Correlation of Histopathological and Anatomical Changes in Placenta with Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Background: Placenta is a vital organ for maintaining pregnancy and promoting normal growth by transfer of essential nutrients between foetus and mother. Any morphological alteration of the placenta affects the growth of foetus leading to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The purpose of this study was to find out morphological and histopathological changes of placenta and to evaluate correlation of IUGR and placental histology.

Material and Methods: This study included 200 pregnant patients whose foetuses had intrauterine growth restriction and 200 patients with normal foetal growth. Gross and histopathological features of placentas of both groups were studied, analysed by student's t test and compared with chi square test. p values of < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results: Gross features, weight, thickness and calcification in study group show significant increase in value (p < 0.05) compared to control group and histopathology of placenta in study group also shows significant increase in syncytial knots formation, cytotrophoblastic proliferation, stromal fibrosis and calcification as compared to control group.

Conclusion: To conclude, whatever may be the cause of IUGR, these morphological and histopathological changes lead to decrease blood to the placenta and this restriction of blood flow ultimately causes IUGR in the foetus.