Search Results (2)

Objective: Premature placental calcification (PPC) has been implicated in adverse perinatal outcomes, yet its clinical significance remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively synthesize current data on the association between PPC, defined as grade 3 placental calcification before 36⁺⁶ weeks of gestation and adverse perinatal outcomes. Data Sources: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus and The Cochrane Library from inception until 11 March 2025, to identify eligible studies. Study Eligibility Criteria: Observational studies including singleton pregnancies with PPC diagnosed via ultrasonography between 28⁺⁰ and 36⁺⁶ weeks of gestation and comparing them with pregnancies with Grannum grade 0, 1, or 2 placentas were considered eligible. Methods: Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle−Ottawa Scale, and the risk of bias was evaluated with the Quality In Prognosis Studies tool. The primary outcomes were small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates and preeclampsia. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q test and the I² statistic. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model, with outcomes reported as relative risk (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In total, nine cohort studies were included. PPC was associated with an increased risk of SGA (RR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.46−2.70), preeclampsia (RR, 5.27; 95% CI, 2.24−12.40), fetal growth restriction (RR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.30−4.09), preterm delivery (RR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.00−4.45), suspected fetal hypoxia (RR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.13–2.56), low 5 min Apgar score (RR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.50−3.44) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (RR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.02−3.18). No significant associations were found with fetal or neonatal death (RR, 2.75; 95% CI, 0.87−8.71), cesarean delivery (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.90−1.78), gestational diabetes mellitus (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.81−1.70), neonatal resuscitation (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.92−1.16), birthweight (MD, −187.46 g; 95% CI, −413.14 to +38.21), or gestational age at birth (MD, −0.62 weeks; 95% CI, −1.36 to +0.11). A sensitivity analysis excluding high-risk-of-bias studies yielded consistent results. Conclusions: PPC is associated with several adverse perinatal outcomes, including SGA and preeclampsia. While the clinical significance of placental grading has remained limited in recent years, this study has shown that PPC may serve as an early indicator of placental insufficiency, warranting enhanced fetal surveillance and risk assessment in affected pregnancies. Further research is needed to refine its prognostic utility and integration into obstetric practice. Full article

Background: Placental grading remains underutilized in clinical practice despite its potential prognostic value. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between premature placental calcification (PPC) and relevant perinatal outcomes in a large cohort. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 3088 singleton pregnancies that underwent routine third-trimester ultrasound examinations (30⁺⁰ to 35⁺⁶ gestational weeks) at the Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, between January 2018 and December 2023. Placental calcification was graded using the Grannum system, categorizing placentas into Grades 0–1 (control), Grade 2, and Grade 3. Primary outcomes assessed were small for gestational age neonates (SGA) and preeclampsia. Secondary outcomes included gestational hypertension, fetal growth restriction (FGR), stillbirth, gestational age at birth, and birthweight centile. Multiple logistic regression was employed to adjust for confounders, i.e., maternal age, BMI, smoking, conception via assisted reproductive technology, and uterine artery pulsatility index. Results: In total, 544 pregnancies (17.6%) had Grade 2 placentas, and 41 pregnancies (1.3%) had Grade 3 placentas. Compared to the control group, Grade 2 placentas were associated with increased odds of SGA (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.80; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.43–2.25) and FGR (aOR 1.81; 95% CI: 1.35–2.42). Grade 3 placentas showed even higher odds of SGA (aOR 3.09; 95% CI: 1.55–6.17) and FGR (aOR 3.26; 95% CI: 1.53–6.95). No significant associations were found between placental grading and preeclampsia or stillbirth. Additionally, PPC was linked to lower birthweight percentiles and earlier gestational age at birth. Conclusions: Premature placental calcification (before 36⁺⁰ weeks), particularly Grade 3, is significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcomes such as SGA and FGR. Incorporating placental grading into routine prenatal care may enhance risk stratification and guide clinical decision making beyond traditional assessment methods. Full article