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MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES OF THE SPIRAL ARTERIES IN THE PLACENTAE BED IN RELATION TO PRE-ECLAMPSIA AND FETAL GROWTH RETARDATION
Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1981.tb02222.x
Issue
1471-0528/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=b4e1d96c46e18c61210d584b63c13ee375cf562b "BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology")
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Volume 88, Issue 9, pages 876–881, September 1981
Additional Information
How to Cite
Gerretsen, G., Huisjes, H. J. and Elema, J. D. (1981), MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES OF THE SPIRAL ARTERIES IN THE PLACENTAE BED IN RELATION TO PRE-ECLAMPSIA AND FETAL GROWTH RETARDATION. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 88: 876–881. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1981.tb02222.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Received November 19,1980/Accepted April 4,1981
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Summary
The spiral arteries at the level of the decidual-myometrial junction in the placental bed were examined histologically in 93 biopsies. Of these, 23 originated from normal uncomplicated pregnancies, 30 from pre-eclamptic and 40 from otherwise complicated pregnancies. The association of the‘physiological changes’ of the spiral artery with uncomplicated pregnancy and their absence in pre-eclampsia, as noted by Brosens and others, has been confirmed. In addition, in pregnancies without pre-eclampsia, these changes were significantly more often absent with fetal growth retardation. The hypothesis is put forward that hypertension of pregnancy is a compensatory mechanism to ensure an adequate blood supply to the placenta when the‘physiological changes’ fail to occur.