Clinical significance of umbilical cord abnormalities: an observational study

Authors

  • Radha B. P. Thangappah Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sri Muthu Kumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • C. Suhashini Karnal Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sri Muthu Kumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Monika R. Ravichandran Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sri Muthu Kumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Alagu Sakthi Sowparnika Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sri Muthu Kumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Pavithra Sundaravadivelu Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sri Muthu Kumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20221448

Keywords:

Umbilical cord abnormalities, Cord length, nuchal cord, Intra partum complications

Abstract

Background: The well being of a foetus depends on the uncompromised placental function and normal blood flow through the umbilical vessels. If there are umbilical cord abnormalities, it can lead to perinatal complications. The aim of the study was to analyse the prevalence of umbilical cord abnormalities and to study the relationship between the cord abnormalities and intrapartum complications.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care hospital, Chennai, from September 2020 to August 2021. Four hundred mothers who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. At the time of delivery, umbilical cord , intrapartum and neonatal details were noted. The association between the cord length and parameters such as nuchal coiling, FHR changes, mode of delivery, APGAR at birth and NICU admissions were analysed and the statistical significance was derived.

Results: The mean cord length was 57.44±20.11 cms. 65% had normal cord length, 15% had short cords and 20% of babies had long cords. Nuchal coiling was seen in 31.75%, cord prolapse in 0.75% and true knot in 1% of cases. Cases with long cords were associated with statistically significant increase in the incidence of nuchal cords, multiple cords, FHR abnormalities, operative interventions and birth asphyxia. The presence of short cord was not associated with significant adverse maternal and perinatal outcome.

Conclusions: This study showed that 35% of all deliveries were complicated by abnormal cord length and other cord complications. It is important to document these findings in the event of antenatal or intrapartum complications.

Author Biographies

Radha B. P. Thangappah, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sri Muthu Kumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Obstetrica and Gynaecology

 

Professor

C. Suhashini Karnal, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sri Muthu Kumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Assistant Professor

Department of Obsterics and Gynaecology

Monika R. Ravichandran, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sri Muthu Kumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Junior Resident

Department of Obsterics and Gynaecology

Alagu Sakthi Sowparnika, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sri Muthu Kumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Junior Resident

Department of Obsterics and Gynaecology

Pavithra Sundaravadivelu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sri Muthu Kumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Junior Resident

Department of Obsterics and Gynaecology

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Published

2022-05-26

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Original Research Articles