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Analysis of placenta vascularization in patients with uterine altered artery Doppler flow velocity exams
Author(s) -
Gilio Daniel Bruno,
Miranda Corrêa Rosana Rosa,
De Oliveira Guimarães Camila Souza,
Peres Luiz Cesar,
Marques Salge Ana Karina,
Cavellani Camila Lourencini,
De Paula Antunes Teixeira Vicente,
Da Cunha Castro Eumenia Costa
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1447-0756
pISSN - 1341-8076
DOI - 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2008.00952.x
Subject(s) - placenta , medicine , doppler effect , color doppler , uterine artery , fetus , pregnancy , h&e stain , laser doppler velocimetry , blood flow , artery , obstetrics , pathology , staining , radiology , cardiology , ultrasonography , gestation , biology , genetics , physics , astronomy
Background: One of the frequent questions in obstetric practice is to determine placental vascular changes that may account for abnormal Doppler flow velocity alterations in maternal uterine vessels from women and fetuses without pregnancy pathology. Methods: A retrospective morphometric study was realized using 27 placentas from patients submitted for Doppler flow velocity exam during pregnancy. The placentas were morphologically examined using hematoxylin–eosin staining. Measurements of villi were made with the use of a video camera coupled to a common light microscope and a computer with automatic image analyzing software. Results: Of the 27 placentas, 13 (48%) were of patients showing unaltered Doppler and 14 (52%) showing altered Doppler. The number of stem villi vessels was significantly larger in the placentas of patients with Doppler exam alterations ( P = 0.003). This group also presented greater stem villi vessel thickness, although without significant difference. The number of intermediary and terminal villi vessels was greater in the placentas of patients with altered Doppler exams ( P < 0.001), and a greater terminal villi area was observed in these cases ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: The morphological proof that uterine artery Doppler flow velocity exam alterations are associated with placental vascular alterations demonstrates the importance of this exam during prenatal care, even in the absence of maternal–fetal alterations.