VARIATION IN SHAPE, WEIGHT AND NUMBER OF COTYLEDONS OF PLACENTAE IN KOSI REGION OF BIHAR, NORTH EAST INDIA

BACKGROUNDPlacenta serves the most basic metabolic needs of foetus including respiration, nourishment and excretion.It forms an organ for interchange of material between foetus and maternal blood stream without mixing or physical contact of two blood streams.The formation of placenta is a biological event, which is important both embryologically and immunologically.Placenta is a choriodecidual structure which develops during pregnancy and lies implanted on the uterine wall near the fundus.It is connected to the foetus through the umbilical cord.A maternal surface is dull red in colour and is divided by septa into number of irregular quadrilateral lobes termed cotyledons.These septa consist of fibrous tissue with sparse vessels confined to their bases.Placental shape, weight and number of cotyledons varied in different population.It can determine the extent of the health of new born.The placenta produces hormones that play a role in maintaining pregnancy.The objectives of this study were to compare placental shape, measuring weight and to count the number of cotyledons in each placenta and to have a better concept about maternal well-being and infant health which helps in reducing. MATERIALS AND METHODSFresh, intact 150 placentae were collected from labour room of Katihar Medical College and Hospital during a period of two years in Kosi region of Bihar, North East India.The study was done in Anatomy Department of Katihar Medical College by observation, dissection and weight measuring methods.Photographs of placentae obtained from full term deliveries (normal/Caesarean section) were taken.After proper washing with distilled water, removal of blood clots was done with digital pressure applied over arteries and veins and later on irrigation was done.Shape, weight and no. of cotyledons of placentae were observed and recorded. RESULTSAfter proper cleaning and dissection, a total of 150 placentas were examined in the present work.Variation in placental shape, weight and no. of cotyledons were found, noted and photographs taken.The main aim of this study was to find variation in morphology in pregnancy especially shape, weight and no. of cotyledons of placenta. CONCLUSIONThe study was undertaken on placenta obtained from Department of OBG, KMC, Katihar.A total of 150 placentae were examined in Anatomy Dept., KMC.The present study showed most of the placentae were round, oval or irregularly circular.Maximum number of placentae, 46% was round with periphery thinner than centre.Most of the placentae had weight range between 300 -600 gm.Maximum was 760 gm and minimum was 240 gm.Number of cotyledons on maternal surface varied between 11 -20.Maximum number of cotyledons was 30 and minimum was 6.The studies of placentae give the information of prenatal exposure of infant.