EXPLORING THE MORPHOMETRIC AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES OF PLACENTAS IN PREGNANCIES COMPLICATED BY MATERNAL ANAEMIA

Abstract

Background: Maternal anaemia constitutes a persistent public health challenge in developing nations, carrying substantial risks for both maternal health and fetal development. The placenta, which serves as the crucial feto-maternal organ, often displays pathological changes that reflect systemic maternal conditions like anaemia. Consequently, this study was undertaken to conduct a comparative analysis of the morphometric and histopathological features in placentas from anaemic versus non-anaemic mothers, aiming to elucidate the structural impact of maternal anaemia on this vital organ.

Methods: In this comparative study, we prospectively collected and examined a total of 130 placentas, including 65 from anaemic and 65 from non-anaemic pregnant women. Detailed morphometric parameters such as weight of placenta, diameter, thickness of placenta, circumference, area of chorionic plate, number of cotyledons, cord insertion were recorded. Histopathological examination was performed to assess features such as syncytial knots, villous maturation, fibrinoid necrosis, calcification, intervillous thrombi, intervillous space dilatation, cytotrophoblastic proliferation, and vascular changes. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS v21.0, with independent-sample t-tests applied for comparison.

Results: Placentas from anaemic mothers demonstrated significantly reduced weight, diameter, thickness, circumference, and chorionic plate area (p < 0.01). Histologically, anaemic group placentas showed a higher incidence of syncytial knots, delayed villous maturation, fibrinoid necrosis, and other degenerative changes (p < 0.01), indicating compromised placental function.

Conclusion: Maternal anaemia is associated with distinct alterations in placental morphology and histology, which may adversely affect fetal development. The results of this study underscore the critical importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of anaemia during gestation to mitigate adverse perinatal events.