CORRELATION BETWEEN PLACENTAL HISTOMORPHOMETRY AND BIRTH OUTCOMES AMONG PREECLAMPTIC AND NORMOTENSIVE PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ARBAMINCH GENERAL HOSPITAL IN GAMO ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA: A COMPARATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background- Preeclampsia is characterized by placental dysfunction. It causes gross and histological alterations, including diminished placental weight and size, infarction, and calcification. Pathological investigations of the placenta are used for a variety of reasons, including predicting pregnancy outcomes. An evaluation can help with subsequent pregnancies and offer light on the pathophysiology of poor outcomes from the first pregnancy. Objective - To assess histomorphometry of placenta and its correlation with birth outcome among preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant mothers attending the labor ward, at Arba Minch General Hospital, Gamo Zone, southern Ethiopia from October –December 2023. Method - An institution-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Arba Minch General Hospital from October –December 2023. Study participants were selected using a sequential sampling procedure. The total sample size was 119 (30 preeclamptic and 89 normotensive). Following delivery, the placentas were collected from the delivery room. The weight of both the placenta and the baby was measured using a standard weight scale. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. chi square test was used to compare the histological features of the placenta in hypertensive and normotensive mothers; the Fisher's exact test was used for variables with an expected count of less than five during chi-square analysis; and the means were compared using an independent t test. The association between histopathological changes and birth weight was investigated using point biserial correlation (a special type of Pearson correlation). P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result - At Arba Minch General Hospital, 119 pregnant women, 30 of whom were preeclamptic mothers, and 89 who were normotensives participated in the study. 47.9% of participants were between the ages of 18 and 25, 43.7% were between the ages of 26 and 32, and 8.4% were aged 33 and over. Among the participants, 103 (86.6%) are urban inhabitants, whereas 16 (13.4%) are from rural areas. Our study found that 5.6% of the babies in the comparison group and 53.3% of the kids born to pre-eclamptic women were underweight. The case and comparison groups had mean birth weights of 2.5 kg ±.59 and 3.3 kg ±.51, respectively (p =.001). Histopathological alterations were observed at a higher rate in the case group (p = 0.001), and the placenta in the case group appears lighter and smaller. The birth weight and histopathologic alterations in the placenta were significantly associated (p=0.001). Conclusion and Recommendation- The study found that preeclampsia resulted in greater rates of placental histological abnormalities and that placental histological abnormalities affected birth outcomes. Adequate obstetric care is essential for controlling preeclampsia and minimizing potential risks. Targeted intervention options can help to address the complex link between preeclampsia and poor outcomes.