Sonographic Placental Morphology and the Risk of Ppreeclampsia and Delivery of Small for Gestational Age Baby at a Nigerian South-West Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a disease of public health importance because of its associated maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the association between early 2^nd trimester placental morphology and subsequent risk of developing PE and/or delivery of small for gestational age (SGA) neonate.

Method: This was a prospective cohort study conducted at the Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, over a one-year period. Pregnant women who met the criteria were recruited for the study from gestational age 15weeks + 0day to 19weeks + 6days. Maximum placental thickness and length were measured during routine obstetric ultrasound and the participants were followed up till delivery. Association between placental thickness and PE and/or SGA was tested. The mean placental length between pre-eclamptic and normotensive groups were compared using independent sample t-test. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS, version 26.

Ethical approval for the study was obtained.

Results: One hundred and eighty-six women were recruited for the study. Placental thickness above normal in the early 2^nd trimester was significantly associated with PE (P<0.001). However, the association was not statistically significant after adjusting for confounders–maternal risk factors (AOR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.05 to 6.0, P=0.6). Placental thickness below normal was significantly associated with SGA (P=0.04), but no significant association was found between early 2nd trimester placental length and preeclampsia (P=0.5) and SGA (P=0.64).

Conclusion: There was significant association between placental thickness and the risk of developing preeclampsia/ small for gestational age. However, no significant association was found with placental length.