Development of the India COVID-19 vaccine tracker

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. Since then, efforts were initiated to develop safe and effective vaccines. Till date, 11 vaccines have been included in the WHO’s emergency use list. The emergence and spread of variant strains of SARS-CoV-2 has altered the disease transmission dynamics, thus creating a need for continuously monitoring the real-world effectiveness of various vaccines and assessing their overall impact on disease control. To achieve this goal, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) along with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, took the lead to develop the India COVID-19 Vaccination Tracker by synergizing three different public health databases: National COVID-19 testing database, CoWIN vaccination database and the COVID-19 India portal. A Vaccine Data Analytics Committee (VDAC) was constituted to advise on various modalities of the proposed tracker. The VDAC reviewed the data related to COVID-19 testing, vaccination and patient outcomes available in the three databases and selected relevant data points for inclusion in the tracker, following which databases were integrated, using common identifiers, wherever feasible. Multiple data filters were applied to retrieve information of all individuals ?18 yr who died after the acquisition of COVID-19 infection with or without vaccination, irrespective of the time between vaccination and test positivity. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) against the reduction of mortality and hospitalizations was initially assessed. As compared to the hospitalization data, mortality reporting was found to be much better in terms of correctness and completeness. Therefore, hospitalization data were not considered for analysis and presentation in the vaccine tracker. The vaccine tracker thus depicts VE against mortality, calculated by a cohort approach using person-time analysis. Incidence of COVID-19 deaths among one- and two-dose vaccine recipients was compared with that among unvaccinated groups, to estimate the rate ratios (RRs). VE was estimated as 96.6 and 97.5 per cent, with one and two doses of the vaccines, respectively, during the period of reporting. The India COVID-19 Vaccination Tracker was officially launched on September 9, 2021. The high VE against mortality, as demonstrated by the tracker, has helped aid in allaying vaccine hesitancy, augmenting and maintaining the momentum of India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive

COVID-19 pandemic: Radiotherapy precautions and preparedness

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted healthcare delivery across the globe. Cancer patients are at a higher risk of acquiring this infection due to their immunosuppressed state. Timely care of patients while ensuring safety of healthcare workers is need of the hour. We list few precautionary measures that can be taken at all radiotherapy centres, during the pandemic to curb and combat the spread of this disease.

A fatal case of multi-organ failure in acute yellow phosphorus poisoning

Phosphorus is a nonmetallic irritant used in various sectors like rodenticide, firecracker industries, match industries, and fertilizers. Phosphorus poisoning is responsible for deaths among children and adults. Accidental yellow phosphorus poisoning is frequently reported in children, whereas suicidal consumption is not uncommon amongst adults. Herein, we present the case of a 30-year-old female patient who ingested Ratol paste containing yellow phosphorus in an attempt to commit suicide. Her initial chief complaints were nausea, vomiting along with loose motion during hospitalization, followed by a symptomless phase with stable vitals on the 2nd day, and managed conservatively. She took discharge against the medical advice. Later on, she was readmitted in the same hospital, after two days, complaining of generalized weakness, bodily pain, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and breathing difficulties. She developed severe complications due to the intoxication and died. An autopsy was performed. The histopathological and the toxicological examination were carried out. We found characteristic features in different organs due to yellow phosphorus toxicity. We concluded the cause of death as hepatic encephalopathy and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome caused by the yellow phosphorus poisoning.

Hematological Profile And Serum Potassium Level In Patients Of Chronic Renal Failure At A Tertiary Health Care Center

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can be defined as an estimated glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) of less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2for a minimum period of three months. CKD is commonly associated with various hema-tological abnormalities especially anemia. Aim: The present study was planned to assess the hematological variations in CKD patients as compared to healthy subjects. Method: Fifty patients diagnosed with CKD were enrolled for the study. Fifty age and sex-matched healthy subjects constituted the control group. Blood samples were collected for all subjects enrolled in the study and subjected to analysis including complete blood count (CBC) using five parts cell counter and renal function test (RFT), including urea, creatinine using dry chemistry, and potassium using direct ion-selective electrode method. Result: On comparison of the hematological profile, it was observed that all enrolled CKD patients were anemic with hemoglobin (Hb) less than 13g/dL in males and less than 12 g/dL in females. The mean Hb levels were as low as 7.50 ± 1.55 g/dL (P< 0.0001). Correspondingly, total RBC count of CKD patients was also low. It was also observed that platelet count was slightly low among CKD patients. However, the mean level was compara-ble with control group (P=NS). On further analysis, it was observed that among fifty CKD patients, 46% (n=23) suf-fered from severe anemia i.e. Hb < 7 gm/dL, whereas 48% had moderate anemia i.e. Hb between 7-9.9 gm/dL. How-ever, only 12 % (n=6) CKD patients suffered from thrombocytopenia i.e. platelets count < 1.50 lack/cmm. Conclu-sion: Hematological abnormalities may lead to several associated morbidities and may pose a challenge for mainte-nance of overall health status for CKD patients. Hence, there is need to monitor hematological profile of CKD patients specially those on dialysis so that any abnormality can be detected and managed accordingly.

Exploratory Studies on Occurrence and Potential Benefits of High Fruit Yielding Reproductive Phenophasic Variants of Pithecellobium dulce in Augmenting Fruit Based Semi-arid Agro Forestry Systems

Background: Pithecellobium dulce is a multipurpose legume tree species of high ecological significance. Several reports indicate existence of huge genetic diversity within the natural population of the species. Various morphological parameters have been used to assess intra species genetic diversity, however, there is no report available so far on diversities in reproductive phenology of P. dulce of semi-arid or arid climate. Methods: The present paper is based on assessment of diversity in flowering phenophases through construction of phenological calendar incorporating temporally observable morpho-phenotypic descriptors for reproductive behaviour of individual trees comprising natural population of the species at designated study sites during a period of three years. The study was carried out during September, 2015 and March, 2019 at Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. Data were periodically obtained and statistically analyzed. Results: Majority of trees of flowering stage (89.94%) exhibited normal or winter blooms in which flowering was initiated in almost synchronized manner during December; 10.05% of normal blooming trees inconsistently showed additional early or autumn blooms during either September or October or November; 2.58% of trees exhibited early blooms in which flowering was consistently initiated in the month of September in addition to normal blooms. The overall production and availability of fresh fruits in early-cum-normal episodic blooming trees were greater as compared to only normal blooming trees. Though, the numerical fruit productivity in winter blooms was superior to autumn, the pomometric characteristics were inferior in former in early-cum-normal episodic blooming trees. Conclusion: The methodology is a novel experimental approach to assess diversities in reproductive phenology of seed raised population of high value fruit bearing economically important tree species. The present work explores agronomically valuable variants of P. dulce and also reports causes of appearance of persistent fruits and sporadic in-situ germination of seeds. Based on above findings, the paper also makes evolutionary predictions that how a shift in flowering phenology of P. dulce as exhibited by the elite variants could have long-term implications for reshaping of future landscapes of semi-arid or arid climate. Conclusively, Winter to autumn phenophasic shift in flowering in P. dulce is economically productive, evolutionarily progressive, and environmentally well cued partial retrieval under semi-arid conditions. Moreover, the phenophasic variants could serve as candidate plus trees that deserve out of the season floral management and clonal propagation, thereby the species may get a fillip to status up gradation from minor fruits to major fruit category.

Prognostic value of response assessment fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan in radically treated squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck: Long-term results of a prospective study

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic ability of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) scan in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy only. Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine patients with HNSCC planned for radical nonsurgical treatment were randomized to receive either three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy or intensity-modulated radiation therapy. In addition to routine clinical examination and staging investigations, patients had a FDG PET-CT scan at baseline and on the first follow-up for response assessment. No evidence of clinicopathological disease for at least 6 months after the completion of treatment was considered confirmation of complete response. The presence or absence of disease during the follow-up period was used to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of PET-CT for the primary site and node. Results: At a median follow-up of 52.5 months, 55.6% of patients were alive and disease free. Response assessment PET-CT was done at a median of 9 weeks (range: 5–18 weeks). PET-CT assessment of the primary had sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 81.8%, 93%, 75%, and 95.2%, respectively; the corresponding figures at the node were 44.4%, 95.6%, 66.7%, and 89.6%. The median baseline maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) at primary and node was 14.9 and 8.1, respectively. When PET-CT was done after 10 weeks, no false-positive or false-negative findings were seen. Patients with negative PET at the first follow-up had a significantly better progression-free and overall survival. Conclusions: Disease evaluation using PET-CT has an overall accuracy of 80%. High baseline SUVmax correlates with worse clinical outcomes. Negative PET-CT at the first follow-up is a predictor for survival.

Intralesional Verapamil for the Treatment of Peyronie’s Disease: A Prospective Study

Background: Peyronie’s disease is an inflammatory, fibroticpenile disorder affecting men in age range of 19-83 years. Itoccurs as an acute or chronic phase and rarely cases resolveon their own. Several treatment options are available includingoral, intralesional and surgery. Although several clinical trialshave been performed, they lack significant and corroboratedresults hence there is a need to attempt prospective researchto elucidate the most effective therapies. The aim of this studyis to determine the efficacy of intralesional injection ofverapamil over normal saline.Methods: This was a randomized parallel group studyconducted between March 2013 and February 2017 whichrandomized patients with Peyronie’s disease into two groups toreceive verapamil or normal saline intralesional injections, withinclusion criteria of penile curvature with or without plaque.After 6 biweekly injections, all above parameters andsatisfaction score was reexamined. Patients were evaluated byhistory, physical examination, questionnaire, ultrasonographyand color Doppler study of the penis.Results: A total of 53 patients were enrolled (verapamil, n=28;control, n=25). Overall, among verapamil group attenuatedcurvature, erectile dysfunction and reduced plaque size werefound in 82%, 64.2%, 67.8% of and 60.7of patientsrespectively. Pain decreased in both groups considerable to97% and 91%. Overall satisfaction level was higher inverapamil group that is82% to control group of 40%.Conclusion: Intralesional verapamil is a good treatmentchoice with absence of invasive procedures and overall goodsuccess rate and patient acceptability.

Assessment of Complications and Haemodynamic Stability with the Use of Dexmedetomidine with Bupivacaine: An Institutional Based Study

Background: Lesser doses of local anesthetic in addition withadditives provides the necessary sensory level with enoughanalgesia. Dexmedetomidine is the S enantiomer ofmedetomidine that carries a high degree of specificity foradrenoreceptor. The present study was conducted with the aimto assess the complications and haemodynamic stability withthe use of dexmedetomidine with bupivacaine.Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted ina prospective manner for a period of 1 year at Department ofAnaesthesiology, Lady Hardinge Medical College & Smt. S. K.Hospital, New Delhi, India. No anesthesiologist enrolled in thepresent study was conscious of the group assigned till theentire 30 subjects were enrolled and the study was completed.After verifying a clear and free flow of the CSF, the drugadministration was completed and the subjects were placed atthe supine position. For every patient, heart rate and meanarterial pressure monitoring was done every 2 min for the initial10 minutes after spinal anesthesia, then after every 5 minutestill 30 minutes and then every 30 minutes till complete motorand sensory recovery. All the data thus obtained was arrangedin a tabulated form and analyzed using SPSS software.Probability value of less than 0.05 was regarded as significant.Results: The present study enrolled 30 subjects with15 patients in each group. The mean age of the subjects was39.22+/-4.67 years. The preoperative BP in Group I was94.67+/-8.22 and in group II was 91.52+/-5.38. There was nosignificant difference between them. There was 1 subject eachin Group I and II with nausea and shivering respectively.Conclusion: The study showed no significant alterations in thehaemodynamic stability the side effects between subjects whoreceived bupivacaine alone or bupivacaine plusdexmedetomidine.

Frozen section is not cost beneficial for the assessment of margins in oral cancer

BACKGROUND: Routine use of frozen section (FS) is a costly procedure and sparsely available in resource poor countries. A proper cost benefit analysis may help to reduce its routine use and would empower surgeons to perform oral cancer surgeries without having FS facility. FS is performed to identify microscopic spread beyond gross disease that cannot be assessed clinically. OBJECTIVE: Our primary aim was to determine the cost benefit analysis of FS in the assessment of margins in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of prospectively collected data of 1311 consecutive patients who were operated between January 2012 and October 2013. The gross and microscopic margin status of each patient was extracted from the patient's chart. The cost estimates were performed to calculate the financial burden of FS as well as expenses incurred on adjuvant treatment resulting from inadequate margins. RESULT: Microscopic spread changed the gross margin status in 5.2% (65/1237) patients. Of this entire cohort of 1237 patients, FS helped 29 (2.3%) patients to achieve tumor free margin, and it changed the adjuvant treatment plan in 9 (0.7%) patients. The cost of FS for each patient was INR 11052. The cost-benefit ratio of FS was 12:1. Gross examination alone could have identified majority of the inadequate margins. CONCLUSION: Frozen section for assessment of margin status bears poor cost-benefit ratio. Meticulous gross examination of the entire surgical specimen is sufficient to identify majority of inadequate margins.

Comparative Study Of High Dose Versus Incremental Doses Of Sevoflurane For Induction In Paediatric Patients.

ackground: We compared high doses of sevoflurane with incremental doses of sevoflurane during induction in paediatric patients. Methods: The present prospective, randomized single blind study conducted in the Dept. of Anaesthesiology PGIMS, Rohtak. . A total of 80 patients of either sex and age ( 1-6 yrs) years presenting for elective surgery under general anesthesia were included in the study.Ethical clearance and written informed consent taken for study. . Patients were randomly divided in 2 groups (I and II) of 40 each.Group I patients ) were induced with high dose (8%) sevoflurane whereas group II patients were induced with incremental dose of sevoflurane (1% to 8%). Study parameters (HR, BP, SpO2) were recorded just before starting induction (T0) and at 30 seconds (T1), 60 seconds (T2), loss of eyelash reflex (T3) and after insertion of PLMA (T4). Results: Our primary outcome, time required for induction of anaesthesia in Group I was found to be 60.225 ±4.932 secs and for the Group II it was found to be 84.9± 6.953secs.The difference was highly significant between the two groups (p value = 0.0001). Conclusion: This randomised,blind controlled study suggests that the time for induction of anesthesia could be significantly shortened using sevoflurane with a high concentration primed circuit as compared with incremental induction technique. The effect of both these techniques on haemodynamic parameters was statistically insignificant. Also both the techniques were safe and well tolerated in paediatric patients.

A Study of Psychiatric Disorders and Chronic Urticaria

Background: Chronic urticaria is one of the commonest skin disease characterized by rashes or lesions or wheals which may last from one day to six months. psychological disorders have been found associated with quality of life. Poor quality of life may lead to diverse psychological disorders. Therefore, the present study was designed to assess if there is any relation between chronic urticaria and psychological disorders. Methods: This was a cross-sectional type of study conducted at Department of Psychiatry & Department of Dermatology in the FH Medical College, Tundla. Standardized self-assessment psychological questionnaires (General health questionnaires-GHQ-28) were used to assess the mental state of all the participants of both groups. Results: Anxiety was found in 75 group I patients in comparison of 19 subjects of group II healthy subjects. Depression was found in 62 chronic urticaria patients and in 12 healthy subjects of group I and group II respectively (p<0.01). Further, out of 100 chronic urticaria patients, 65 patients were suffering from psychosomatic disorders; whereas, psychosomatic disorders were found in 17 healthy subjects of group II (p<0.01). It is evident from figure 1 that disability in social functions was established in 73 chronic urticaria patients and 15 healthy subjects of group I and group II correspondingly (p<0.01). Conclusion: Findings of the current study conclude that psychological disorders are found as comorbidity in chronic urticaria patients. Therefore, Psychiatrist assistance is unavoidable for the patients suffering from chronic urticaria to avoid as well as treatment of psychological disorders. However, studies on larger population are required to establish relationship between chronic urticaria and psychiatric disorders

Prognostic factors in parotid cancers: Clinicopathological and treatment factors influencing outcomes

Background: Parotid cancers are uncommon and have a relatively long natural history. Determination of prognostic factors affecting the outcome is difficult. Materials and Methods: The primary objective was to determine the demographic, clinical, histopathology and treatment-related factors affecting overall survival (OS) in parotid cancers. The secondary objective was to study the impact of these factors on disease-free survival (DFS) and patterns of failure. Data of consecutive patients who underwent parotidectomy for primary parotid malignancy between July 2006 and April 2015 with at least 6 months of posttreatment follow-up were retrospectively retrieved. Patients whose follow-up status was known at the time of analysis were included. One hundred and sixty-five patients met the inclusion criteria. Results: The median follow-up was 38 months. The mean OS and DFS were 141.03 and 124.38 months, respectively. Age > 45 years affected both OS and DFS (P = 0.00 and 0.002 respectively) adversely. Advanced T stage affected adversely OS in univariate (P = 0.00) but not in multivariate analysis (P = 0.91) and DFS in both univariate (P = 0.00) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.005). Nodal positivity adversely affected survival adversely in univariate (P = 0.00 for OS and DFS) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.022 for OS and P = 0.001 for DFS). Resection margin of < 5mm affected OS as compared to a margin of ≥5mm (P = 0.03). Conclusions: Nodal positivity is the single most important factor affecting survival in parotid cancers. A histopathological resection margin of at least 5 mm is desirable. Advanced age along with high grade, advanced T and N stages need to be considered for adjuvant treatment.

association of a rare variant of -93, -53 promoter gene polymorphisms of lipoprotein lipase gene with obesity and insulin resistance

Objectives: Obesity increases the risk of numerous chronic diseases. Obesity is classified clinically using body mass index [BMI], waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage. The lipoprotein lipase [LPL] gene has been linked to lipoprotein metabolism and obesity. We performed a case-control study to determine the association between LPL gene polymorphisms and obesity-associated phenotypes such as insulin resistance [IR]

Methods: We examined the different LPL gene variants for association in 642 individuals segregated by BMI and IR. Genotyping of the LPL gene -93 and -53 promoter gene polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism

Results: A substantial association was observed for -93 gene polymorphism of the LPL gene with obesity, while -53 promoter gene polymorphism showed association with IR

Conclusions: We found a significant association between -93 and -53 promoter gene polymorphisms of the LPL gene with obesity and associated phenotypes in the studied population

Common genetic variant of INSIG2 gene rs7566605 polymorphism is associated with severe obesity in North India

Background: Obesity is a very common disorder resulting from an imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure, and it has a substantial impact on the development of chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the association of INSIG2 [rs7566605] gene polymorphism with obesity and obesity associated phenotypes in North Indian subjects

Methods: The variants were investigated for association in 642 obese and non-obese individuals. The genotyping of INSIG2 [rs7566605] single nucleotide polymorphism was analyzed by the TaqMan allelic discrimination protocol

Results: A significant association was observed for INSIG2 [rs7566605] single nucleotide polymorphism with obesity and obesity-related phenotypes. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between the rs7566605 and insulin, homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance, the percentage of body fat, fat mass, leptin, and adiponectin

Conclusion: The present study observed significant association between INSIG2 [rs7566605] single nucleotide polymorphism and obesity, as well as obesity associated phenotypes in North Indian population

Integrin alpha 11 in the regulation of the myofibroblast phenotype: implications for fibrotic diseases

Tissue fibrosis, characterized by excessive accumulation of aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by myofibroblasts, is a growing cause of mortality worldwide. Understanding the factors that induce myofibroblastic differentiation is paramount to prevent or reverse the fibrogenic process. Integrin-mediated interaction between the ECM and cytoskeleton promotes myofibroblast differentiation. In the present study, we explored the significance of integrin alpha 11 (ITGA11), the integrin alpha subunit that selectively binds to type I collagen during tissue fibrosis in the liver, lungs and kidneys. We showed that ITGA11 was co-localized with α-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts and was correlatively induced with increasing fibrogenesis in mouse models and human fibrotic organs. Furthermore, transcriptome and protein expression analysis revealed that ITGA11 knockdown in hepatic stellate cells (liver-specific myofibroblasts) markedly reduced transforming growth factor β-induced differentiation and fibrotic parameters. Moreover, ITGA11 knockdown dramatically altered the myofibroblast phenotype, as indicated by the loss of protrusions, attenuated adhesion and migration, and impaired contractility of collagen I matrices. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ITGA11 was regulated by the hedgehog signaling pathway, and inhibition of the hedgehog pathway reduced ITGA11 expression and fibrotic parameters in human hepatic stellate cells in vitro, in liver fibrosis mouse model in vivo and in human liver slices ex vivo. Therefore, we speculated that ITGA11 might be involved in fibrogenic signaling and might act downstream of the hedgehog signaling pathway. These findings highlight the significance of the ITGA11 receptor as a highly promising therapeutic target in organ fibrosis.

Pneumocephalus in child following bilateral otomastoiditis and nasal septum infection

Pneumocephalus is collection of gas or air within the cranial cavity, commonly associated with trauma, cranial surgery, air embolism, open meningomyelocele; and rarely as a result of central nervous system infections

Asymptomatic Pneumocephalus usually recovers spontaneously within few days

Untreated pneumocephalus can progress to tension Pneumocephalus, manifesting as severe headache, dizziness, cranial nerve palsy, mental changes, seizure and disorientation. Herein, we report a rare case of pneumocephalus in a 9-month infant with subdural effusion following infection of nasal septum and Otomastoiditis

There was no sign of meningitis but CT head showed communication of intracranial dura mater across widened foramen caecum with pre-nasal space, and bilateral Otomastoiditis with erosion of anterior and lateral wall of right mastoid bone. The patient was treated successfully and discharged without sequelae

Association of FTO rs9939609 SNP with obesity and obesity- associated phenotypes in a north Indian population

Objectives: Obesity is a common disorder that has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Twin and adoption studies support the genetic influence on variation of obesity, and the estimates of the heritability of body mass index [BMI] is significantly high [30 to 70%]. Variants in the fat mass and obesity-associated [FTO] gene have been associated with obesity and obesity-related phenotypes in different populations. The aim of this study was to examine the association of FTO rs9939609 with obesity and related phenotypes in North Indian subjects

Methods: Gene variants were investigated for association with obesity in 309 obese and 333 non-obese patients. Genotyping of the FTO rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] was analyzed using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis of PCR-Amplified Fragments. We also measured participants fasting glucose and insulin levels, lipid profile, percentage body fat, fat mass and fat free mass

Results: Waist to hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, percentage body fat, fat mass, insulin concentration, and homeostasis model assessment index [HOMA-Index] showed a significant difference between the study groups. Significant associations were found for FTO rs9939609 SNP with obesity and obesity-related phenotypes. The significant associations were observed between the rs9939609 SNP and blood pressure, fat mass, insulin, and HOMA-index under a different model. Conclusion: This study presents significant association between FTO rs9939609 and obesity defined by BMI and also established the strong association with several measures of obesity in North Indian population

Morphological study of placenta in normal and hypertensive pregnancies.

Background: Hypertensive disorders complicate 5-10% of all pregnancies and form a dangerous triad with haemorrhage and infection that contribute greatly to maternal morbidity and mortality. The fetus is dependent on placenta for growth and development. Many disorders of pregnancy like hypertension are accompanied by gross pathological changes in placenta. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the gross morphology of placentae of women with pregnancy induced hypertension and to compare them with normal pregnancies. Material and methods: An observational comparative study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, S. M. S. Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Total 80 placentae, 40 from pregnancy induced hypertensive pregnancies and 40 from normal pregnancies were studied for the morphology and compared. Gross morphological features of placentae like weight, shape, insertion of umbilical cord, number of cotyledons, diameter, surface area and central thickness in both groups were recorded and analyzed using ‘Chi square’ and ‘Z’ test of significance. Results: The mean placental weight, numbers of cotyledons, diameter, surface area and central thickness were significantly less (p<0.05) in placentae from pregnancy induced hypertensive women. They also showed increased incidence of marginal insertion of umbilical cord (p<0.01), while the shape of placentae did not show significant variation (p>0.05). Conclusion: The placentae from hypertensive pregnant women showed significant morphological changes as compared to controls which may alter the perinatal outcome.