Muhammad Yasoob, Zahra Haider Bokhari, Mulazim Hussain Bukhari, Nadia Tazeen, Attiya Khalid.
Histomorphometric study of Umbilical Cord in Gestational Hypertension & Preeclampsia.
Pak J Med Health Sci Jan ;8(3):545-9.

Aim: To determine the effects of gestational hypertension alone & preeclampsia on the morphology & histology of umbilical cord. Methods: 10 umbilical cords from normotensive patients & 10 each from gestational hypertension alone & preeclampsia were collected from Lady Wallingdon & Lady Aitchison Hospitals Lahore. The basis of selection and distribution of umbilical cords into groups was based on elevated diastolic blood pressure & proteinurea. The attachment, length, weight, diameter & color of cords was noted. On histological examination changes in its tunica intima & media were observed. Results: there was change in the color & decrease in the length, weight of the cords with mounting blood pressure. Disruption of endothelium & basement membrane were present in both PIH groups. Both study groups showed hypertrophy of the wall & of tunica media but fibrinoid necrosis of the wall & luminal thrombosis was present in the preeclamptic group only. Conclusions: From the study it was concluded that increase in pregnancy induced hypertension adversely affected the umbilical cord & hence the fetus.

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