[Pathomorphology and ultrastructure of the placenta in abortion]

Pathologic background has been evaluated for premature delivery of 38-39, 30-37 and 20-27 week fetuses. The trial involved 115 placentas in abortion and 60 control cases of normal pregnancy. A combination of modern techniques involving histological, enzymatic and chemical has been employed as well as light microscopy. The destructive, compensatory and adjustment processes observed in the placentas were correlated topographically. The parameters registered were compared to clinical and laboratory findings. The structural basis has been defined for compensatory alterations in the placenta and pathomorphological criteria have been derived for progressive functional insufficiency at various gestation periods.