Structural changes of the placentae from anemic pregnant women associated with fetal growth restriction

Abstract EN

Placentae from 25 pregnant women were collected from Albatool Obstetrics &Gynecology Teaching Hospital in Mosul –Iraq.

Fifteen of them belonged to anemic pregnant women associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR),while the other 10 belonged to normal pregnancy (as a control group).

All were placed in 10% buffered formaldehyde solution for about 48 hours and were processed for light microscopic examination.

The main findings in the placentae from anemic women were syncytial knots ,fibrinoid necrosis, increased number of dilated fetal capillaries and intervillous haemorrhage compared to the control group .

In conclusion, this study demonstrated that severe anemia in pregnant women alters the placental histomorphology, thus causing fetal growth restriction and prompt treatment of anemia is required to improve placental growth and a favorable obstetric outcome .