Placental weight and placental ratio as predictors of later blood pressure in childhood

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: A significant inverse relationship between blood pressure and birth weight is firmly established. This association may be the result of fetal adaptations to an adverse intrauterine environment. Further markers of intrauterine growth include the weight of the placenta and the placental ratio (the ratio of placental weight to birth weight). A number of studies suggest that a decreased placental weight or an elevated placental ratio may be independent risk factors for subsequent high blood pressure. The overall evidence for this is, however, inconclusive. The purpose of the present study was to clearly define the relationships between placental weight, placental ratio and subsequent ..