[Characteristics of the vasculosyncytial membranes in human chorioplacental villi].

The results of a quantitative study of vasculosyncytial membranes in 123 placentas are presented. A low number of vasculosyncytial membranes suggests either villous immaturity or villous regressive changes. A low VSM count as a reflection of villous regression was found in placentas from prolonged pregnancies and, to a lower degree, in placentas from pregnancies complicated by preeclamptic toxemia. The findings are compared with the status of the newborn. Mature babies whose placentas had a low VSM count suffered from a high incidence of hypoxic complications.