A Study of Morphology and Gross Anomalies in Full-Term Placentae

Abstract

Background: Placenta is an important connecting organ between the mother and fetus. It provides nutrition, gas exchange, waste removal, immune support, and endocrine functions. Since variations of the placenta result in effects on fetal development and neonatal survival it is the area of interest to be studied by anatomists, pathologists, and obstetricians. We in the current studied the placental morphology, variations, and abnormalities of the human placenta.
 Methods: The samples comprised of a collection of placentae in the Department of Anatomy of Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar. Samples were collected after delivery, placentae were mopped to remove any clotted blood, and then weighed with 10 cm of the umbilical cord. The specimen is fixed in 10% formalin immediately over 24-48 hours and then subjected to thorough gross examination.
 Results: Out of n=60 placentae studied the mean weight of the placenta was found to be highest at 38 weeks of gestation with a mean surface area of 964.46 cm2 and mean weight of 463.75 Kgs. N=49(81.67%) were normal maternal conditions and history of abortions and pre-eclampsia was in n=2 cases each and oligohydramnios in n=3 cases. Among the fetal abnormalities Anencephaly, Macrostomia, MS/TS/Cerebellar hypoplasia, and holoprosencephaly with single nostril was found in n=1(1.67%) cases each.
 Conclusion: Examination of the placenta performed in the delivery room provides information that may be important to the care of both mother and infant. The findings of this assessment should be documented in the delivery records. The placenta should be submitted for pathologic evaluation if an abnormality is detected.
 Keywords: Placenta, Morphological Variations, Anencephaly, oligohydramnios, Macrostomia.