Placental Calcification Research Articles

Placental Tissue Calcification and Its Molecular Pathways in Female Patients with Late-Onset Preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex multisystem disease characterized by hypertension of sudden onset (>20 weeks' gestation) coupled with the presence of at least one additional complication, such as proteinuria, maternal organ dysfunction, or uteroplacental dysfunction. Hypertensive states during pregnancy carry life-threatening risks for both mother and baby. The pathogenesis of PE develops due to a dysfunctional placenta with aberrant architecture that releases factors contributing to endothelial dysfunction, an antiangiogenic state, increased oxidative stress, and maternal inflammatory responses. Previous studies have shown a correlation between grade 3 placental calcifications and an elevated risk of developing PE at term. However, little is known about the molecular pathways leading to placental calcification. In this work, we studied the gene and protein expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin (OSC), osteopontin (OSP), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), MSX-2/HOX8, SOX-9, WNT-1, and β-catenin in placental tissue from women with late-onset PE (LO-PE). In addition, we employed von Kossa staining to detect mineral deposits in placental tissues. Our results show a significant increase of all these components in placentas from women with LO-PE. Therefore, our study suggests that LO-PE may be associated with the activation of molecular pathways of placental calcification. These results could be the starting point for future research to describe the molecular mechanisms that promote placental calcification in PE and the development of therapeutic strategies directed against it.

The Pathognomonic ultrasonographic findings in fetus with COVID-19 infection

Aim: The main goal is to identify the pathognomonic sonographic signs for foetal SARS-CoV-2 infection and to determine whether or not transplacental SARS-CoV-2 transmission is possible. Patients and Methods: In total, 105 pregnant women with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR swabs during the first trimester with mild or moderate infection without hospitalisation and/or oxygen support were included in this prospective comparative study, which was carried out at the ultrasound and foetal medicine unit of Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital from January 2021 to June 2023. The SARS-CoV-2 positive group was compared to the control group with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: In the COVID-19 group, pathognomonic ultrasonographic results were considerably more common. The COVID-19 group had a considerably higher frequency of placental calcifications and oligohydramnios. In the COVID-19 cohort, patients with positive pathognomonic ultrasonographic results had considerably higher BMIs. In the COVID-19 cohort, gestational age at infection, and BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2 were significant independent risk factors for the development of pathognomonic ultrasonographic abnormalities. Those in the control group who had positive pathognomonic ultrasonographic results were older and had higher rates of hypertension. Significant independent risk variables for the incidence of pathognomonic ultrasonographic findings in the control group included age ≥34.0 years and hypertension. Conclusion: There is no evidence of a teratogenic effect linked to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first few months of pregnancy. However, early pregnancy infection with COVID-19 is linked to pathognomonic ultrasonography findings of placental calcifications and oligohydramnios.

Sonographic Signs of SARS-CoV-2 Placentitis. Association with Pregnancy Outcome.

Being associated with a systemic infection, SARS-CoV-2 affects multiple organs, including the placenta. SARS-CoV-2 placentitis is a new condition that shows the destructive effects of fibrin deposition in the perivillous area, chronic histiocytic intervillositis and trophoblast necrosis after the placenta is infected with SARS-CoV-2. Until now, there have been no published reports regarding the ultrasound signs of massive perivillous fibrin deposition and the recommended monitoring for these cases. Our aim was to analyze the sonographic appearance of the placenta in a series of SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant women during their third trimester. In all cases included in the present study, we performed serial obstetrical ultrasounds every seven days until delivery, followed by histopathological examination of the placenta postpartum. In women with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), sonographic images of the placentas revealed that they matured faster within three weeks of receiving a COVID-19 diagnosis and reached a more rapid senescence. In all cases, there was a gradual increase in placental calcification from week to week, but only in pregnant women with a grade 3 placenta at the moment of inclusion in the study the deterioration was severe, leading to placental insufficiency and subsequently to IUGR. The cases who had an increased placental degree at the time of infection were associated with abnormally rapid placental aging. These aspects can be evaluated sonographically.

Predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes in women at 40 weeks or more of pregnancy

Introduction and aim. To evaluate the clinical features of women at ≥40 weeks of pregnancy and the utility of obstetric Doppler indices in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in these pregnancies. Material and methods. This prospective study was conducted at a single academic medical center between 2020 and 2022. Women aged 18 years and older with no risk factors who were at ≥40 weeks of pregnancy and delivered their babies in our hospital were included in the study. The fetal biometry, placental maturity grading, and doppler velocytometry indices of the pregnant women were evaluated. The cases were divided into two groups according to the development of adverse perinatal outcomes. The relationship between clinical features and adverse perinatal outcomes was evaluated. Results. Adverse perinatal outcomes developed in 19.6% (42) of the 214 cases. The multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting perinatal outcomes. Accordingly, a maternal age of ≥35 years (odds ratio [OR]: 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–3.96, p=0.038), nulliparity (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.13–4.63, p=0.040), and grade 3 placental calcification (OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.11–4.53, p=0.029) were independent predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes. Conclusion. Care should be taken in terms of adverse perinatal outcomes in the presence of nulliparity, a maternal age of ≥35 years, and grade 3 placental calcification in ≥40 week pregnancies.

Placental Pathology After Low-Impact Maternal Trauma [ID: 1380074

INTRODUCTION: Placental abruption is the most common cause of fetal death in cases of blunt trauma, and the majority of abruptions occur within 24 hours of the injury. Because of this potential complication, the observation time after trauma remains controversial. Our study aims to demonstrate the incidence of placental abruption and abnormal placental pathology at the time of delivery in women who have experienced low-impact trauma. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnant patients between the years of 2014 and 2020 at MedStar Washington Hospital Center who presented to triage for low-impact trauma identified by “trauma,” “IPV,” “fall,” or “MVA.” MedStar Health Research Institute IRB approved this study. Data from their evaluation during triage visit, mode of delivery, and placental pathology were assessed. Patients were de-identified and analyses included χ2 tests, linear regression, and multinomial logistic regression analyses, as appropriate (α=0.05). RESULTS: Of 184 patients identified, delivery data were available for 144 (79%). The mean time from trauma to delivery was 9 weeks. After delivery, the placental pathology was grossly assessed or sent to pathology, and 76.6% were intact with 7.6% noting an infarct when sent to pathology. Observation time did not predict placental infarction or calcification. The type of trauma did not correlate with mode of delivery (P=.629), prelabor preterm rupture of membranes (P=.746), placental infarct (P=.358), intact placenta (P=.834), or placental calcification (P=.288). CONCLUSION: Although a small percentage of patients who experienced low-impact trauma had infarction identified on placental pathology, no patients experienced clinical or pathologic placental abruption in 24 hours after trauma.

Maternal and Placental Risk Factors for Small Gestational Age and Fetal Malnutrition.

This case-control study was conducted to identify maternal and placental risk factors of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and fetal malnutrition. Cases comprised 104 consecutively delivered SGA neonates (determined as per INTERGROWTH- 21st standard). An equal number of next-born gestation and gender-matched appropriatefor- gestational age (AGA) neonates served as controls. Maternal risk factors were enquired, and placentae were evaluated by clinical and histopathological examination. Nutrition of the neonates was assessed by the clinical assessment of nutrition (CAN) score. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to identify the maternal and placental risk factors. The prevalence of SGA in the present study was 23.9%. Maternal fever [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR), 95% confidence interval (CI), 16.3 (3.5-124.1); p = 0.001], presence of placental syncytial knots [aOR (95% CI), 2.9 (1.1-9.1); p = 0.04] and placental calcifications [aOR (95% CI), 3(1.1- 8.7); p = 0.03], were identified as independent predictors of SGA using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Malnutrition (SCORE <25) affected 64% of SGA and 16.3% of AGA neonates. The only risk factor significantly associated with malnourished SGA was prematurity, whereas malnourished AGA was significantly associated with prematurity and fetal distress. In-hospital morbidities significantly higher in SGA were perinatal asphyxia, respiratory distress, need for respiratory support, polycythemia, hypoglycemia, and feeding intolerance. Mortality before discharge was 4.8% and 3.8% in SGA and AGA population, respectively (p > 0.05). Neonatal outcomes were comparable among well-nourished, malnourished SGA and AGA groups. Maternal fever, placental syncytial knots, and calcifications were independent risk factors of SGA, whereas prematurity and fetal distress were responsible for malnutrition.

2132. Placental histopathology and long-term outcomes of children with antenatal Zika virus exposure

Abstract Background It is unclear whether placental changes in ZIKV infection influence short- and long-term child outcomes. The objective of this study is to determine if placental histopathology findings in ZIKV correlate with offspring outcomes at birth and age 4-5 years for children with in utero ZIKV exposure without congenital Zika syndrome. Methods 24 placentas collected from pregnant women with symptomatic ZIKV infection enrolled in a prospective ZIKV study in Colombia were formalin fixed and reviewed by a placental pathologist, blinded to child outcome. Children had neuroimaging as newborns and were longitudinally evaluated to age 4-5 years with the Bracken School Readiness Assessment (BSRA) and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI-CAT). Scores were compared by presence of placental findings of perivillous fibrin deposition, calcifications, and increased syncytial knotting. T-test, fisher exact, and one way ANOVA were used for analysis; significance, p&amp;lt; .05. Results All 24 placentas had at least one abnormal pathological finding (Table 1). 14 (58%) placentas had extensive ( &amp;gt;30% coverage) and 7 (29%) had mild-moderate perivillous fibrin deposition (Fig. 1a). Placental calcifications were many ( &amp;gt;10) in 10 (42%) cases, and mild in 7 (29%) cases (Fig. 1b). 14 (58%) placentas had increased syncytial knotting. Placentas stained positive with CD163 for Hofbauer macrophages (Fig. 1c). All infants were born at term with normal birth weight, height, and head circumference, and 22 had a normal ponderal index. There was no difference in measurements based on each placental finding. There was no relationship between placental findings and non-specific neuroimaging. 20 (83%) children with placentas were evaluated at age 4-5. Children without placental calcifications scored higher on BSRA than children with mild/severe calcifications (p = .031). Children with increased syncytial knotting had lower scores on PEDI-CAT social/cognitive ability (p = .024). Conclusion Placentas from ZIKV-infected pregnancies have pathological findings that indicate risk of impaired fetal perfusion, but these were not associated with preterm birth or growth. There may be associations between placental findings and long-term neurodevelopment in ZIKV-exposed children requiring additional studies. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Implementation of Continuity Of Care In Cases of Post Sectio Caesaria

Pregnancy, childbirth, newborns, postpartum, neonates and the initial visit of family planning acceptors are physiological but in the process there is a possibility that they can threaten the lives of mothers and babies and even death. The maternal mortality rate in Banjarmasin in 2020 did not get any cases of death, but the infant mortality rate in 2020 reached 9 cases. This research method is a case study. This study was to carry out continuous midwifery care for mothers starting from pregnancy and cesarean delivery for indications of placental calcification on continuty of care. Case studies conducted with obstetrics and obstetric care data obtained from the implementation of midwifery management and midwifery documentation. Midwifery care was carried out from a physiological pregnancy, delivery by cesarean section due to indications of placental calcification by ultrasound examination results, the baby was born in good health, the postpartum period did not occur bleeding, there was no infection, lochea expenditure and the uterine involution process were normal, and the mother decided using the mini-pill as a contraceptive method. Midwifery care is carried out for pregnant, maternity and postpartum women as an effort to detect pathological conditions that may occur.

Efek Kombinasi Aromaterapi Lavender Dan Relaksasi Benson Pada Nyeri Pasien Post Operasi Sectio Caesarea: Studi Kasus

Introduction – Sectio Caesarea (SC) deliveries in Indonesia have increased from 1997 to 2017, from 4.30% to 17%. A common problem that arises as a result of cesarean delivery is post cesarean wound pain. Non-pharmacological management with lavender aromatherapy and Benson relaxation can reduce pain without causing side effects. Objective - To determine the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy and Benson relaxation on pain levels of postoperative SC patients. Methodology - This study is a case study with descriptive analysis reporting a 25 year old female patient after first day of SC surgery with placental calcification &amp; oligohydramnios. The results of the assessment using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) obtained a pain scale of 6 and the patient complained of post-op wound pain. The patient was given nursing care for non-pharmacological therapy with a combination of lavender aromatherapy and Benson relaxation for 1 time in 2 days. Aromatherapy used is lavender essential oil in a humidifier as much as 3 drops, and placed next to the patient with a distance of 60 cm. Then inhale aromatherapy combined with Benson relaxation for 15 minutes. Pain scale was measured before and after non-pharmacological therapy was given. Results – There was a decrease in the pain scale from 6 to 3 after being given non-pharmacological therapy with a combination of lavender aromatherapy and Benson relaxation. Authenticity – This study is an original study on patients with post sectio caesarea (SC)Keywords: pain Post-SC, lavender aromatherapy, Benson relaxation

The association between decidual vasculopathy and abnormal uterine artery Doppler measurement.

Placental syndrome is an umbrella term encompassing the clinical phenotypes of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction, and is associated with high maternal and neonatal morbidity. In women with placental syndrome, histologicl examination of the uteroplacental unit commonly demonstrates pathological lesions, such as decidual vasculopathy. Decidual vasculopathy are pathological changes in the spiral arteries, which are associated with adverse outcome in preeclampsia and long-term maternal cardiovascular health. The relation between placental syndrome phenotypes and placental pathology has been previously demonstrated; however, the role of uteroplacental Doppler measurements as a link between placental syndrome phenotypes and the underlying placental pathology is still unclear. We hypothesized that decidual vasculopathy is associated with abnormal uteroplacental Doppler profiles and ultrasound placental parameters, independent of clinical phenotype. We performed a retrospective analysis of data from a prospective cohort of pregnancies with placental syndrome, as well as cases without hypertensive disease or fetal growth restriction. The study group was divided into women with decidual vasculopathy on histologic analysis of placental specimen and those without the lesions. Outcome parameters included maternal and fetal Dopplers, estimated fetal weight, placental weight and thickness, placental lacunae and abnormal placental calcification. Compared with the women without the lesions (n=91), the group with decidual vasculopathy (n=25) had a higher mean uterine artery pulsatility index (1.70 vs 0.81, p<0.001) and uterine artery pulsatility index percentile (>p99 vs p67, p<0.001). Decidual vasculopathy was associated with abnormal uterine artery Doppler profile (defined as pulsatility index p>95 and/or bilateral notch) (82%) compared with women without the lesions (33%) (odds ratio [OR] 9.3, 95% CI 2.4-36.0), which remained significant after adjusting for possible confounding factors preeclampsia, tobacco use and gestational age at birth (OR 7.1, 95% CI 1.3-39.1). Decidual vasculopathy was not associated with fetal Doppler abnormalities or placental parameters and only modestly so with lower cerebroplacental ratio (p= 0.036). Histologic decidual vasculopathy is associated with abnormal uterine artery Doppler, independent of clinical phenotype during pregnancy.

Fetuin A level in advanced placental calcification at term pregnancies

Aim: Fetuin A is a multifunctional protein which is a marker of pathological calcification in several diseases. This study aimed to evaluate serum fetuin A level in term pregnancies with grade 3 placental calcification.&#x0D; Material and Method: Fifty-seven pregnant women who applied obstetrics outpatient clinic for routine pregnancy follow-up at term were included in this study. The study was designed prospectively. Patients with grade 3 placental calcification (n=29) were compared to patients with non-calcified placenta (n=28) in terms of serum fetuin A levels. &#x0D; Results: Maternal serum calcium levels of pregnant women with grade 3 calcified was significantly increased compared to pregnant women with non-calcified placenta. There was no significant difference between the fetuin A levels of study and control groups. The fetuin A level was not found to be correlated with maternal serum calcium level. &#x0D; Conclusion: Fetuin A has been targeted as a marker for pathological calcification. The findings of the current study may support the thought that term placental calcification may be physiological rather than a pathological process.

The Role of Inorganics in Preeclampsia Assessed by Multiscale Multimodal Characterization of Placentae.

Preeclampsia is one of the most dangerous diseases in pregnancy. Because of the hypertensive nature of preeclampsia, placental calcifications are believed to be a predictor for its occurrence, analogous to their role in cardiovascular diseases. However, the prevalence and the relevance of calcifications for the clinical outcome with respect to preeclampsia remains controversial. In addition, the role of other inorganic components present in the placental tissue in the development of preeclampsia has rarely been investigated. In this work, we therefore characterized inorganic constituents in placental tissue in groups of both normotensive and preeclamptic patients (N = 20 each) using a multi-scale and multi-modal approach. Examinations included elemental analysis (metallomics), sonography, computed tomography (CT), histology, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Our data show that tissue contents of several heavy metals (Al, Cd, Ni, Co, Mn, Pb, and As) were elevated whereas the Rb content was decreased in preeclamptic compared to normotensive placentae. However, the median mineral content (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K) was remarkably comparable between the two groups and CT showed lower calcified volumes and fewer crystalline deposits in preeclamptic placentae. Electron microscopy investigations revealed four distinct types of calcifications, all predominantly composed of calcium, phosphorus and oxygen with variable contents of magnesium in tissues of both maternal and fetal origin in both preeclamptic and normotensive placentae. In conclusion our study suggests that heavy metals, combined with other factors, can be associated with the development of preeclampsia, however, with no obvious correlation between calcifications and preeclampsia.

Preterm placental calcification: maternal calcium, magnesium, 25(OH)D levels and adverse obstetric outcomes in low-risk pregnant women

Aim: The aim of our study is to examine early and late preterm placental calcification (PPC) and compare their relationship with maternal calcium, magnesium and 25(OH) D levels and adverse obstetric outcomes.&#x0D; Material and Method: This prospective cohort study was conducted by examining the pregnant women at their 24th to 36th gestational weeks who applied to the Gynecology Department of Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital. In this study, 207 patients were selected as the study group. &#x0D; Results: When the early and late PPC groups were compared, rates of low birth weight (LBW) was statistically higher in the early PPC group. (p=0.022) Oligohydramnios was more common in the early and late PPC patients compared to non-PPC pregnant women. However, oligohydramnios and LBW were not found statistically significant difference in logistic regression analysis. There was also no statistically significant difference in maternal calcium, magnesium and vitamin D levels between the groups. &#x0D; Conclusion: Preterm placental calcifications might be associated with fetal and maternal complications. But the diagnosis of PPC alone is not effective in determining fetal prognosis.

Perinatal Outcomes in Premature Placental Calcification and the Association of a Color Doppler Study: Report from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India.

Introduction: Placental calcification, identified before the 36th week of gestational age, is known as premature placental calcification (PPC). PPC could be a clue for the poor fetal outcome. However, its association with adverse perinatal outcomes is yet to be confirmed. Objective: The primary objective was to determine and compare the perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with and without documented premature placental calcification. Methodology: The present study was a prospective cohort study performed from October 2017 to September 2019. We consecutively enrolled 494 antenatal women who presented to our antenatal OPD after taking consent to participate in our study. Transabdominal sonographies were conducted between 28–36 weeks of gestation to document placental maturity. We compared maternal and fetal outcomes between those who were identified with grade III placental calcification (n = 140) and those without grade III placental calcification (n = 354). Results: The incidence of preeclampsia, at least one abnormal Doppler index, obstetrics cholestasis, placental abruption, and FGR (fetal growth restriction) pregnancies were significantly higher in the group premature placental calcification. We also found a significantly increased incidence of Low APGAR (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration) scores, NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) Admission, Abnormal CTG (cardiotocography), meconium-stained liquor, and low birth weight babies in those with grade III placental calcification. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of documenting placental grading while performing ultrasonography during 28 to 36 weeks. Ultrasonographically, the absence of PPC can define a subcategory of low-risk pregnant populations which probably need no referral to specialized centers and can be managed in these settings.

Placental morphology in different types of diabetes mellitus

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare placental morphological features from women with different types of diabetes mellitus considering method of DM correction.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, single-center, cohort study was carried out. We analyzed morphological examination results of 3300 placentas, which made uр the following comparison groups: type 1 diabetes mellitus on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (n = 60), type 1 diabetes mellitus on multiple subcutaneous insulin injections (n = 446), type 2 diabetes mellitus on diet (n = 95), type 2 diabetes mellitus on insulin therapy (n = 134), gestational diabetes mellitus on diet (n = 1652), gestational diabetes mellitus on insulin therapy (n = 735), preeclampsia (n = 39), and the control group (n = 139). The examined placentas were weighed, with their sizes (two diameters and thickness), cotyledon structure and defects assessed. We determined the umbilical cord junction and external characteristics of extraembryonic membranes. Fragments of the placenta (5 pieces) were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin (pH 7.2), processed with the Leica TP1020 tissue processor and embedded in paraffin. Histological sections (3-4 m thick) were prepared and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 23.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0 software.&#x0D; RESULTS: Following characteristics were typical for all types of diabetes mellitus: increased placental mass metrics, chronic placental insufficiency, dissociated villous maturation disorder with prevalent immaturity, as well as involutive-dystrophic and circulatory disorders of varying severity. Placentas from women with type 1 diabetes mellitus had the specific sings: the predominance of intermediate immature villi and stem villi stromal fibrosis. The frequency of placental infarcts and fibrinoid content in the intervillous space were comparable to those in placentas from women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Inflammatory changes and moderate placental calcification were most consistently associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, while gestational diabetes mellitus was characterized by soft damages. Placentas with preeclampsia showed higher prevalence of premature villous maturation, compensated placental insufficiency, and fibrinoid depositions in the intervillous and subchorionic spaces.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Understanding relationships between placental histological features and clinical aspects of diabetes mellitus makes it possible not only to clarify the pathophysiological processes occurring in this pathology but also to optimize the algorithm for the rational management of the neonatal period of children from mothers with diabetes mellitus.

Prevalence, placenta development, and perinatal outcomes of women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

BackgroundOne of the most common medical problems associated with pregnancy is hypertension. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), which has been attributable to abnormal placentation may have adverse effects on both mother and foetus if left unchecked. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of this condition and its effect on placental morphology as well as maternal and perinatal outcomes.Materials and methodsThis was a prospective case-control study, conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Ghana between February 2018 and July 2018. The progression of pregnancy in normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women, and the eventual perinatal outcomes were closely followed. Statistical analysis was performed using IMB-SPSS version 23. Associations were considered significant at p values of ≤ 0.05.ResultsFrom a total of 214 deliveries recorded during the period of study, 84 (39.25%) were hypertensives. Forty four (52%) of the hypertensives had preeclampsia, 28 (33.3%) had gestational hypertension, 6 (7.1%) had eclampsia, 4 (4.8%) had chronic hypertension, and 2 (2.4%) had preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension. The frequency of placental haematoma, placental infarction, and placental calcification in the normotensives were significantly (p = 0.001) lower than that of the hypertensives. The mean placental weight (p = 0.01), placental volume (p = 0.001), placental diameter (p = 0.03), and placental thickness (p = 0.001) of the normotensives were significantly higher than those of the hypertensives. The number of normotensives in whom labour was induced, who had their babies delivered by caesarean section, and who were admitted after they had given birth were significantly (p = 0.001) lower than that of hypertensives who underwent similar procedures. No stillbirths were recorded in the normotensives compared with four in the hypertensives. The number of babies delivered to the normotensives who were admitted to the NICU was significantly (p = 0.001) lower than those delivered by hypertensives.ConclusionThere was a high prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the study site. Pregnant women who developed HDP are at a risk of developing placental abnormalities that adversely affected perinatal outcomes. These adverse effects can be curtailed by embarking on a vigorous health education drive.

Histopathological Changes of Placenta Associated with Maternal Anaemia in Northeast Ethiopia: A Comparative Study.

Anaemia during pregnancy affects about half of all pregnant mothers in developing countries; it is the major causes of indirect maternal mortality. Anaemia can directly cause poor growth of fetus in utero due to inadequate oxygen flow to the placental tissue or it is indirect indicator of maternal nutritional deficiency. Mal-development of placenta is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and an important factor of fetal growth retardation. The aim of this study was to compare histopathological changes of placenta associated with maternal anaemia. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from May-June, 2018 in Dessie Referral Hospital. A total of 66 placentas (33 anaemic and 33 non-anaemic) were collected after delivery. EPI data version 4.2.0 was used to enter the data while the data were analyzed by using SPSS version 22. Chi-square and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze the data. In pregnancies with maternal anaemia, 75.7% of anaemic placentas terminal villi vessels were increased in number, compared to 15.1% in non-anaemic (p=0.001). Placental calcification was 72.7% in anaemic groups compared to 54% in non-anaemic groups. However, it was insignificant (p=0.12). Intervillous space was wider in anaemic compared to non-anaemic groups (p<0.001). Chorionic villi capillaries were increased in number, and it was dilated in anaemic placenta, compared to non-anaemic. Intervillous space was significantly wider in anaemic placenta.

Histopathological Changes of Placenta Associated with Maternal Anaemia in Northeast Ethiopia: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND: Anaemia during pregnancy affects about half of all pregnant mothers in developing countries; it is the major causes of indirect maternal mortality. Anaemia can directly cause poor growth of fetus in utero due to inadequate oxygen flow to the placental tissue or it is indirect indicator of maternal nutritional deficiency. Mal-development of placenta is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and an important factor of fetal growth retardation. The aim of this study was to compare histopathological changes of placenta associated with maternal anaemia.METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from May-June, 2018 in Dessie Referral Hospital. A total of 66 placentas (33 anaemic and 33 non-anaemic) were collected after delivery. EPI data version 4.2.0 was used to enter the data while the data were analyzed by using SPSS version 22. Chi-square and oneway ANOVA were used to analyze the data.RESULTS; In pregnancies with maternal anaemia, 75.7% of anaemic placentas terminal villi vessels were increased in number, compared to 15.1% in non-anaemic (p=0.001). Placental calcification was 72.7% in anaemic groups compared to 54% in non-anaemic groups. However, it was insignificant (p=0.12). Intervillous space was wider in anaemic compared to non-anaemic groups (p&lt;0.001).CONCLUSIONS; Chorionic villi capillaries were increased in number, and it was dilated in anaemic placenta, compared to non-anaemic. Intervillous space was significantly wider in anaemic placenta.

Inorganic Phosphate in the Pathogenesis of Pregnancy-Related Complications.

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is an essential nutrient that fulfills critical roles in human health. It enables skeletal ossification, supports cellular structure and organelle function, and serves key biochemical roles in energetics and molecular signaling. Pi homeostasis is modulated through diet, intestinal uptake, renal reabsorption, and mobilization of stores in bone and extracellular compartments. Disrupted Pi homeostasis is associated with phosphate wasting, mineral and bone disorders, and vascular calcification. Mechanisms of Pi homeostasis in pregnancy remain incompletely understood. The study presented herein examined biological fluid Pi characteristics over the course of gestation. Correlations with gestation age, pregnancy number, preterm birth, preeclampsia, diabetes mellitus, and placental calcification were evaluated during the last trimester. The results support that maternal urinary Pi levels increased during the third trimester of pregnancy. Reduced levels were observed with previous pregnancy. Amniotic fluid Pi levels decreased with gestation while low second trimester levels associated with preterm birth. No significant difference in urinary Pi levels was observed between preeclampsia and controls (8.50 ± 2.74 vs. 11.52 ± 2.90 mmol/L). Moreover, increased maternal urinary Pi was associated with preexisting diabetes mellitus in preeclampsia. Potential confounding factors in this study are maternal age at delivery and body mass index (BMI)—information which we do not have access to for this cohort. In conclusion, Pi levels provide clinical information regarding the pathogenesis of pregnancy-related complications, supporting that phosphate should be examined more closely and in larger populations.

Placental Calcification and Vitamin D Deficiency in Low-Risk Pregnant Women

Background: The placental calcification is often considered as a physiologic aging process of the placenta but it may be accompanied with the altered levels of vitamin D (vit D). The aim of this study was to evaluate association between placental calcification and vit D in low risk pregnant women. Materials and Methods: In a case-control study eighty otherwise healthy pregnant women with a gestational age between 37-41 weeks were recruited and divided into the case (n=40), and control (n=40) groups (based on the result of the ultrasonography and according to the Grannum grading). The serum of calcium in pregnant women and vit D level in cord blood were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Neonatal anthropometric values were measured after birth, too. Results: Most of the pregnant women (n=74, 92%) showed either insufficiency or deficiency of vitamin D in cord while calcium levels were normal in both groups. Serum calcium showed a significant difference between two groups [p=0.042, odds ratio (OR): 2.006, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.024-3.928], but vitamin D did not (p=0.144, OR: 1.048, 95%CI: 0.984-1.115). Vitamin D level had a significant relationship with calcification of the placenta as well as maternal age, gestational age, and birth weight. Conclusion: It is better to measure calcium and vitamin D in mothers with calcified placenta because the vitamin D level had a significant relationship with placental calcification and we recommend the administration of vitamin D in pregnant women.