Histopathological study of vascular changes of placenta in preeclampsia using histochemistry

Abstract

Context: Preeclampsia is a threat that affects globally, and more so in developing countries. It occurs in 5%–8% of pregnancies worldwide and is the second-most common cause of maternal and fetal death. Aims: To compare vascular changes in vessels of placental stem villi and terminal villi in the placenta in preeclampsia and compare that with placenta from normal pregnancy using special stain such as Masson’s trichrome and Verhoeff’s stain. Settings and Design: A total of 120 placentas were included in the study. Sixty cases were from preeclampsia patients of which 20 were from severe preeclampsia and 40 from mild preeclampsia and 60 were gestational age matched controls. Subjects and Methods: Placental tissue was examined for gross and microscopic changes. Representative sections were also screened after staining with special stains such as Masson’s trichrome and Verhoeff’s stain. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS 22, USA, was used for descriptive and analytical data. Chi-square was the test of significance. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Placenta from preeclampsia showed significantly low placental weight, less diameter, and thickness as compared to control. The stem villi showed thrombosis and medial hypertrophy. All the parameters were statistically significant when compared between the two groups, and these changes were related to the severity of preeclampsia. Conclusions: Vascular changes and products released may be the reason for the pathogenesis, clinical sequelae onset of disseminated intravascular coagulation, maternal inflammatory syndrome, and poor outcome in preeclampsia, which needed further study