OBJECTIVE: This descriptive study aimed to observe the anatomical including both and microscopic changes in diabetic placenta to increase our knowledge as very few studies are done on anatomy of placenta.INTRODUCTION: The placenta is a dynamic organ of unique function with short life-span. It is physiological site of exchange between maternal-fetal circulation. It is responsible for respiratory, nutritional, excretory, endocrine, and immunological functions.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Macroscopic and microscopic examination was carried out on total of 50 freshly delivered placentae from diabetic's mothers. Variables used for macroscopic examination are weight, diameter, number of cotyledons. On histology degenerative changes, fibrinoid necrosis, vessel thrombosis and infarction were examined.RESULTS: Morphological examination of placentae of diabetic mothers showed larger, heavier and more cotyledons. Similarly microscopic examination revealed dilated blood vessels, necrotic and degenerative foci, thrombosis and infarction in placentae of diabetic mothers.CONCLUSION: An adequate knowledge of the placental changes can prove to be valuable in the understanding the complications to fetus caused by diabetes. This study shows significant changes in placentae on gross as well as on microscopy. Out of many abnormal changes infarction is single most important change. Infarction lead to fibrin deposition in villi and leading to avascularity hence uteroplacental insufficiency which is important factor for fetal development.

OBJECTIVE: To see the morphological changes in excessive placental calcification in pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and its relation with fetal outcome.STUDY DESIGN: Prospective comparative study.PLACE AND DURATION: This study was conducted from June 2008 to July 2009 at the department of Anatomy of Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Jamshoro and placentae were collected from department of Gynecology & Obstetrics of Liaquat University Hospital.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty freshly delivered placentae were collected from labor room and gynecology operation theatre of Liaquat University Hospital. Forty placentae from parturient that had pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) & forty placentae from parturient belonged to uncomplicated pregnancy (control group). Ages of all parturient were between 17 to 32 years. Fetal outcome and data was recorded. Placentae were measured on a weighing machine graduated in grams and diameter was measured with the help of a measuring tape in centimeters. Approximately five mm piece of placenta was taken and processed for histological examination.RESULTS: The weight of placenta in control group ranges from 450 to 650 gm with a mean weight of 526.25 +/- 8.414 gm having diameter from 19 to 24 cm with a mean of 21.225 +/- 0.2148cm. In PIH group weight of placenta ranges from 200 to 550gm with a mean weight of 432.25 +/- 11.889gm with diameter ranges from 10 to 16cms with a mean14.208 +/- 0.1914cm. The difference in weight and diameter of placenta in PIH was found statistically significant when compared with weight and diameter of normal placentae.The birth weight of new born babies in control group was 1.8 kg to 3.6 kg with mean of 2.790 +/- 0.0689kg. In PIH group the fetal weight was 1.4 kg to 3.0 kg with mean weight of 2.195 +/- 0.0703kg.CONCLUSION: Fetal outcome in terms of birth weight of newborn to mother having PIH and calcification of placentae (grossly and microscopically) was poor as compared to control group.

Objective: During pregnancy remarkable changes occur, in structure and functions of urinary tract. These changes often predispose to the development of urinary tract disorder or may predispose to worsening of renal disease and its sequelae. Our objective was to determine the pattern of urinary tract symptoms during pregnancy. Methodology: This descriptive study included 520 pregnant patients, out of 2134 admitted in the antenatal and labour wards of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit-III, Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad from 1(st) April 2006 to 31(st) March 2007. Women with history of diabetes, chronic renal failure or complaining of urinary symptoms before index pregnancy were excluded. Other variables of study were urinary symptomatology. All women underwent complete examination of urine through various tests including culture and sensitivity. Results: During the study period, 520 patients were analyzed. Out of these, 49 (9.4%) patients were diagnosed as having urinary problems. Urinary tract infections were diagnosed in 34 out of 520 (6.5%) gravidas, acute renal failure in 11 (2.1%), nephrolithiasis in 2(0.4%), acute urinary retention in 2(0.4%) of patients. Majority of the patients belonged to the age group 21-25 years. Majority were multi gravidas and in the third trimester. Data analysis of our study showed that 316(60.8%) of the study population reported the symptom of frequency of micturition. Stress incontinence and voiding difficulties were reported by 37% and 35.2% respectively. Conclusion: Common urinary problems in pregnancy are urinary tract infections, acute renal failure, nephrolithisis, and acute retention of urine. Common symptoms are frequency of micturition, stress incontinence and voiding difficulties.