ABSTRACT
The correlation between placental histopathology and clinical data may augment our understanding of the sequence of pathologic events and enhance the management of the neonate or future pregnancies. Although placental specimens are not routinely sent for pathological examination, there has been growing recognition of its importance. Indications for placental referral include fetal conditions requiring admission to the neonatal intensive care unit and maternal diseases or disorders related to pregnancy, such as maternal diabetes. Maternal diabetes mellitus complicates pregnancy through a variety of growth-promoting and growth-restricting forces that disrupt the normal development of both the fetus and placenta. A comprehensive systematic review provides a critical examination of gross and histopathological findings associated with dysglycemia in pregnancy. Placental pathology in pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes varies based on physiological influences including the type of diabetes, degree of dysglycemia, and insulin use. The placenta in maternal diabetes is heavy, large, somewhat immature, and characterized by chorangiosis and vascular anomalies such as decidual vasculopathy.
