| The vasculosyncytial membrane (VSM) plays a pivotal role in fetomaternal exchange, with syncytiotrophoblasts forming
syncytial knots (SKs) at the terminal villi, facilitating this exchange process. In pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia
(PE), characterized by hypoxic injury, alterations in syncytial architecture can lead to further complications. To investigate
these morphological changes, an observational study was conducted on 42 placentas (21 from PE cases and 21 controls)
collected from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. While the feto-placental index did not significantly differ
between PE and control groups, neonatal and placental weights were reduced in PE cases. Notably, PE patients exhibited a
statistically significant increase in SK density and VSM thickness. Specifically, VSM thickness in SKs was twice as high
in PE cases compared to controls. Additionally, SKs were classified into four types (type-1, type-2a, type-2b, and type-3),
with differences observed between PE and control groups. These findings highlight the adverse effects of PE on placental
morphology and microscopic features, potentially contributing to fetal hypoxiaddd |
