The roentgenographic study of placental calcifications in Korean pregnants

Cho, C C

Abstract

Calcifications in the placenta have been considered as a sign of the maturity because it is found frequentlyin variable degrees in full-term placentas. The palcentas studied were those from deliveries at Chung-AngUniversisty Hospital during the period of Jan 1978 to June 1980 and were excluded if their deliveries were byCaesarean section. Roentgenographic studies of placenta were performed postnatally in 135 cases delivered fromnormal pregnants. The results were as follows; 1. The incidence of calcification in the palcenta was 53.3%. 2. Thetendency of palcental calcification was increased as progress of matuirty but not indicated as postmaturity. 3.Calcifications were less correlated with increasing gravidity or maternal age. 4. Calcifications occured morefrequently with increasing birth weight. 5. Calcifications in placentas were more frequently in the neonates with10 scores of Apgar and normal level of maternal hemoglobin. 6. No significant correlation between incidence ofcalcification and maternal toxemia was observed. In the pregnants with an episode of previous abortion orS.P.R.M., incidence of calcification was apparently increased but statistically not significant. On the whole,placental calcifications are not harmful and identified as normal or proper aging process.