Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including conditions like preeclampsia, pose significant risks to maternal and perinatal health. Despite extensive research, the precise etiology of these disorders remains elusive. Objective: This observational study aimed to investigate the correlation between placental morphology in hypertensive pregnancies and neonatal outcomes. Methods: A total of 200 women, comprising 100 hypertensive cases and 100 normotensive controls, were enrolled. Placentae were meticulously examined for various parameters, including weight, diameter, thickness, and the presence of infarctions, calcifications, and retroplacental hematomas. Additionally, newborns were evaluated for birth weight, Apgar scores, and NICU admission. Results: Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in birth weight between hypertensive and normotensive pregnancies, with hypertensive cases showing lower birth weights. Placental weight was also reduced in hypertensive pregnancies, albeit not significantly. Fetoplacental ratio was significantly decreased in hypertensive cases, indicating impaired placental function. Furthermore, hypertensive pregnancies exhibited a higher incidence of placental infarctions and retroplacental hematomas, which correlated with adverse neonatal outcomes such as low Apgar scores and increased NICU admissions. While calcification incidence was higher in hypertensive pregnancies, its impact on fetal outcomes was not significant. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of placental health in hypertensive pregnancies and highlight the need for further research to elucidate underlying mechanisms and improve maternal and fetal health outcomes in this population.

Description

The placenta serves as a crucial organ during pregnancy, dictating the intrauterine environment vital for fetal growth and development. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including conditions like preeclampsia, pose significant risks to both maternal and fetal health, often leading to complications such as fetal growth restriction, prematurity, and low birth weight. These disorders are associated with observable pathological changes in the placenta, which can offer valuable insights into the prenatal experiences of the infant [1,2]. Placentae affected by hypertensive disorders typically exhibit distinctive morphological alterations, including reduced weight, diameter, and thickness, along with a higher prevalence of abnormalities such as irregular shape and abnormal cord insertion. Additionally, hypertensive pregnancies often manifest with increased incidences of placental infarction, calcification, and retroplacental hematoma. These gross pathological changes reflect the compromised function of the placenta in supporting fetal development [3,4]. The adverse effects of these placental alterations extend to fetal outcomes, as the placenta serves as the conduit for essential nutrients and waste exchange between mother and fetus. Examination of the placenta provides valuable insights into the prenatal environment and can help elucidate potential issues affecting the fetus. Therefore, studying placental morphology in hypertensive pregnancies compared to normotensive pregnancies is crucial for understanding the relationship between these morphological changes and neonatal outcomes [4-6]. The aims and objectives of this study encompass a detailed investigation into placental morphology in hypertensive pregnancies, with a focus on comparing these morphological changes to those observed in normotensive pregnancies. By correlating these changes with fetal outcomes, researchers aim to shed light on the impact of hypertensive disorders on placental health and subsequent neonatal health.