Comparative histomophometric differences between umbilical cords from normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies

Introduction: To study and compare the histomorphometric parameters of umbilical cord and its vessels in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Material and methods: One hundred umbilical cords, fifty each of normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnancies were studied. Various histomorphometric parameters were measured with the help of vernier scale and ocular micrometer. Results: In the present study, mean cord area was 43.45 +/- 9.26 mm(2), mean jelly area was 37.55 +/- 9.94 mm(2) and total vessels area was 5.90 +/- 1.91 mm(2) in control group. Whereas, in pre-eclamptic group, mean cord area was 34.85 +/- 11.78 mm(2), mean jelly area was 27.32 +/- 11.41 mm(2) and total vessels area was 7.51 +/- 3.25 mm(2). Mean wall thickness of the vein was 378.8 +/- 113.65 mm and vein area was 2.38 +/- 1.01 mm(2) in control group. In pre-eclamptic group, mean wall thickness of vein was 307.2 +/- 107.15 mm and vein area was 3.97 +/- 4.32 mm(2). Total cord area, jelly area and wall thickness of vein were significantly lower in pre-eclamptic group. Total vessels area and vein area were significantly higher in pre-eclamptic group. Discussion: Umbilical cords in pre-eclampsia shows significant structural changes, including decrease in cord area, jelly area and umbilical arterial area, whereas increase in total vessels area and vein area. These differences are due to adaptation of the umbilical cord under the altered hemodynamic conditions in pre-eclampsia. Morphological modifications of the umbilical vessels directly influence the fetal blood stream, which impact upon fetal development. So, prenatal monitoring of the feto-placental circulation may reduce the postnatal complications in pre-eclamptic pregnancies. (C) 2016 Anatomical Society of India. Published by Elsevier, a division of Reed Elsevier India, Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.