Histopathological Findings of Umbilical Cord in Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction is one of the causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Intrauterine growth of fetus depends on maternal, fetal and genetic factors. Aim of the study was to find the histopathology of umbilical cord in IUGR and normal pregnancies. Materials & methods: This prospective case control study included 100 umbilical cord samples which were equally distributed as cases and control. Routine histological procedures were followed for staining of tissue. Histopathology readings were photographed and noted. Results: In our study we found 24 % Wharton's jelly oedema and 28 % venous dilatations in IUGR. We didn't observe any thrombus, fibrinoid necrosis, perivascular or intraparietal hemorrhage, arterial or venous thrombus in our study both in cases and control. Conclusion: Umbilical cord and placental histopathology provides insight to predict reoccurrence of IUGR and for timely management