Link between the macroscopic characteristics of the placenta and the weight and sex of the newborn in the obstetrics and gynaecology department of the Yalgado Ouédraogo university hospital, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Abstract

  Objective: To investigate the relationship between macroscopic placental parameters and newborn status in the Department of Obstetric Gynecology (DOG) at CHU Yalgado Ouédraogo (CHUYO).  Methods: This was an analytical study with prospective data collection in the DGO of CHUYO from October 1, 2023 to January 10, 2024. Relationships between placenta and newborn parameters were quantified by calculating Pearson's r correlation coefficients for quantitative variables. Relationships between quantitative and qualitative variables were determined by comparison of means. A difference was considered significant if p < 0.05.  Results: Mean birth weight was 2,858.45g. Apgar score was greater than 7 in 93.4% of newborns. Mean placental measurements were 506.56 g for weight, 203.89 mm for diameter and 19.72 mm for thickness. Mean cord circumference was 30.49 mm and mean length 526.39 mm. There was a correlation between birth weight and placental weight (r = 0.79). There was also a correlation between birth weight and placental diameter (r = 0.86), between birth weight and placental thickness (r = 0.83), and between birth weight and cord circumference (r = 0.62). Mean birth weight was higher in boys than in girls (p=0.011). Mean placental diameter was also higher in boys than in girls (p=0.003).  Conclusion: There is a strong correlation between placental diameter and birth weight. Placental weight and diameter are higher in boys than in girls.