Authors : Malathi B G, Ashok M
DOI : 10.18231/j.achr.2019.047
Volume : 4
Issue : 3
Year : 2019
Page No : 253-258
Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) refers to glucose intolerance with onset or first
recognition during pregnancy. Its raising and varied prevalence in India makes it significant to study its
effect on placenta for an effective euglycemic control.
Aim: To study the morphologic changes in placenta of GDM and its occurrence of onset in relation to
maternal age and parity order.
Materials and Methods: The material for the present prospective study consisted of placenta from cases
diagnosed as GDM received from the department of obstetrics and gynecology. The study was done for a
period of one year from June 2014 to May 2015.
Results: A total of 80 placenta were analysed. 40 cases diagnosed as GDM were the Study group and
remaining 40 was the control group the morphologic findings in GDM were found statistically significant.
In the gross findings 37 (92.5%) GDM placenta weighed >500gm, the mean number of cotyledons was
21.08 and the mean size was 473.8cm3. The umbilical coed insertion was commonly eccentric. Various
histopathological lesions identified were chorangiosis in 30(75%), increased syncytial knots in 29 (72.5%),
villous edema in 28 (70%) cases, trophoblast basement membrane thickening in 24(60%), villous stromal
fibrosis in 24(60%), fibrin deposition in 22(55%), and fibrinoid necrosis in 10(25%) cases. PAS stain for
trophoblast basement membrane thickening and PTAH for fibrin deposition were positive. Majority of
GDM cases were in the maternal age group of (25-30) years and were multiparous.
Conclusion: GDM causes significant morphologic changes consistent with dysmaturity and immaturity of
the trophoblast tissue demanding an effective glycemic control.
Keywords: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Placenta, Histopathology.