Placental Morphometry in Relation to Birth Weight of Full Term Newborn

Abstract

Background: The placenta is a dynamic organ which is unique in its development and functions. It is the only organ in the body which is derived from two separate individuals, the mother and the foetus. The placenta is responsible for the respiratory, nutritional, excretory, endocrinal and the immunological functions of the foetus. The anomalies of the placenta are usually associated with placental insufficiency, which could lead to complications in the foetus. Hence, a thorough examination of the placenta in-utero, as well as post-partum, gives valuable information about the state of the foetal well being. Aims: To study the morphology and the morphometric analysis of the placenta and to clinically correlate it with the foetal parameters, in order to help in the assessment of the state of the well being of the foetus. The placental parameters of 100 placenta and their respective maternal and foetal details were collected, analyzed and clinically correlated.
Result: The mean placental weight ± standard deviation (SD) was 321.2 ± 63.7 g in SFA group and 388.9 ± 54.1 g in normal weight/ control group. The mean placental surface area ± SD was also lower in SFA group (184.0 ± 61.6 sq.cm) than control group (219.7± 41.6 sq.cm) and the difference was statistically significant. Morphometric parameters of placenta were significantly lower in small for gestational age group babies as compared to full term normal birth weight group babies. Conclusion: An adequate knowledge of the morphometry of the placenta and its clinical relevance can prove to be valuable in the early assessment of the foetal well being, especially in a community like ours, where antenatal mothers still come unbooked to the labour room, with no prior investigations done.