Histomorphological Study of Placental Villi in Normal and Hypertensive Pregnancies: A Comparative Anatomical Analysis

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this research was to compare the microfeatures of the placental villi in normal and hypertensive pregnancies and to establish changes that occur in the placenta structure in pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Study Design: Comparative anatomical & histological study was performed to compare the villous architecture of normal and hypertensive pregnancy.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Collaboration with Anatomy and Histopathology Departments of Services Institute of medical Science/ Services Hospital Lahore, during the period of January 2024 to June 2024.

Methodology: The samples of placental tissues were taken from 130 pregnant women after delivery (including normal and hypertensive pregnancy). Standard histological methods and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were used for processing specimens. The villous morphology, vascular changes, trophoblastic changes, syncytial knot formation, stromal changes and other pathological changes were evaluated. Comparative analysis between the two groups was made.

Results: Significant micromorphological changes were observed in hypertensive pregnancy placentae, such as increases in syncytial knots, irregular branching of villi, decreased vascular density, thickening of the basement membrane and stromal fibrosis. The normal placentae showed well developed villi with normal vascularization and very little degenerative changes.

Conclusion: The hypertensive disorders result in structural changes of the villi of the placenta, which can affect the exchange of the mother and fetus and fetal growth. Histological assessment is useful in evaluating changes in the placenta associated with hypertension.