Background and objective: The human placenta plays a crucial role in normal fetal growth. Any disturbance in placental development leads to pregnancy complications like IUGR. The aim of this study was to evaluate Histopathological changes of placenta in IUGR and compare them with that of AGA babies.
Methods: Sixty placentas each from IUGR & AGA were examined. The two groups were similar in terms of gestational age, sex of babies and socioeconomic status of family. IUGR was diagnosed based on doppler sonography. The collected placenta was preserved in 10 % formaline solution. Sections were taken from membranes, maternal and fetal surface of placenta and cord. Sections cut at 5 microns thickness and prepared for hematoxyline and eosine staining. Changes in placenta were compared using chi-square test.
Result: We observed lower placental weight in IUGR compared to AGA babies. (Placental infarction, intervillous haemorrhage, intervillous fibrin deposition and syncytial knots were observed more often in IUGR placentas (p value < 0.005).
Conclusion: There was significant difference between the placentas of IUGR and AGA babies. These observations may help in finding suitable steps for improving outcomes among IUGR babies.
