Characterization of histopathological changes in pregnancy losses detected in a reference pathological anatomy service

Abstract

Introduction: Abortion is the most common obstetric complication, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Cytogenetic changes, most commonly trisomy, are described as its leading cause and correlate with advancing maternal age. Anatomical, immunological, and endocrine factors may also be associated with it. Objectives: Considering the importance of the information present in histopathological reports of pregnancy losses, the objective is to identify the main morphological alterations and their correlations with abortion recurrence and maternal age. Methods: Descriptive observational study in which 526 histopathological reports of pregnancy losses issued between 2016 and 2018 were analyzed in the Pathological Anatomy Service, located in Juiz de Fora - Minas Gerais, identifying the presence of villi and their characteristics, decidua, membranes, umbilical cord, ectopic pregnancy, fetal tissues and signs of chromosomal abnormalities. Furthermore, to observe the correlation of the alterations found by maternal age group. Results: The average age was 30.45, ranging from 15 to 55 years old. The main morphological alteration found was "signs of retention" in the chorionic villi, followed by "hydropic villi," "swollen villi," "hydatidiform mole," and "hydropic abortion." Most reports (229) were of 25-36-year-old women. Conclusion: The morphological study of pregnancy losses, combined with information such as maternal age and presence of comorbidities, is characterized as an important instrument for etiological elucidation and medical advice aimed at maternal wellbeing and safety for future pregnancies.

Keywords

• abortion
• histophatology
• maternal age