Triploidy in human abortions

Seven triploid embryos and fetuses, six spontaneously aborted and one resulting from pregnancy interruption are described. A wide range of malformations, from amorphous, nodular embryos, to apparently normal phenotypes were observed. The degree of hydatid degeneration in the placentae ranged from minimal to severe. In several cases large, atypical cells were present in the villous stroma. There was no apparent correlation between the degree of placental lesion and fetal malformations. It is suggested that termination of triploid pregnancies is determined more by the degree of placental damage rather than the severity and type of fetal anomalies.