Structural Variances in Histomorphometry Analysis of Umbilical Cord in Normal and Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Abstract

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction is the clinical condition when the estimated weight of fetus is less than 10^th percentile.  Objective: To study the changes in histomorphometry of umbilical cord in normal and intrauterine growth restriction. Materials and methods: 100 umbilical samples were collected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and were divided into cases and controls. Histomorphometry measurements were recorded using Leica LAS V4.12 software. Results: Total area of umbilical cord, vein, artery-1 &2, Wharton’s jelly were 22.65+2.66, 2.33+0.08, 2.04+0.09, 1.88+0.08 and 29.58+1.98 respectively which were less when compared to normal cords. Thickness of vein, artery-1 & 2 in IUGR were 0.33+0.02, 0.47+0.04 and 0.48+0.02 respectively. Conclusion: In our study all the umbilical cord parameters were reduced in IUGR than normal. Reduced blood flow to fetus may be due to structural alterations umbilical cord vessels or placental vasculature.