Changes in the spleen related to birth

Area of Science:

• Histology
• Fetal development
• Neonatal development

Background:

• Spleen development and changes in newborns are not fully understood.
• Previous studies lack detailed histological analysis of spleen changes during this period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To histologically assess spleen development in fetuses and neonates.
• To determine changes in spleen weight and lymphatic tissue during the perinatal period.

Main Methods:

• Histological assessment of spleens from 124 fetuses (27-42 weeks gestation) and 115 neonates (birth to 4 weeks).
• Analysis of spleen weight and lymphatic tissue volume.

Main Results:

• Spleen weight steadily increases from 27 to 42 weeks gestation.
• A notable weight loss occurs at birth, attributed to reduced pulp blood lakes.
• Lymphatic tissue increases consistently from gestation through the neonatal period.

Conclusions:

• Spleen lymphatic tissue grows continuously through fetal and neonatal stages.
• The spleen undergoes significant weight changes at birth due to vascular shifts.