Maternal Hypothyroidism and Its Effect on Placenta and Newborn: A Morphometric and Histopathological Study

Abstract

Placenta plays role in maintaining the environment for the growth of the fetus in the womb of mother. Some hormonal abnormalities of the mother also affect the morphology and histology of the placenta which further affect the growth of the fetus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphometric and histopathological changes of placenta of mother affected by thyroid disorder. For this study total 200 placentas were collected from the labour room and Operation Theater. Out of 200 placentas, 100 placenta were belonged to thyroid group (case group) and 100 placentas were of control uncomplicated group. The most common shape of the placenta in case group was circular (72%) followed by oval (21%) and irregular (7%) whereas in control group the shape of placenta was circular (61%), oval (27%), irregular (9%) and bilobed (3%). The mean weight of the placenta and thickness were lower in case group than the control group whereas area and number of cotyledon were higher in case group than the control group. The mean weight of the newborn was lower in case group than the control group. In histological examination some parameters such as fibrinoid necrosis, syncytial knot, hyalinization, calcification, medial coat proliferation of fetal blood vessels, exfoliated trophoblast, stromal fibrosis and cytotrophoblastic proliferation were seen and these parameters were higher in the case group than the control group. This study concluded that hormonal changes in mother affect the placenta than the fetus so early diagnosis and treatment may prevent the complications.