Biology and pathology of the placenta in relation to antiphospholipid antibody-associated pregnancy failure.

The placenta is a complex organ composed of maternal and foetal components whose anatomy and function is often greatly simplified in order to explain a range of presumed placenta-related pregnancy complications. Since one of the major roles of the placenta is its materno-foetal transfer function, abnormalities at the materno-foetal interface may be responsible for a range of pregnancy complications manifesting from the first through third trimesters according to the severity of the pathological process in each case. This article reviews some aspects of abnormal early placental development and its consequences, with particular regard to recurrent pregnancy failure and obstetric complications in association with primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.