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Umbilical flow in the normal and pre-eclamptic placenta. A study in vitro.
M M Abitbol1, E F LaGamma, E Demeter
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, State University of New York, Stony Brook.
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Pre-eclampsia significantly reduces placental perfusion and cotyledon function. This study developed an in vitro method to assess umbilical flow, revealing deficits in pre-eclamptic placentae compared to normal ones.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Medicine
- Fetal Physiology
Background:
- Placental perfusion is crucial for fetal development.
- Pre-eclampsia is associated with impaired placental function.
- A simple in vitro method for assessing placental perfusion is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple in vitro method for assessing placental perfusion adequacy.
- To compare umbilical flow in placentae from normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Umbilical flow was measured in vitro by infusing heparinized saline into umbilical arteries of placentae from normal and pre-eclamptic women.
- Angiographic studies were performed to assess cotyledon function.
- Gross and histological examinations were conducted to identify placental cotyledon types.
Main Results:
- Average umbilical flow was significantly lower in pre-eclamptic placentae (163 ml/min) compared to normal placentae (276 ml/min).
- A lower percentage of functional cotyledons was observed in pre-eclamptic placentae (56%) versus normal placentae (79%).
- Three distinct cotyledon types correlating with normal, reduced, or absent flow were identified.
Conclusions:
- Pre-eclamptic placentae exhibit a greater proportion of umbilical perfusion deficits compared to normal placentae.
- The developed in vitro method can help assess placental perfusion adequacy.
- Findings highlight the impact of pre-eclampsia on placental vascular function.