admission in NICU of which 5 infants (33.3%) required respiratory support. Placenta histopathological findings were suggestive of maternal vascular malperfusion like increased intervillous fibrin deposition, chorangiosis, deciduitis, calcifications, thrombosis and the findings were correlated with fetal outcome like preterm deliveries, small for gestational age, IUGR, respiratory distress requiring respiratory support.