Single Centered Morphometric Analysis of Placenta in Different Ethnic Groups of Karachi

Abstract

Objective: To observe and interpret the variations in the morphology of placenta in pregnancies among ethnic groups.

Methodology: This was an observational study conducted in the department of obstetrics & gynecology, UMDC & Creek General hospital from October 2020 till October 2022. A total of 272 delivered patients belonging to different ethnicities like Sindhi, Punjabi, Baluchi, Muhajir and others were included after Informed consent. After delivery, the placenta was examined in labor room for placental weight, diameter, shape, site of cord insertion, placental & cord thickness, cotyledons &vessels in the cord. SPSS version 22 was used.

Results: A total of 272 patients which included 136 Muhajirs, 58 Punjabis, 34 Sindhis & 18 Pathan women; 26 included Hindko, Gilgiti, Burmese, Swati & Bengalis. Mean age range was 25.63 to 26.17 years. The mean placental thickness ranged 1.23 cm to 1.58 cm & Mean cord thickness ranged 0.70 cm - 0.83 cm. Total mean placental Weight was 0.74kg with SD of 0.32. Mean placental diameter was

19.57 with SD of 4.62 ; Mean placental circumference was 56.70 with SD of 10.63; mean cord length was 29.75 cms with SD of 11 cms. The shape of the placenta was round – 97. Among Muhajirs, the majority had a round shape in 82, oval in 45, irregular in 7 and triangular in 2 patients. There was central cord insertion in 85 and marginal in 50 patients.

Conclusion: Placenta examination provides vital information about the intrauterine environment and fetal development.

Keywords: ethnicity, fetal, maternal, morphology, placenta.