Placental examination frequently provides vital information to obstetricians and families about the cause of a stillbirth or neonatal death, preterm delivery, congenital anomaly or developmental problem. Information from placental examination may be immediately useful in the care of a sick neonate. Yet many pathologists are unsure of the significance of pathologic findings in the placenta. In this course we will review the indications for and the components of a thorough placental examination. We will briefly discuss placental development and how the histologic features change with gestational age. Utilizing a case-based approach, we will review the gross and microscopic placental features, pathogenesis and clinical implications for both mother and baby of intrauterine infections, maternal diseases, placental circulatory disorders, abnormalities of implantation, multiple gestation, and abnormalities of the fetal membranes and umbilical cord. The role of ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemistry and molecular techniques will be considered where applicable.

Upon completion of this course participants should be able to perform a thorough placental examination and understand the gross and microscopic features as well as the clinical significance of major abnormalities in the placenta.

This course will be of most interest to general pathologists and pathologists in training. A limited number of loan sets of glass slides will be available for advance mailing. After the meeting all participants will also receive a CD of presented images and text. A syllabus highlighting diagnostic features, differential diagnosis and discussion points, along with useful references will be distributed at the course.

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