Morphometric and Macroscopic Observations of Human Placenta in Eclampsia.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess some macroscopic changes in the placentas of eclamptic mothers in a tertiary care setting of eastern India. Design: Cross-sectional observational type of study. Methods: 44 placentas from 15 normotensive and 29 eclamptic mothers were collected after delivery at term and studied for area, weight and volume. Foetal surface was studied for insertion of umbilical cord, insertion of membranes and subchorionic fibrosis. Maternal surface was studied for retroplacental blood clot, calcification and infarct. Necessary statistical tests were done. Result: Statistically significant differences were observed in placental area, weight and volume between normotensive and eclamptic mothers. These showed that placental area, weight and volume were more in the former group with some exceptions. Subchorionic fibrosis, retroplacental blood clot, calcification and infarct were also more in placentas of eclamptic mothers. Conclusion: Eclampsia adversely affects the foetus through its harmful effects on placenta. The study agrees well with the findings of other investigators.