Pathology findings in preterm placentas of women with autoantibodies: A case-control study

To evaluate the placental histopathology findings in women with systemic lupus erythematosus or antiphospholipid syndrome delivered preterm

Objective: To evaluate the placental histopathology findings in women with systemic lupus erythematosus or antiphospholipid syndrome delivered preterm. Methods: We performed a case-control study comparing clinical outcomes and placental histopathology of 18 consecutive singleton pregnancies with systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 9) or antiphospholipid syndrome (n = 9) delivered between 24 and 37 weeks, and 54 controls matched for gestational age and type of preterm delivery (spontaneous or indicated). Placental examinations were performed by a single pathologist, and placental lesions were grouped into four categories: uteroplacental vascular pathology and related villous lesions; coagulation-related damage; chronic inflammation; and acute inflammatory lesions. Statistical analysis included the Mantel-Haenzsel or Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression, with a value of p < 0.05 or an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) not inclusive of unity considered significant. ...