Placental pathologic lesions associated with stroke in term neonates

Area of Science:

• Neonatal neurology
• Perinatal medicine
• Pathology

Background:

• Perinatal stroke is a significant cause of neurological disability in term infants.
• The association between placental pathologies and perinatal stroke requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the birth prevalence of perinatal stroke in term infants.
• To assess the frequency of placental pathologies associated with perinatal stroke.

Main Methods:

• Single-center retrospective cohort study (2010-2020).
• Analysis of live births, perinatal stroke cases, and placental examinations.
• Application of Amsterdam Placental Workshop Group Consensus Statement guidelines.

Main Results:

• Birth prevalence of perinatal stroke was 1 in 6,829 term infants.
• 18 term infants diagnosed with perinatal stroke.
• Placental pathology was present in 56% of cases; only one infant had a normal placenta.
• Acute histologic chorioamnionitis and/or vasculitis observed in 70% of cases.
• High-grade villitis of unknown etiology noted in 30% of cases with acute inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Acute and chronic placental inflammation are common findings in perinatal stroke.
• Placental examination is crucial for the diagnostic workup of perinatal stroke.