Histomorphometric Analysis of the Human Umbilical Cord and Its Vessels in Pregnant Women with Anemia: A Case-Control Study.

Abstract

Background: Anemia during pregnancy is a significant public health concern as it is associated with adverse maternal and fetal consequences.

Aim: To assess the histomorphometric changes in the umbilical cord as an indicator of maternal physiological dysfunction and to evaluate the impact of maternal anemia on fetal development.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted to explore the histomorphometric changes in UC and its vessels in women with anemia in Central Sudan. The following parameters were studied using the ImageJ software: vessel area (VA), wall area (WA), lumen area (LA), mean wall thickness boundary (MWTB), mean wall thickness skeleton (MWTS), and external diameter skeleton (EDS).

Results: UCs were studied in 73 women with anemia and 102 women without anemia. Only one woman had severe anemia (hemoglobin level, <7 g/dl). Maternal age, parity, and gestational age showed no significant differences between women with and without anemia. However, the median (interquartile range) birth weight was significantly lower in women with anemia than in those without anemia [3.29 (2.91‒3.58) g vs 3.42 (3.09‒3.77) g, P = 0.043]. None of the investigated variables (VVA, WA, LA), MWTB, MWTS, and EDS) did not differ between women with and without anemia. No significant correlations were found between maternal hemoglobin levels and UC parameters.

Conclusion: The current study showed no difference in UC parameters between women with and without anemia. The nonsevere form of anemia may explain the results of this study. Therefore, further research is required in this regard.

Data access statement: The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Due to ethical and privacy concerns, some data may be restricted in accordance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.