Evaluation of role of umbilical cord anomalies in fetal death-An institutional experience

Abstract

Umbilical cord plays pivotal role in development and well being of fetus. Any abnormality in the umbilical cord can affect the viability of the fetus. In spite of presence antenatal diagnostic modalities still fetal autopsy plays a vital role in identification and confirmation of the abnormalities which lead to intrauterine fetal death. To check for incidence of variety of cord abnormalities in perinatal fetal deaths. It is a retrospective observational study of 26 cases of perinatal deaths due to cord abnormalities taken from Jan 2013 to July 2021 in tertiary care center. In the study 26 cases of fetal autopsy were included over a period of nine years. Mean maternal age was 26 years. 12 cases (44.3%) were of vessel number defects. In which 11 were two vessel cords and the other was 5 vessel cord, 14 cases showed short cord. 8 cases showed normal cord length. 4 cases showed long cords. True knots were seen in one case. 3 cases (28%) were involving stenosed cords. and 5 cases (28.4%) were of supercoiling 3 twisted cords. Maternal co-morbidities were present in 3 cases.Umbilical cord anomaly is a major stress factor for fetus playing a key role in feto-maternal perfusion. Cord abnormalities can be clinically insignificant or can be severe leading to foetal death. The present study reemphasizes the importance of umbilical cord and its impact on wellbeing of foetus. Thus there is need to develop special and exclusive antenatal screening for umbilical cord abnormalities needs further research.