Histological and radiological study of calcified placenta

Normal foetal growth and survival depends on proper development and function of the placenta. It serves to maintain a maternal-foetal interference for the exchange of blood gases, nutrients, and waste. The placenta has been described as a "diary of intrauterine life" and it may elucidate many aspects of intra uterine life. The aim of this study is to observe the histological and radiological changes in excessive placental calcification, in pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and placental abruption. This retrospective study was conducted at the department of Anatomy of Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Jamshoro. One hundred twenty placentae were collected from labour room and gynaecology operation theatre of Liaquat University Hospital. Forty placentae from parturient suffered from PIH, forty from parturient with placental abruption & forty placentae from parturient of normal pregnancy (Control Group). Age of all parturient is between 17 to 32 years. Radiological study was conducted in the department of radiology of Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro. Approximately five mm pieces of placenta was taken and processed for histological study. Both radiology and histological studies show highly significant (p=<0.001) difference in calcification in placental abruption and PIH group as compared to control.