Atlas of Placental Pathology

The placenta is an important organ that is often neglected by surgical pathologists and clinicians. Placental diagnoses provide risk assessment for infant prognosis, recurrent risk for future pregnancies, and explanatory findings. This book presents evidence-based information on the relevance of placental pathology, emphasizing the need for an educated and directed sampling of the placenta through gross examination to result in a better and more useful final diagnosis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2021
Publisher: American Registry of Pathology

The placenta, a vital organ often overlooked by surgical pathologists and clinicians alike, holds immense importance in understanding infant prognosis, predicting future pregnancy risks, and providing valuable explanatory findings. The field of placental diagnosis has garnered widespread interest due to its potential to unravel the antenatal determinants of adult diseases, inborn errors of metabolism, specific infections, malignancies, and real-time assessment of placental function, with the ultimate aim of influencing treatment outcomes. Despite the challenges associated with studying human gestation and gestational pathologies, much of the knowledge regarding the relevance of placental pathology is biased towards personal experiences and retrospective studies. However, this comprehensive book aims to present evidence-based information to the reader. The authors underscore the critical need for an educated and targeted sampling of the placenta through thorough gross examination, which will yield a more accurate and valuable final diagnosis.

The placenta, a crucial organ during pregnancy, plays a vital role in nurturing the developing fetus. It is a complex structure that forms between the mother's uterus and the baby's umbilical cord. The placenta is responsible for providing oxygen, nutrients, and waste removal to the fetus, as well as regulating hormones and immune responses.

However, the placenta is often neglected by surgical pathologists and clinicians, leading to potential gaps in understanding and diagnosis. Placental diagnoses can provide valuable information for predicting infant prognosis, identifying risk factors for future pregnancies, and understanding the underlying causes of various conditions.

One area of interest in placental diagnosis is the study of antenatal determinants of adult disease. The placenta is believed to play a role in the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. By analyzing the placenta, researchers can identify markers of these diseases and develop strategies for prevention and treatment.

Inborn errors of metabolism are another important area of placental diagnosis. These are genetic disorders that affect the metabolism of nutrients, leading to abnormal levels of substances in the blood and tissues. Placental examination can help identify these disorders and provide guidance for treatment and management.

Specific infections, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and toxoplasmosis, can also impact the placenta and the developing fetus. Placental examination can help detect these infections and guide treatment options to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby.

Malignancies, such as cancer, can also affect the placenta. Placental examination can help detect these tumors early and provide information for treatment planning.

In addition to diagnostic purposes, placental examination can also be used to assess placental function in real-time. This can be particularly important for monitoring pregnancies at high risk for complications, such as pre-eclampsia and preeclampsia. By analyzing the placenta, researchers can identify markers of these conditions and develop strategies for early intervention and management.

Despite the importance of placental diagnosis, there are challenges associated with studying human gestation and gestational pathologies. Much of the knowledge regarding the relevance of placental pathology is biased towards personal experiences and retrospective studies. Additionally, the placenta is a complex organ that requires specialized techniques and equipment for examination.

To address these challenges, this book presents evidence-based information on placental diagnosis. The authors emphasize the need for an educated and directed sampling of the placenta through gross examination, which will result in a better and more useful final diagnosis. Gross examination involves examining the placenta under a microscope to identify any abnormalities or changes that may indicate a potential problem.

The authors also discuss the importance of using appropriate diagnostic tools and techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and molecular testing, to accurately diagnose placental pathologies. These tools can provide valuable information for understanding the underlying causes of conditions and developing targeted treatments.

In conclusion, the placenta is a vital organ that plays a critical role in pregnancy and fetal development. Placental diagnoses can provide valuable information for predicting infant prognosis, identifying risk factors for future pregnancies, and understanding the underlying causes of various conditions. By studying the placenta, researchers can develop strategies for prevention, treatment, and management of these conditions, leading to improved outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Weight: 1856g
Dimension: 219 x 285 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781933477091