Umbilical cord parameters in Ilorin: Correlates and foetal outcome
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Date
2014-08
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kenya Medical Association
Abstract
Background: The anthropometric parameters of the umbilical cord have clinical
significance. Current parameters of the cord, its correlates and related foetal outcome
are lacking in our parturients.
Objectives: To describe the anthropometric parameters and abnormalities of the
umbilical cord; and determine their maternal correlates and foetal outcome.
Design: A cross sectional analytical study.
Setting: The Obstetric and Gynaecology Department of the University of Ilorin Teaching
Hospital, between September 2012 and June 2013.
Subjects: Healthy pregnant women with singleton pregnancies.
Results: Four hundred and twenty- eight (428) singleton deliveries were studied.
The respective mean values of the cord length and width were526.87±115.5mm and
19.56±11.12mm.Short cord (< 40cm) occurred in 7.2% while long cord (> 69cm) was
found in9.3% of the parturient. The incidences of single umbilical artery, cord round
the body and knots were 7%, 8.4% and 14.5% respectively. Nuchal cord was the
most common (91.4%). Only gestational age had significant statistical relationship with
cord length abnormalities (P = 0.0093). The cord length was an important correlate of
cord helices, knots and vessels (P< 0.05).Parity had correlations with the number of
vessels(R= 0.099, P=0.042).
The cord coiling index was statistically related to the presence of congenital
abnormalities (P=0.011). Other perinatal events were not related to umbilical cord
parameters. Perinatal asphyxia was the most common indication for NICU admission
(3.5%) but there was no significant statistical difference between NICU admission
and cord parameters.
Conclusion: The umbilical cord parameters in apparently healthy parturients in Ilorin
were comparable with others elsewhere. The cord length and helix are important
correlates of gestational age and congenital abnormalities. Parity may be related to
abnormal umbilical vessels. Cord length,coils, coil index and umbilical vessels should
be examined post-natally.
Description
Keywords
Umbilical cord, Cord parameters