What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Idiopathic Villitis of Placenta
• Noninfectious Chronic Villitis of Placenta
• VUE (Villitis of Unknown Etiology)

What is Villitis of Unknown Etiology? (Definition/Background Information)

• Villitis of Unknown Etiology (VUE) is a type of inflammation of the placental villi, which occurs due to unknown reasons. In most cases, the inflammation occurs in a term placenta. VUE is seen in 5-15% of the placentas
• The placenta is an organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall. It is a disc shaped reddish brown structure that connects the fetus to the mother through the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord contains two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein
• The normal function of placenta is to supply nutrients and oxygen to the fetus from the mother’s blood and remove wastes from the fetal body
• The chorion and amnion are placental membranes. The chorion is the membrane that is present between the growing fetus and the mother. The amnion closely covers and protects the developing embryochorion is the membrane that is present between the growing fetus and the mother. The amnion closely covers and protects the developing embryoembryochorion is the membrane that is present between the growing fetus and the mother. The amnion closely covers and protects the developing embryo
• The placenta also contains chorionic villi, which are the structures that sprout from the .chorion Their purpose is to increase the contact between the mother and fetuschorion. Their purpose is to increase the contact between the mother and fetusfetuschorion. Their purpose is to increase the contact between the mother and fetus
• Villitis of Unknown Etiology may be influenced by factors such as maternal infertility, repeated miscarriages, or autoimmune disorders. It can lead to complications such as intrauterine growth retardation, cerebral palsy, and even fetal death
• Currently, there is no definitive treatment for the condition, however the prognosis of Villitis of Unknown Etiology is generally excellent in a majority of cases

Who gets Villitis of Unknown Etiology? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Villitis of Unknown Etiology is a common condition and may be present in 5-15% of all pregnancies
• No particular racial or ethnic predilection is observed

What are the Risk Factors for Villitis of Unknown Etiology? (Predisposing Factors)

Risk factors associated with Villitis of Unknown Etiology include:

• Maternal infertility
• Repeated miscarriages
• Autoimmune disorders
• Low birth weight of baby
• 10-25% of subsequent pregnancy may have VUE, if it was observed in a prior pregnancy. Hence the condition is also known as Chronic Villitis of Unknown Etiology

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Villitis of Unknown Etiology? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Villitis of Unknown Etiology is currently unknown
• Some researchers believe that it is caused by an abnormal immune response of the mother against the placenta
• The condition does not cause inflammation in either the umbilical cord or in the fetal membrane

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Villitis of Unknown Etiology?

Generally, there are no distinct signs and symptoms associated with Villitis of Unknown Etiology.

• The placenta may be small (low weight) for gestational age, otherwise it may look normal (grossly)
• There is no sign of infection in the mother
• Only a biopsy of the placenta may help establish VUE

How is Villitis of Unknown Etiology Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Villitis of Unknown Etiology may include:

• Complete physical examination of the mother
• Complete blood count
• Culture studies are negative for bacteria, fungi, and virus (in the mother)
• A careful examination of the placenta by a pathologist after birth of the child, to macroscopically (gross visual exam) and microscopically analyze the placental tissue may help establish a diagnosis. The pathologist may perform additional studies to rule out infection that can cause similar inflammation in the placenta

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Villitis of Unknown Etiology?

Complications due to Villitis of Unknown Etiology may include:

• Intrauterine fetal demise/death
• Recurrent miscarriages
• Cerebral palsy in newborn
• Poor mental development
• Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)

How is Villitis of Unknown Etiology Treated?

• There is no definitive treatment for Villitis of Unknown Etiology
• In case of any complications, supportive and symptomatic treatment is provided

How can Villitis of Unknown Etiology be Prevented?

It may not be possible to prevent Villitis of Unknown Etiology, though the following measures may be considered:

• Taking adequate care if there is a past history of VUE or miscarriages
• Undertake appropriate treatment of any underlying autoimmune disorder
• A careful and periodic monitoring of the pregnancy is advised and recommended

What is the Prognosis of Villitis of Unknown Etiology? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Villitis of Unknown Etiology is generally excellent
• A majority of placentas with VUE have a normal, healthy baby
• In some cases, it can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Villitis of Unknown Etiology:

In twin pregnancies, either one or both placentas may be involved. Thus, the condition can affect one or both fetus. When only one fetus is involved (and not the other), the condition is called Discordant Villitis of Unknown Etiology.