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Accurate and Simple Evaluation of Vascular Anastomoses in Monochorionic Placenta using Colored Dye
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Accurate and Simple Evaluation of Vascular Anastomoses in Monochorionic Placenta using Colored Dye

Published on: September 5, 2011

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PP012. Abnormal vascular umbilical cord morphology in vascular-related pregnancy complications

Emilie Herzog, Anniek Reijnierse, Ronald Krijger

    Pregnancy Hypertension
    |June 25, 2015
    PubMed

    Insights

    Umbilical cord vascular abnormalities are present in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, foetal growth restriction, and preterm birth, indicating potential early vascular damage and future cardiovascular disease risk in offspring.

    Area of Science:

    • Perinatology
    • Vascular Biology
    • Developmental Biology

    Background:

    • Preeclampsia (PE), foetal growth restriction (FGR), and preterm birth (PTB) are linked to offspring cardiovascular disease risk.
    • Abnormal embryonic and extra-embryonic vasculature programming may underlie these conditions.
    • The umbilical cord serves as a model for studying foetal vascular development.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate umbilical cord vasculature morphology in complicated pregnancies (PE, FGR, PTB) versus uncomplicated pregnancies.
    • To identify structural differences in umbilical cord vasculature associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

    Main Methods:

    • A case-control study included 105 patients: PE (n=31), FGR (n=26), PTB (n=24), and controls (n=24).
    • Macroscopic measurements of umbilical cords were performed.
    • Microscopic analysis of digitised paraffin sections from formalin-fixed tissue samples was conducted.

    Main Results:

    • Umbilical cords were shorter in PE compared to controls.
    • Total umbilical cord area was smaller in all complicated pregnancies.
    • Artery wall area was reduced in PE and FGR; vein wall area was reduced in PE.
    • The percentage of elastic fibres in the vein was lower in PE and FGR.

    Conclusions:

    • Umbilical cord vascular abnormalities are evident in PE, FGR, and PTB, suggesting early vascular damage.
    • These findings highlight potential early markers for later-life cardiovascular disease risk.
    • Further research should explore foetal vasculature changes and their long-term cardiovascular implications.
    Abstract

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