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Gross placental anomalies and their association with newborn outcomes: A cross-sectional study

Sana Kamal Khidr
Department of Pathology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan region, Iraq.
Gzng Kakil Aziz
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan region, Iraq.
Avin Saleem Husein
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan region, Iraq.
Shahla kareem Al alaf
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan region, Iraq.
Namir Altawil
Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan region, Iraq.
Keywords:
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Copyright (c) 2025 Sana Kamal Khidr, Gzng Kakil Aziz, Avin Saleem Husein , Shahla kareem Al alaf, Namir Altawil (Author)

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Abstract

Background and objective: Correlating gross placentas abnormalities with perinatal outcomes is crucial for understanding their clinical impact. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gross placentas anomalies within a sample of Kurdish women after delivery and subsequently assess the association between these anomalies with early neonatal outcomes.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the labor ward of Maternity Teaching Hospital, Erbil city, Kurdistan region, Iraq between 15th of August 2023, and 14th of August 2024 on 500 freshly delivered placentas from term newborns. Placentas morphological and structural anomalies were identified and correlated with maternal demographic and early neonatal outcomes.

Placental morphological anomalies (weight, diameter, and thickness) were linked to maternal preeclampsia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and anemia. Gross anomalies significantly impacted early neonatal outcomes (Apgar scores, birth weight, NICU admission, neonatal deaths).

Conclusion: A significant placental abnormalities are common and strongly correlated with adverse neonatal outcomes, particularly when maternal medical disorders are present. Therefore placental assessment is vital for predicting and preventing these outcomes.

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How to Cite
Khidr, S., Kakil , G., saleem Husein , A., Al alaf, S. ., & Altawil, N. (2025). Gross placental anomalies and their association with newborn outcomes: A cross-sectional study. Zanco Journal of Medical Sciences (Zanco J Med Sci), 29(2), 361–371. https://doi.org/10.15218/zjms.2025.038

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