Spectrum of placental changes in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

Background - PIH also known as toxaemia of pregnancy, is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The present study was hence undertaken to analyse the effects of PIH on placenta as these changes serve as a guide to the duration and severity of disease. Methods - A prospective hospital based study was conducted from July 2012 to July 2013 in Department of Pathology, J.L.N. Medical College, Ajmer (Rajasthan). The study was done in 60 placentae, 30 placentae from uncomplicated full term deliveries formed the “Control Group” and 30 placentae from hypertensive pregnancies formed the “Study Group”. Sections were taken from placenta and processed for histopathological examination. Results - The striking villous abnormalities observed in the study group were cytotrophoblastic proliferation (83.34%), thickening of basement membrane (66.67%), fibrinoid necrosis (36.67%), obliterative endarteritis (60%), decreased villous vascularity (60%) and paucity of vasculosyntitial membranes. Conclusion - The gross abnormalities and villous lesions in PIH (p<0.001) were statistically  significant. DOI: 10.21276/apalm.2017.1115