[Singleton placentas with abnormal shape: a clinicopathological analysis of 130 cases]

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Obstetrics
• Perinatology

Background:

• Singleton placentas exhibit diverse abnormal shapes.
• These variations can impact maternal-fetal exchange.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pathological characteristics of abnormally shaped singleton placentas.
• To determine the influence of these placental abnormalities on maternal-fetal pregnancy outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinicopathological data for singleton placentas with abnormal shapes.
• Data collected from January 2014 to December 2020 at Haidian Maternal and Children Health Hospital.

Main Results:

• 130 abnormal placentas identified, including succenturiate, bilobed, marginate, circumvallate, annular, membranous, and fenestrated types.
• Associated adverse outcomes included premature rupture of membranes, placenta previa, placental abruption, placental adhesion, postpartum hemorrhage, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, intrauterine distress, and intrauterine death.
• Microscopic findings revealed villous infarction, distal villous dysplasia, and excessive villous maturation, indicating inadequate maternal-fetal perfusion.

Conclusions:

• Abnormally shaped singleton placentas frequently demonstrate inadequate maternal-fetal perfusion.
• These placental abnormalities are associated with a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.