Immunohistochemical and histopathological evaluation of the placental effects of anemia in adolescent and advanced age pregnancies

Objectives: In our study, women in the risk age group who had anemia during pregnancy were examined using a questionnaire. Placental histopathology and DMT1, TFR1, IRP1 molecules associated anemia were examined and its effects were investigated. Materials and Methods: A total of 135 women who had spontaneous vaginal delivery at Ayvalık State Hospital between September 2020 and October 2021 were included in the study. "Group 1; ≤18 years anemic; Group 2; ≤18 years non-anemic; Group 3; ≥35 years anemic; Group 4, age ≥35 years non-anemic". Study groups were divided into hb<110 g/L and hb>110 g/L. Data were collected through the 'Sociodemographic Questionnaire Form', the 'Personal Information Form' and the 'Newborn Measurements, Apqar Scoring and Placenta Weight Descriptive Characteristics Form'. In addition, sections were taken from placental tissues and both histopathologically and Dmt1, TFR1, IRP1 molecules were examined by immunohistochemistry method. The research is registered to Clinical Trials with the number NCT03893084. Findings: Most of the participants in the risky age group were aware of the problems caused by anemia during pregnancy for the baby and herself (p <0.05). While villi and fetal blood vessels were normal in the ≤18-year-old non-anemic group, fibrinoid deposits were observed in the villi in the ≤18-year-old anemic group. Fibrinoid deposition in villi was observed in both anemic and non-anemic groups aged ≥35 years. In terms of risky age groups, it was observed that there was a difference between all groups in DMT1, TFR1 and IRP1 immunohistochemical staining (p<0.05). Results: We think that DMT1, TFR1 and IRP1 immunohistochemistry results are higher in anemic pregnants compared to non-anemic pregnant women aged ≤18 and ≥35 years, and that although the mother has iron deficiency, we think that the deficiency can be tolerated with the iron absorption mechanism in the placenta. Key words: Anemia in pregnancy, DMT1, TFR1, IRP1, Placental Histopathology, Risky Pregnancy