Naidenova O. Morphological characteristics of the fetoplacental system in cases of intrauterine fetal growth retardation at 20-27 weeks of gestation.

The aim of present investigation was to determine injury and adaptation mechanisms of the fetoplacental system operating in cases of intrauterine fetal growth retardation (IUGR) at 20-22, 23-25 and 26-27 weeks of gestation. It was found that in cases of IUGR women typically were of low socio-economical status, more often they were not married, smoking, had a poor diet and some allergies. Growth retarded fetuses had lower weight and reduced anthropometrics parameters and organ/placental indices. The placenta-fetal index increased. The altered placentation during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy was determined. Histological examination has demonstrated some pathomorphological changes, vascular disorders, villous chorion immaturity and deficient adaptative processes. Stereometry has shown the increase of volume fractions of the chorion plate, infarcts, terminal villi, epithelium and stroma and fibrin deposits at the intervillous space. Additionally, a decrease in the volume of fetal vessels and thickening of the placental membrane were found. Correlation analysis has demonstrated the increase of both quantity and strength of correlation's within the "mother-placenta-fetus" system.