Influencia de la anastomosis de las arterias umbilicales (Hyrtl's) en la morfometría y eficiencia placentaria / Influence of the anastomosis of the umbilical arteries (Hyrtl's) on the morphometry and efficiency of the placenta

La anastomosis de Hyrtl's (AH), vaso único con amplia variabilidad anatómica, comunica las arterias umbilicales cerca de la inserción del cordón umbilical en las placentas humanas. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar si existe relación entre las características morfométricas de la placenta y la presencia de anastomosis y analizar si esta tiene influencia en la eficiencia placentaria. Estudio descriptivo. Se analizaron 60 placentas provenientes de madres que aceptaron participar en la investigación, embarazo único, a término (entre 37,0 y 41,6 semanas), con edades entre 18 y 37 años, con al menos cuatro visitas a control prenatal, sin comorbilidades. Las características placentarias de peso, diámetros y grosor se tomaron en fresco. Una vez fijadas con formaldehido al 10 %, mediante disección se ubicó, clasificó y fotografió la anastomosis. El peso de la placenta fue 494,4 ± 87,1 gramos, el grosor central correspondió a 1,7 ± 0,4 cm, DM 19,9 ± 2,0 cm y Dm 18,4 ± 1,7 cm. La inserción de cordón predominante fue excéntrica (65 %) y la forma discoidea u ovalada (60 %). En 51 placentas se ubicó la presencia de anastomosis (85 %). En el grupo de placentas con presencia AH se encontró un peso placentario más bajo al compararlo con el grupo que no presentó AH, el resto de las características morfométricas de la placenta, incluido el tipo de inserción de cordón umbilical no presentaron relación con la anastomosis. La eficiencia placentaria expresada con la relación entre peso neonato/peso placenta presentó diferencias significativas en el grupo con presencia de anastomosis, con mayores valores comparados con el grupo sin anastomosis. La presencia de AH contribuye positivamente a la eficiencia placentaria. Sin embargo, el incremento del peso placentario puede ser un efecto compensador de la placenta y no siempre indica una mayor eficiencia funcional del órgano.

SUMMARY: Hyrtl's anastomosis (HA), a single vessel, with wide anatomical variability, communicates the umbilical arteries, near the insertion of the umbilical cord in human placentas. The objective of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between the morphometric characteristics of the placenta and the presence of the anastomosis and to analyze if this influences the placental efficiency. Descriptive study. We analyzed 60 placentas from mothers who agreed to participate in the study, single pregnancy, term (between 37.0 and 41.6 weeks), aged between 18 and 37 years with at least four visits to prenatal control, without comorbidities. The placental characteristics of weight, diameters and thickness were taken fresh. Once fixed with 10 % formaldehyde, the anastomosis was located, classified, and photographed by dissection. The weight of the placenta was 494.4 ± 87.1 g, the central thickness corresponded to 1.7 ± 0.4 cm, the MD 19.9 ± 2.0 cm and Dm 18.4 ± 1.7 cm: The predominant cord insertion was eccentric, with 65 % and the discoid or oval shape with 60 %. In 51 placentas the presence of anastomosis was found (85 %). In the group of placentas with AH presence, a lower placental weight was found when compared to the group that did not present AH, the rest of the morphometric characteristics of the placenta, including the type of umbilical cord insertion, were not related to the anastomosis. Placental efficiency expressed as the neonatal weight/placental weight ratio showed significant differences in the group with presence of anastomosis, with higher values compared to the group without anastomosis. The presence of HA contributes positively to placental efficiency. However, the increase in placental weight may be a compensatory effect of the placenta and does not always indicate a greater functional efficiency of the organ.

Histomorphometric Assessment Of Wharton’s Jelly Area In Normal And Pre-eclamptic Pregnancies And Its Correlation With Placental Weight

Introduction: Fetal capability to grow in utero depends on placental development and function. The goal of thisstudy was to appraise the effects of hypertension on placental weight and Wharton’s jelly area (WJA); andcorrelate them in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies.Material and Methods: Eighty placentae along with umbilical cord divided into forty each of normotensive andpre-eclamptic pregnancies were studied. The cross-sectional area of the umbilical cord and vessels area wasmeasured with the help of vernier scale and ocular micrometer respectively. WJA was calculated by deduction ofthe vascular area from the umbilical cord area. Placental weight was recorded by using a weighing machine andcorrelated with the WJA.Results: In the present study, mean placental weight was 445.45 ± 40.31 grams and WJA was 35.28 ± 8.42 mm2 inthe normal group. Whereas, in the pre-eclamptic group, mean placental weight was 408.95 ± 47.15 grams andWJA was 29.04 ± 8.09 mm2. Mean placental weight and WJA was significantly lower in the pre-eclamptic group.A significant positive correlation was found between WJA and placental weight (r = 0.710, p<0.0001) in normalgroup and (r = 0.764, p<0.0001) in pre-eclamptic group.Conclusion: Pre-eclampsia is associated with reducing placental weight and WJA. Low WJA may hamper the fetalgrowth. The current study shows a strong positive correlation between WJA and placental weight. So, the awarenessof this correlation will be helpful in the early observation of placental insufficiencies and provide sufficientinformation to take additional care in such conditions.

A Study On Placental Weight And Its Assocition With Maternal And Neonatal Characteristics

Placenta plays a vital role in normal fetal development and failure of placenta to gain weight and insufficiency of its function can result in fetal disorders. We performed this study to determine placental weight with birth weight, maternal diabetes, pre–eclampsia/eclampsia, Anemia, Apgar score, SNCU admission, in a longitudinal cross–sectional study, women with single pregnancy, and gestational age between 29–42 weeks were studied. The placental weight, birth weight, maternal age, gestational age, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, maternal diabetes, Apgar score in 5th minutes after delivery were examined. Two fifty pregnant women were included in the study. The mean and standard deviation for maternal ages and gestational ages at deliveries were 25.6 ± 4.4 and 38.3 ± 4.4 days, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of neonates’ weights at birth and placental weights were 2709 ± 614.0g and 466.6 ± 112.2 g, respectively. The prevalences of low and high placental weights were 2% and 2.8%, respectively. There were statistically significant relationships between placental weight, placental weight ratio(PWR) and birth weight, maternal diabetes, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, anemia, Apgar score, SNCU admission . Our findings indicate that placental weight Ratio(PWR) can be associated with important variables influencing some maternal and neonatal outcomes .Careful attention to placenta growth during pregnancy, for example by ultrasonography, can guide physicians to assess neonatal health.

Placental weight and birth weight to placental weight ratio in monochorionic and dichorionic growth-restricted and non-growth-restricted twins

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the placental weight and birth weight/placental weight ratio for intrauterine growth-restricted and non-intrauterine growth-restricted monochorionic and dichorionic twins. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of placentas from twin pregnancies. Placental weight and the birth weight/placental weight ratio were compared in intrauterine growth-restricted and non-intrauterine growth-restricted monochorionic and dichorionic twins. The association between cord insertion type and placental lesions in intrauterine growth-restricted and non-intrauterine growth-restricted monochorionic and dichorionic twins was also investigated. RESULTS: A total of 105 monochorionic (intrauterine growth restriction=40; non-intrauterine growth restriction=65) and 219 dichorionic (intrauterine growth restriction=57; non-intrauterine growth restriction=162) placentas were analyzed. A significantly lower placental weight was observed in intrauterine growth-restricted monochorionic (p=0.022) and dichorionic (p<0.001) twins compared to non-intrauterine growth-restricted twins. There was no difference in the birth weight/placental weight ratio between the intrauterine growth restriction and non-intrauterine growth restriction groups for either monochorionic (p=0.36) or dichorionic (p=0.68) twins. Placental weight and the birth weight/placental weight ratio were not associated with cord insertion type or with placental lesions. CONCLUSION: Low placental weight, and consequently reduced functional mass, appears to be involved in fetal growth restriction in monochorionic and dichorionic twins. The mechanism by which low placental weight influences the birth weight/placental weight ratio in intrauterine growth-restricted monochorionic and dichorionic twins needs to be determined in larger prospective studies.

Placental Growth Measures in Relation to Birth Weight in a Latin American Population / Medidas de crescimento placentário em relação ao peso de nascimento em uma população latino-americana

Abstract Introduction The placenta, translates how the fetus experiences the maternal environment and is a principal influence on birth weight (BW). Objective To explore the relationship between placental growth measures (PGMs) and BW in a public maternity hospital. Methods Observational retrospective study of 870 singleton live born infants at Hospital Maternidad Sardá, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina, between January 2011 and August 2012 with complete data of PGMs. Details of history, clinical and obstetrical maternal data, labor and delivery and neonatal outcome data, including placental measures derived from the records, were evaluated. The following manual measurements of the placenta according to standard methods were performed: placental weight (PW, g), larger and smaller diameters (cm), eccentricity, width (cm), shape, area (cm2), BW/PW ratio (BPR) and PW/BW ratio (PBR), and efficiency. Associations between BW and PGMs were examined using multiple linear regression. Results Birth weight was correlated with placental weight (R2 =0.49, p < 0.001), whereas gestational age was moderately correlated with placental weight (R2 =0.64, p < 0.001). By gestational age, there was a positive trend for PW and BPR, but an inverse relationship with PBR (p < 0.001). Placental weight alone accounted for 49% of birth weight variability (p < 0,001), whereas all PGMs accounted for 52% (p < 0,001). Combined, PGMs, maternal characteristics (parity, pre-eclampsia, tobacco use), gestational age and gender explained 77.8% of BW variations (p < 0,001). Among preterm births, 59% of BW variances were accounted for by PGMs, compared with 44% at term. All placental measures except BPR were consistently higher in females than in males, which was also not significant. Indices of placental efficiency showed weakly clinical relevance. Conclusions Reliable measures of placental growth estimate 53.6% of BW variances and project this outcome to a greater degree in preterm births than at term. These findings would contribute to the understanding of the maternal-placental programming of chronic diseases.

Resumo Introdução Aplacenta traduz como o feto experimenta o ambientematerno, alémde ser a principal influência sobre o peso ao nascer (PN). Objetivo Explorar a relação entre medidas de crescimento da placenta (MCPs) e PN em uma maternidade pública. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo observacional de 870 recém-nascidos vivos únicos na Maternidade Sardá, Universidade de Buenos Aires, Argentina, entre janeiro de 2011 e agosto de 2012 com os dados completos das MCPs. Foram avaliados dados da história clínica e obstétricamaterna, trabalho de parto e resultados neonatais, incluindomedidas da placenta derivadas dos registrosmédicos. Foramrealizadas as seguintesmediçõesmanuais da placenta: peso da placenta (PP, g), diâmetros maior e menor (cm), excentricidade, espessura (cm), forma, área (cm2), razões PN/PP e PP/PN e eficiência. Associações entre PN e MCPs foram examinadas por meio de regressão linear múltipla. Resultados Peso ao nascer foi correlacionado com peso placentário (R2 = 0,49, p < 0,001), enquanto idade gestacional foi moderadamente correlacionada com peso placentário (R2 = 0,64, p < 0,001). Por idade gestacional, houve uma tendência positiva para a relação PP e PN/PP, mas uma relação inversa com a razão PP/PN (p < 0,001). Somente peso da placenta respondeu por 49% da variabilidade do peso ao nascer (p < 0,001), ao passo que todas as MCPs foram responsáveis por 52% (p < 0,001). Combinados, MCPs, características maternas (paridade, pré-eclâmpsia, fumo), idade gestacional e sexo explicaram 77,8% da variação do peso ao nascer (p < 0,001). Entre nascimentos pré-termo, 59% da variância do PN foi contabilizada pelas MCPs, emcomparação com44% a termo. Todas asmedidas placentárias, exceto a razão PN/PP, foram consistentemente maiores em mulheres do que em homens, mas não significativas. Índices de eficiência placentária mostraram fraca relevância clínica. Conclusões medidas confiáveis de crescimento placentário estimam 53,6% da variância do peso ao nascer, e projetamesse resultado a ummaior grau emnascimentos pré-termo do que a termo. Estes resultados contribuiriam para a compreensão da programação materno-placentária de doenças crónicas.

Determinants of feto-placental ratio.

The dimension of delivered placentae mirrors the cumulative growth of the placenta from conception to parturition. Placental weight is the gross summary of fetal growth under the influence of many extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Hence, the present study evaluated the influence of gestation, sex of the newborn, and parity on feto-placental ratio. The study was conducted on 391 placentae of singleton newborn from a teaching hospital of North Karnataka, India. Data was collected from August 2012 to January 2013 by using standard operating procedures. The Mean and standard deviations of placental morphometry, weight and birth weight are 440 ± 100gm and 2700±500 gm respectively. In gestational age 28 to 32 weeks, the feto-placental ratio was 5.61:1; this increased consistently up to 6.19:1 with increasing gestation group 37 weeks and above. Feto-placental ratio increased with increasing groups of gestational age. Feto-placental ratio in <37 weeks of gestation was in favor of primipara (6.0:1) whereas, the similar figures in term babies was more in multipara (6.3:1). The paritywise feto-placental ratio direction changed from preterm to term babies, but the differences were not statistically significant. However, irrespective of gestation, multipara had higher feto-placental ratio (6.2:1) as compared to primipara (6.1:1). However, irrespective of gestation, males had higher feto-placental ratio (6.2:1) as compared to females (6.1:1). Feto-placental ratio is influenced by variates of pregnancy like gestation, sex of the newborn and parity. Hence, variations in any of these factors lead to adverse pregnancy outcome by deviation of feto-placental ratio.

A Study of Placental Weight and Fetal Outcome In Different Grades of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension.

Introduction and Objectives: Placenta is a feto-maternal organ which is vital for maintaining pregnancy and promoting normal development of the fetus. The weight of the placenta is functionally significant because it is related to villous surface area and to fetal metabolism. Present study has done to record the placental weight and co-relate with the corresponding fetal weight. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 placentae were studied, out of which 50 placentae belong to pregnancy induced hypertension and 50 placentae were of normotensive pregnant mothers. The weight of placenta and weight of fetus were compared between normotensive (Control) and hypertensive mothers (Cases). Results: The mean weight of placenta in study group was low as compared to that in the control group. The birth weight of newborn was low with increasing grades of hypertension compared to control groups. The fetoplacental weight ratio was higher in case of mild and severe preeclampsia. The incidence of stillbirth was 0.5%, 12.5% and 20% in mild pre-ecampsia, severe preeclampsia and eclampsia respectively. Conclusion: In present study, the birth weight was low with increasing grades of hypertension compared to control groups. The fetal: placental weight ratio was higher in case of mild and severe preeclampsia. The incidence of eclampsia was more common in primigravida where as mild preeclampsia was more common in multigravida. The mean weight of placenta in study group was low compared to control group. Thus study of placental changes in pregnancy induced hypertension may help us to understand patho-physiological mechanisms and design treatment plans for better maternal and foetal outcome. Modern sophisticated techniques like ultrasonography have made it possible to study the necessary placental parameters in utero. This helps in assessing the foetal outcome and management.

Expression levels and significance of matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP-9) in the placenta of preeclampsia / 实用医学杂志

Objective To discuss the relationship between matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP-9) and the pathogenesis of preeclampsia , birth weight and placental weight , through detecting the expression of MMPS-9 in the placenta of the patients with preeclampsia. Methods The levels of MMP-9 in the placenta were detected by immunohistochemical SP method in 60 patients with preeclampsia and 30 pregnancy women. Results (1) The optical density value of MMP-9 in preeclampsia group was lower than the control group , the optical density value of MMP-9 in SPE group was lower than the MPE group (P < 0.05). (2) The placenta weight and birth weight in preeclampsia group were lower than the control group , the placenta weight and birth weight in SPE group was lower than the MPE group (P < 0.05). (3) The expression level of MMP-9 were positively correlated with placental weight and birth weight (P < 0.05) in the control group. (4) The average optical density value of MMP-9 in neonatus with weight < 2 500 g was lower than neonatus with weight≥2 500 g (P < 0.05). Conclusion The MMP-9 in the placenta of patients with preeclampsia was down-regulated , and its expression was abate when the illness grew worse. The MMP-9 may be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia , and it is associated with fetal growth restriction.

The significance of placental ratios in pregnancies complicated by small for gestational age, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the placental weight, volume, and density, and investigate the significance of placental ratios in pregnancies complicated by small for gestational age (SGA), preeclampsia (PE), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-four pregnant women were enrolled from August 2005 through July 2013. Participants were divided into four groups: control (n=82), SGA (n=37), PE (n=102), and GDM (n=33). The PE group was classified as PE without intrauterine growth restriction (n=65) and PE with intrauterine growth restriction (n=37). Birth weight, placental weight, placental volume, placental density, and placental ratios including birth weight/placental weight ratio (BPW) and birth weight/placental volume ratio (BPV) were compared between groups. RESULTS: Birth weight, placental weight, and placental volume were lower in the SGA group than in the control group. However, the BPW and BPV did not differ between the two groups. Birth weight, placental weight, placental volume, BPW, and BPV were all significantly lower in the PE group than in the control group. Compared with the control group, birth weight, BPW, and BPV were higher in the GDM group, whereas placental weight and volume did not differ in the two groups. Placental density was not significantly different among the four groups. CONCLUSION: Placental ratios based on placental weight, placental volume, placental density, and birth weight are helpful in understanding the pathophysiology of complicated pregnancies. Moreover, they can be used as predictors of pregnancy complications.

Study of anthropometric indices of human placenta.

The aim of the study is to determine birth weights, placental weights and feto-placental ratio in consecutive, live singleton term births and study their relationship with some maternal and fetal factors. Method: Fifty placentae were obtained from the labour room of the department of obstetrics and gynecology , Civil hospital, Sola , Ahmedabad between September to December 2010. Each placentae was weighed and the feto-placental ratio and insertion percentage was calculated. Maternal data, including name, age, hospital number, date of last menstrual period, parity, duration of pregnancy, hematological findings and the gestational age were recorded and correlated with birth weight and placental weight. Result: There was 52% of female and 48 % of male babies. The mean birth weight of female babies was 2.58 Kg and that of male babies was 2.69 Kg . The mean placental weight of female babies was 472.70 gms and that of male babies was 513.75 gms. The mean feto-placental ratio of female and male babies was 5.46 and 5.28 respectively. The mean placental weight was found lower with mother’s age < 20 years , increase number of parity and Hb less than 8 gm %. The mean placental weight was found slightly higher in mother’s with blood group A +ve and AB +ve. The site of insertion of umbilical cord was central in 40 %, medial in 38 %, lateral in 14 % and marginal in 8 %. The birth weight of babies was directly proportional to their placental weight. Conclusion: With extra precautions for the factors reducing placental weight and or birth weight one can reduce further risk to mother and foetus.

Placental morphometry in relation to birth weight of full term newborn babies.

Background: In obstetrics the relationship of birth weight and the perinatal outcome has long been appreciated, however an often neglected parameter is the placental changes. Placenta is a vital organ for maintaining pregnancy and promoting normal foetal development. Foetal outcome is adversely influenced by pathological changes observed in placenta. Objectives: To assess the morphology of placenta in normal and low birth weight babies. To correlate the morphometric analysis with birth weight between the two groups. Study design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Study setting: Department of Anatomy, Chalmeda Anandrao Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Andhra Pradesh from January to June 2011. Methods: Total 374 human placentae from uncomplicated pregnancies were studied for the morphology and compared between low birth weight babies and normal weight babies. Results: The morphometric parameters of placenta like, weight, volume were significantly lower in low birth weight group compared to normal group. Placental weight and placental volume had significant correlation with the birth weight of new born. Conclusion: The placental weight increased according to the birth weight. Placental parameters and its ratio to birth weight were significantly associated with some adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Neonatal hypoglycaemia, relative placental weight and maternal pre-eclampsia: any relationship?

Pre-eclampsia is known to be associated with various placental morphologic changes as well as fetal growth restriction. Growth restricted neonates are at increased risk of hypoglycaemia in the first three days of life. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between occurrence of neonatal hypoglycaemia and the relative placental weight in mothers with pre-eclampsia. The blood glucose concentrations of 69 neonates born to mothers with pre-eclampsia were determined three times daily during the first three days of life. The birthweight of each of the neonates as well as the corresponding weight of the placenta were determined and recorded. The relative placental weight was calculated using the formula: Weight of placenta x 100/Birthweight of the infant. Overall prevalence of neonatal hypoglycaemia was 47.8%. Of the 69 neonates, severe neonatal hypoglycaemia (blood glucose < 1.6 mmol/L) was prevalent in 10 (14.5%) and 15(21.7%) had blood glucose level between 1.6 and 2.5 mmol/L. The relative placental weight did not differ with the severity of maternal pre-eclampsia. No statistically significant correlation was obtained between the relative placental weight and neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Effect of paternal folate deficiency on placental folate content and folate receptor alpha expression in rats

We investigated the effect of paternal folate status on folate content and expression of the folate transporter folate receptor alpha (FRalpha) in rat placental tissues. Rats were mated after males were fed a diet containing 0 mg of folic acid/kg of diet (paternal folate-deficient, PD) or 8 mg folic acid/kg of diet (paternal folate-supplemented, PS) for 4 weeks. At 20 days of gestation, the litter size, placental weight, and fetal weight were measured, and placental folate content (n = 8/group) and expression of FRalpha (n = 10/group) were analyzed by microbiological assay and Western blot analysis, respectively. Although there was no difference observed in litter size or fetal weight, but significant reduction (10%) in the weight of the placenta was observed in the PD group compared to that in the PS group. In the PD group, placental folate content was significantly lower (by 35%), whereas FRalpha expression was higher (by 130%) compared to the PS group. Our results suggest that paternal folate status plays a critical role in regulating placental folate metabolism and transport.

The change of lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity in placenta by the birth to placental weight ratio at birth / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The object of this study is to determine whether there is any association between birth to placenta weight ratio and oxidative stress. 34 pregnant women (who gave birth after 36 weeks of pregnancy by cesarean section without labor) were divided into three groups according to their birth to placenta weight ratio. The degree of lipid peroxidation in the placenta and the activity of superoxide dismutase which removes peroxide products were compared in three groups METHODS: In the 34 women who gave birth through cesarean section before labor, we classified the patients to three groups ; the first group (n=13) women whose birth to placenta weight ratio was equal to or above 5.0. The second group (n=14) whose ratio was between 4.3 and 5.0. The third group (n=7) whose ratio was less than 4.3. We measured malondialdehyde (MDA) as a indicative marker of lipid peroxidation through a Thibarbituric Acid (TBA) method, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) as a antioxidant defense system through a Bioxytech SOD-525 kit (OxisResearch, USA). Data were analyzed statistically using ANOVA test (SPSS for Windows 10.0) and students's t-test. RESULTS: In a group consisting of preeclampsia and FGR, the birth to placenta weight ratio had no significant difference. The mean MDA concentration of group 1 was 7.38+/-6.6 nmole/mg protein, which was significantly lower than both mean of group 2 (17.39+/-12.54 nmole/ mg protein) and group 3 (19.89+/-8.69 nmole/mg protein), There were no significant differences between group 2 and 3. The MDA/SOD ratio of group 1 was 1.01+/-0.97, which was significantly lower than those of group 2 and 3, which were 2.79+/-2.92 and 3.29+/-2.18, respectively. However, there were no significant differences between group 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to assume that oxidative stress participates in the mechanism of decreased birth to placental weight ratio. Th decreased ratio is probably due to excessive lipid peroxides in placenta. To evaluate the association of birth to placental weight ratio with oxidative stress.

A Study on Correlation Among Cord Blood Arachidonic Acid Level, Birth Weight, and Placental Weight

PURPOSE: Arachidonic acid is known to have effects on cell growth as a controller of cell proliferation and a stimulator of platelet derived growth factor. We investigated the correlations among birth weight, placental weight and free arachidonic acid level in cord blood. METHODS: Twenty full-term well babies were included in this study. Those who had sepsis, IUGR, twin that may affect the level of arachidonic acid, birth weight, and/or placental weight were excluded. Free arachidonic acid level were measured by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry. (GC-MS) Correlation Pearson Coefficients were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The correlation coefficients between birth weight and placental weight, birth weight and arachidonic acid level, and placental weight and arachidonic acid level were 0.727 (P0.05), 0.407 (P>0.05) respectively. CONCLUSION: There was statistically significant positive correlation between birth weight and placental weight. But since cord blood free arachidonic acid levels were not correlated with placental weight and birth weight, we conclude that cord blood free arachidonic acid level has no effects on fetal growth and placental growth.

A Study on Correlation Among Cord Blood Arachidonic Acid Level, Birth Weight, and Placental Weight

PURPOSE: Arachidonic acid is known to have effects on cell growth as a controller of cell proliferation and a stimulator of platelet derived growth factor. We investigated the correlations among birth weight, placental weight and free arachidonic acid level in cord blood. METHODS: Twenty full-term well babies were included in this study. Those who had sepsis, IUGR, twin that may affect the level of arachidonic acid, birth weight, and/or placental weight were excluded. Free arachidonic acid level were measured by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry. (GC-MS) Correlation Pearson Coefficients were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The correlation coefficients between birth weight and placental weight, birth weight and arachidonic acid level, and placental weight and arachidonic acid level were 0.727 (P0.05), 0.407 (P>0.05) respectively. CONCLUSION: There was statistically significant positive correlation between birth weight and placental weight. But since cord blood free arachidonic acid levels were not correlated with placental weight and birth weight, we conclude that cord blood free arachidonic acid level has no effects on fetal growth and placental growth.

Relationship between Concentration of Cord Blood Leptin Level and Intrauterine Fetal Growth

PURPOSE: Leptin is a highly hydrophilic 16-kDa protein which is produced in the adipose tissue and participates in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. The aim of the present study was to examine the relation between umbilical cord blood leptin concentration and intrauterine growth. METHODS: Ninety-seven full-term newborn infants who were born in Yeungnam University Hospital from July to August 1998 were included in the study. They were divided into 3 groups related to birth weight : appropriate for gestational age(AGA) group(n=73), large for gestational age(LGA) group(n=17), small for gestational age(SGA) group(n=7). Birth weight, head circumference, mid-arm circumference, mid-arm circumference to head circumference ratio, Ponderal index, and BMI were measured at birth. Maternal body weight and placental weight were measured. Leptin concentrations of cord blood and maternal serum were measured by a RIA method, and testosterone, estradiol, insulin, c-peptide, glucose, white blood cell, hemoglobin, platelet count of cord blood were also measured. RESULTS: Leptin concentration in cord blood was positively correlated to birth weight and body length. Leptin concentrations(microgram/L) in cord blood were significantly different among groups(10.1+/-1.1 in LGA group, 8.7+/-0.9 in AGA group, 1.7+/-0.1 in SGA group). There was a statistically significant difference in leptin concentration of cord blood between female and male infants(11.6+/-1.9, versus 6.7+/-0.9). There was no significant correlations between leptin concentration of cord blood and placental weights or maternal leptin concentration. Therefore leptin concentration of cord blood can not inflect maternal leptin concentration but intrauterine fetal growth. CONCLUSION: Leptin in cord blood might originate mainly from fetal adipose tissue rather than the placenta, and may be related to fetal growth.