Vasculosyncytial Membrane - A Microanatomical analysis in Full Term Placenta of Anaemic Mothers

Background: The structure of human placenta adapts in an uniform manner under different form of hypoxic stress. Anaemia, the common obstetric problem leading to hypoxia alters the structure of placenta. Aim: To compare the incidence of Vasculosyncytial membrane (VSM) in full term placenta of normal and anaemic mothers. Materials and Methods: Hundred (100) term placenta comprising of 50 normal and 50 anaemic placenta, were studied from the mothers delivered at Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Puducherry, India. The placental tissue was collected, processed, sectioned and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. The incidence of VSM/100 villi was studied using trinocular microscope. The arithmetic mean of the observation was calculated. The statistical significance was evaluated by using student’s unpaired t test. The number of placenta showing normal, excessive as well as deficient VSM were also analyzed. Results: The incidence of VSM was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the placental villi of anaemic mothers when compared to the placental villi of normal mothers. The incidence of excessive VSM was higher in the anemic group. Conclusion: Anaemic placenta reveals increased formation of vasculosyncytial membrane, thereby attempting to improve diffusion of available oxygen. However, a compensated placenta cannot equate the efficiency of a normal placenta. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment is mandatory to provide adequate oxygen supply to the developing fetus.