Quantitative changes of extravillous trophoblast cells in placentas of systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

In the present study, quantitative changes of extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) in the placentas of SLE patients were investigated compared to healthy controls using stereological methods. Volumetric parameters and number of EVTs per unit volume of the placenta were estimated respectively, using Cavalieri's principle and Physical Disector stereological methods. Placental volume in the SLE group was increased compared to the control group, but this increase was not statistically significant (p > .