ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate and compare the morphological changes occurring in the placentae of mothers who chewed tobacco and the normal placentae of non-tobacco users
Methodology: This case-control study was conducted at the Departments of Anatomy and Gynecology and Obstetrics at Isra University from June 2006 to June 2007. Sixty full-term placentae from chewing tobacco users [Group A], and non-tobacco using [Group B] subjects were divided into groups of 30 placentae. The features evaluated included shape, site of attachment of umbilical cord, weight, and central and peripheral thickness
Results: The mean weights were: Group A, 444.56 +/- 112 gm; and Group B, 437.8 +/- 61.94. The mean diameters of the placentae were: Group A, 17.50 +/- 1.8 cm; Group B, 17.94 +/-/-1.2 cm. The difference in the numbers of cotyledons seen in both groups was highly significant [p < 0.001]: in Group A, the mean number was 16.33 +/- 2.39 compared with Group B, 13.81 +/-1.36. The central thickness was 1.94 +/- 0.59 cm in Group A and 2.49 +/- 0.47 cm in Group B. The mean peripheral thickness of the placentae in Group A was 1.75 +/- 0.41 cm which is similar to that of Group B, 1.74 +/- 0.44cm
Conclusion: The non-smoked chewing form of tobacco produces significant changes in placental morphology, which may affect the outcome of the pregnancy; however, the changes are less significant than those seen in the placentae of smokers
ABSTRACT
Herniation of the anterior lens capsule is a rare abnormality in which the capsule bulges forward in the pupillary area. This herniation can be mistaken for an anterior lenticonus where both the capsule and the cortex bulge forward. The exact pathology behind this finding is still unclear. We report the clinical, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and histopathological findings of a case of herniation of the anterior lens capsule. UBM helped to differentiate this entity from anterior lenticonus. Light microscopy revealed capsular splitting suggestive of capsular delamination and collection of fluid (aqueous) in the area of herniation giving it a characteristic appearance.