Studies on Placentas among Koreans: Gross and microscopic examination of 4,000 consecutive placentas

ABSTRACT

As increasing concern for the fetal aspects of pregnancy, the availability of normal standard of placenta becomes more and more important. because it is very difficult to test the functional capacity of placenta. And for this reason anatnmic studies to determine the normal relationship between the placenta and newborn infant have come to be a considerable importance. A study of morphometric features of 4,000 consecutive placentas delivered at the Seoul National University Hospital during a period of 3 years, from April 1979 to May 1982, in relation to gastational age and weight of newborn was carried out. The findings could be summarized as follows 1) Among 4,000 consecutive deliveries there were 3,771 liveborns 76 deadborns, and 153 cases of abortion, respectively. 2) The average weight and dimensions of term placenta were 511 gm and 19.94 x17.09 x1.89 cm, respectively. The weight , size and volume of placenta were progressively increased from 20 weeks of gestation till 41 weeks. 3) Morphometric features of placenta such as placenta weight, dimension, fetoplacental ratio and placental co-efficient showed a more significant correlation with birht weight than with gestation age. 4) The average length of umbilical cord was 39.80 cm, with the range of 6 cm to 124 cm. 5) The congenital anomalies of newborn was encountered in 74 cases (1.85%) among 4,000 consecutive deliveries. Anomalies involving musculoskeletal system was the most common oen. 6) The abnormal gross findings among 4,000 consecutive placentas included 6 cases of single umbilical arteries, 4 cases of chorangioma, 545 cases of infarction and 748 cases of calcification.