Morphological, histological and radiological study of calcified placenta and its relation with fetal outcome

The placenta is a distinctive organ, which facilitates the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus through placental microcirculation. Placenta potentially plays a key role in the etiology of developmental programming through its impact on nutrient transfer. Placental transport efficiency depends on a variety of parameters, including surface area for exchange, thickness of the placental membrane. The aim of this study is to see the morphological, histological and radiological changes in excessive placental calcification and its relation with fetal outcome. 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 labor room and gynecology operation theatre of Liaquat University Hospital. Forty placentae from parturient that PIH, forty from parturient having placental abruption & forty placentae from parturient belonged to normal pregnancy (Control Group). Age of all parturient is between 17 to 32 years. The study of gross morphology of placenta was done in the department of anatomy. Approximately five mm piece of placenta was taken and processed for histological study. Radiological study was done in the department of radiology of LUH Jamshoro. Highly significant (p=<0.001) difference seen in placental abruption and PIH group than normal.