Massive perivillous fibrin deposition: Diagnosis, obstetrical features, and treatment

MPVFD (Massive perivillous fibrin deposition) is placental lesion characterized by extensive massive deposits of fibrin in the intervillous space, extending over at least 25 % of the placental volume. Currently, this pathology can only be detected through histopathological examination of the placenta after a pregnancy has ended. The underlying mechanisms are poorly studied, there is no biomarker available for the diagnosis of MPVFD and treatment protocols are experimental and still lacking. The objective of this study is to systematically review the literature on the associated clinicopathologic features, treatment, and prognosis of MPVFD. We ended up with 17 studies, of these 12 studies were considered relevant for this article and included in the final analysis. All studies reporting MPVFD are retrospective. MPVFD is associated with recurrent miscarriage, intra uterine fetal death (IUFD), intra uterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preterm delivery. The prevalence in pregnancies with a delivery after 22 weeks of gestation was at 1.1 % and even higher to 2.7 % in recurrent early miscarriages. The reported risk of fetal death in MPVFD ranges mainly from 15 to 80 %. Preterm delivery is spontaneous in 50 to 70 % of cases and induced by of a severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in 30 to 50 % of cases depending on the study. Its causes and treatment are still poorly understood, although several avenues have been explored. This review summarizes current understanding of the prevalence, diagnostic features, clinical consequences, immune pathology, and potential prophylaxis against recurrence in this chronic inflammatory placental syndrome.