Effects of placental infarctions on the fetal outcome in pregnancies complicated by hypertension.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of placental infarcts and its effects on the fetal outcome in pregnancies complicated by hypertension.

STUDY DESIGN

Case control.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Obstetrics Unit of North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka, from January 2003 to January 2004.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Placentae of 150 normotensive women and 200 hypertensive women were studied to detect the number of placentae with infarctions. Apgar score, birth weight and the head circumference of the newborns were measured and analyzed.

RESULTS

The frequency of placental infarcts was significantly higher in hypertensive group (30%) compared to normotensive group (18.7%). An association between placental infarction and low Apgar score of the newborn was seen in the hypertensive group (p<0.001). The difference in the birth weight of the newborns in hypertensive and normotensive groups in relation to placental infarction was statistically significant (2.2 vs. 3.1 kg, p<0.001). A highly significant difference was observed in the head circumference of the newborns of hypertensive group compared to normotensive group in relation to placental infarctions (30.7 cm vs. 32.3 cm, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The frequency of placental infarcts was higher in hypertensive women when compared to normotensives. Placental infarctions had an adverse effect on growth and development of the newborns. This information can be useful in planning and management of future pregnancies.