Differential expression of p63 in hydropic and molar gestations.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the differential expression of p63 in hydropic and molar gestation. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Pathology, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate and Medical Centre, Karachi, from January 2006 to June 2013. METHODOLOGY: Ninety placental biopsies including 30 cases each of hydropic abortions, partial hydatidiform mole and complete hydatidiform mole were analyzed for morphological features and results of immunohistochemical staining. Results were described as frequency. Significance was determined using test of proportions with significance at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Out of 30 cases of hydropic abortion, 6 were negative, 15 were weak, 4 were moderate and 5 showed strong degree of intensity for p63. Out of 30 cases of partial hydatidiform mole, 3 were negative, 2 showed weak, 4 showed moderate and 21 cases showed strong degree of intensity for p63. All 30 cases of complete hydatidiform mole strongly stained for p63. CONCLUSION: The intensity of staining of p63 was stronger in cases of molar pregnancy as compared to hydropic abortion. There was loss of p63 expression in cytotrophoblastic cells in all abortions. In limited resources settings, where facilities for PCR/FISH and DNA ploidy analysis is not available, the authors advocate p63 in routine clinical practice to provide the most refined diagnosis of hydatidiform moles.