Context: Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy causing both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Changes in the placenta, which are a consequence of some maternal conditions have their bearing on fetal outcome. Studies on placenta from cases of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) have shown a spectrum of changes. Aim: To study pathological features of placenta in PIH and to correlate these changes with severity of PIH. Methodology: 100 placentas from cases of PIH and 20 normal placentas were subjected to Gross and microscopic examination. Weight of placenta, infarction, retroplacental hematoma (RPH) and calcification was noted on gross. On microscopy villous changes were quantitated. Statistical analysis: Comparison of parameters between different groups was done by ANOVA test and students "t" test. Categorical data was analysed by chi-square test and Fisher exact probability test. Results: The placental weight was reduced in cases of PIH and they had increased incidence of infarction and RPH compared to controls. There was significant increase in villous lesions like cytotrophoblastic proliferation (CP), syncitial knots (SK), vasculosyncytial membrane paucity (VSMP), thickening of basement membranes (TBM), fibrinoid necrosis (FN) and stromal fibrosis (SF) in cases of PIH. These changes increased with severity of PIH. Conclusion: PIH adversely influences the placenta. Significant gross findings include Infarction and RPH and villous lesions are Increased SK, CP, FN of villi, TBM, VSMP. These changes were proportional to the severity of disease.

Keywords: Pregnancy Induced Hypertension; Placenta; Syncitial Knots.