Publication:

Study of placental changes in pregnancy induced hypertension

Background Study of histopathological changes in placenta in pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).

Methods Post delivery placentas of 130 cases were examined and findings correlated with severity of PIH.

Results The mean placental weight was 438.9 gms, 374 gms and 333.86 gms and the mean fetal weight to placental weight ratio was 6.003:1, 5.6:1 and 5.27:1 in cases of mild, moderate and severe PIH respectively. Infarction was seen in 10.25%, 33.3% and 59% and calcification was present in 15.38%, 30% and 50% of the cases of mild, moderate and severe PIH respectively. Retroplacental clot was seen in 36.4% of severe PIH cases. The mean numbers of syncytial knots were 20.4 (mild PIH), 35.97 (moderate PIH) and 59.77 (severe PIH) and 77.27% of severe cases of PIH had >40% areas showing trophoblastic hyperplasia.

Conclusion PIH adversely influences the placental morphology and histopathological examination post deliveryhelps investigate the mechanism of placental dysfunction in detail.