Sysoenko A. Morphological characteristics of the fetal kidneys 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 fetal kidneys operating in cases of intrauterine fetal growth retardation (IUGR) at 20-27 weeks of gestation. It was found that growth retarded fetuses had lower weight and reduced anthropometrics parameters and organ/placental indices. The placenta-fetal index increased. Histological examination has demonstrated some pathomorphological changes, vascular disorders and deficient adaptative processes. Areas of nephrogenic tissue, im-mature nephrons and tubules in kidneys cortex of IUGR group were found more often. Stereological study has shown decrease mature nephrons and tubules volume fractions; increase immature nephrons, vessels and stoma volume fractions. Correlation analysis has demon-strated the increase of both quantity and strength of correlation's within the "fetal kidneys-fetus-placenta" system. In cases of IUGR women typically were of low socio-economical status, more often they were not married, smoking, had a poor diet