Abstract
Objective: To study the histomorphological changes in placentae of pre-eclamptic mothers and to compare them with placentae of normotensive mothers. Method: This study was carried out in 34 placentas of mothers who had pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and 34 placentas of normotensive non diabetic mothers in the Department of Pathology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Placentae were fixed in normal saline for 48 hours. After fixation the placentae were divided into four quadrants and 5mm pieces of tissue were taken from the center, upper and lower quadrants. After tissue processing and staining, the histomorphological changes were studied in both normotensive and hypertensive groups after obtaining clinical details from the bed head tickets. Results: Infarctions, small villi and numbers of syncytial knots and vasculosyncytial membrane were significantly higher in the study group compared with the control group. The severity of hypertension correlated with the extent of the placental infarcts. Conclusion: A significant number of both macroinfarcts and microinfarcts with an increased number of syncytial knots was observed in the hypertensive group as compared to normotensive group which may be due to placental hypoxia. Journal of Diagnostic Pathology 2015;10(1):14-22
Highlights
The placenta is the interface between the foetus and the mother
A significant number of both macroinfarcts and microinfarcts with an increased number of syncytial knots was observed in the hypertensive group as compared to normotensive group which may be due to placental hypoxia
A significant amount of infarcts were seen in the placentae of mothers with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) compared to normotensive mothers and the majority (65%) of these infarcts was mild to moderate in size and were categorized as microinfarcts
Summary
The placenta is the interface between the foetus and the mother. The survival and growth of the foetus is essentially dependent on the formation and the full development of the placenta. It undergoes changes in weight, volume, structure, shape and function continuously throughout gestation to support the prenatal life[1]. In cases of poor pregnancy outcome and certain maternal disorders, proper placental examination will provide useful information to the obstetrician and the neonatalogist[3]. Capillary growth is biphasic, with branching angiogenesis and formation of tightly looped capillaries, followed by a phase of increased non-branching angiogenesis with the formation of longer capillaries[7,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
