PlacentaLl pathology Spontaneous Preterm Births

BACKGROUND : Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide and accounts for 75% of neonatal deaths and 50% of long-term morbidity, including respiratory disease and neurodevelopmental impairment. The incidence of preterm birth range from 5% to 8% in most developed and developing countries, but it is still increasing worldwide. There is increasing evidence that infection may play a major role in the pathogenesis of spontaneous preterm birth. The placenta is a very critical organ in explaining the pathogenesis of preterm birth. From this point of view, the placental pathology will be emphasized in two clinical categories of preterm birth: spontaneous preterm birth (SPB) and indicated preterm birth (IPB). OBJECTIVES : To study gross and microscopic changes occurring in placenta of spontaneous preterm births in order to determine frequency of various lesions. METHODS : A Retrospective study on the Placental pathology in spontaneous preterm births was carried out in, Government Stanley Medical College, Chennai-1 (50 Singleton pregnancy admitted with preterm labour pains between 28 to