Comparative Study of Placental Morphometry and Histomorphology in Normal and Pre-eclamptic Pregnancies

Background: Placental examination forms an integral part of prenatal or fetal autopsy and helps in adding important or conclusive information. A glance at the literature reveals that the preeclampsia-eclampsia syndrome exerts its deleterious effects on the placenta. Aims and Objectives: To record and compare the morphometry, histomorphology of normal and pre-eclamptic placentae. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 placentae were examined - 100 pre-eclamptic placentae and 100 normal placentae. The morphometric measurements were taken and histologic features noted. Observation and Results: The pre-eclamptic placentae showed decrease in the morphometry and an increase in histomorphological features such as syncytial knot formation, villous stromal fibrosis, and trophoblastic basement membrane thickening when compared to normal placentae. Conclusion: We conclude that preeclampsia adversely influences the placental morphometry and histomorphology.