Sexual origins of placental dysfunction

A Edwards, A Megens, M Peek, EM Wallace - The Lancet, 2000 - thelancet.com
A Edwards, A Megens, M Peek, EM Wallace
The Lancet, 2000thelancet.com
Severe placental dysfunction is much more common in pregnancies with a male than with a
female fetus. Furthermore, the birthweight/placental weight ratio is increased in these
pregnancies, consistent with fetal growth restriction, and is higher with a male fetus than with
a female fetus. These observations of placental insufficiency may underlie the increased in-
utero loss rate of male fetuses.
Summary
Severe placental dysfunction is much more common in pregnancies with a male than with a female fetus. Furthermore, the birthweight/placental weight ratio is increased in these pregnancies, consistent with fetal growth restriction, and is higher with a male fetus than with a female fetus. These observations of placental insufficiency may underlie the increased in-utero loss rate of male fetuses.
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