Placental grading
Sonographic classification system describing placental maturation based on calcification and textural changes.
Full Definition
Placental grading is an ultrasound-based classification system developed by Grannum that categorizes placental maturation into grades 0 through 3 based on the appearance of the chorionic plate, placental substance, and basal layer. Grade 0 represents an immature placenta with smooth chorionic plate, while Grade 3 shows extensive calcification and acoustic shadowing indicating advanced maturation. Although once used for fetal lung maturity assessment, placental grading has limited clinical utility as it correlates poorly with actual placental function and fetal well-being. Modern obstetrics relies more on biometric measurements, Doppler studies, and biophysical testing for fetal assessment.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize 'Grannum' when referencing the specific classification system. Limited clinical utility in modern practice.
In Context
- "Placental grading showed Grade 2 changes at 34 weeks, within normal limits for gestational age." — Third trimester ultrasound
- "Current practice has moved away from using placental grading for fetal lung maturity assessment." — Clinical guideline update