Syncytial degeneration in normal and pathologic placentas

Abstract

A study of the syncytium of mature placentas has been made in order to discover some constant change which might aid in the histologic diagnosis of the toxemias of pregnancy. A moderate amount of syncytial degeneration is present in all mature placentas. There is a definite increase in the severity and amount of this degeneration in the toxemias of pregnancy. The increase is slight in the mild toxemias but marked in the severe toxemias. In the cases of eclampsia it is practically universal. In nephritis syncytial degeneration is sometimes present but is secondary to the degeneration of the villi, while it is primary in cases of toxemia. The nephritic picture is often confusing and cannot be used as a differential diagnosis except in certain cases. In complete premature separation of the placenta the syncytial degeneration corresponds to the amount of toxemia present clinically and may be absent where no toxemia is present.