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Septuplet placenta: a case report.
Steven D Suvalsky1, Jo Ann Benda, Kathleen Hansen
1Department of Pathology, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, 50309, USA. suvalsky@glarnold.com
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|June 23, 2005
Summary
This study details a rare case of septuplet birth resulting from ovulation induction. The placentas showed a complex septamnionic, septchorionic structure, with umbilical cord variations and a birth weight to placental weight ratio comparable to singletons or twins.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Perinatology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Artificial induction of ovulation can lead to multiple gestations.
- Septuplet births are exceptionally rare, posing unique clinical challenges.
Observation:
- Seven infants were delivered via cesarean at 30.5 weeks gestational age.
- The pregnancy resulted from artificial induction of ovulation.
- The septuplet placenta exhibited a septamnionic, septchorionic architecture with fused and unfused components.
Findings:
- All seven umbilical cords had three vessels.
- Two cords were velamentous, and five were eccentrically inserted.
- The ratio of combined infant birth weights to placental weight (7.52:1) aligned with singleton and twin gestation norms.
Implications:
- This case provides valuable data on the placental morphology and umbilical cord characteristics in extreme multiple gestations.
- The findings contribute to understanding the physiological adaptations in high-order multiples.
- Further clinicopathologic correlations can be derived from this unique case study.