Analysis of single umbilical artery with concurrent congenital anomaly: Is it a risk factor for poor prognosis? A cross-sectional study

Background: A single umbilical artery (SUA) may coexist with a single anomaly or multiple congenital anomalies. Although anomalies associated with SUA can primarily cause high perinatal mortality, their clinical significance has not been evaluated. Objective: We investigated the relationship between the clinical features and the type or number of concurrent anomalies in neonates with SUA. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 104 neonates with SUA were enrolled from January 2000- to December 2020 at Dongsan hospital, Daegu, South Korea. Data on the maternal history and the neonates demographic characteristics, clinical course, chromosomal analysis, and congenital anomalies, were collected. Results: Among the neonates with SUA included, 77 (74.0%) had one or more congenital anomalies; 66 (63.5%) were cardiac, 20 (19.2%) were genitourinary, 12 (11.5%) were gastrointestinal, 5 (4.8%) were central nervous system, 12 (11.5%) were skeletal, and 5 (4.8%) were facial anomalies. The number of concurrent anomalies ranged from 0–4. Neonates with SUA and concurrent gastrointestinal anomaly had a high incidence of initial positive ventilation, intubation, and inotropic drug use and lower Apgar score at 1 min and 5 min. 7 (6.7%) neonates with SUA died. Low birth weight (odds ratio = 6.16, p = 0.05), maternal multiparity (2.41, p = 0.13), gastrointestinal anomaly (5.06, p = 0.11), and initial cardiac resuscitation (7.77, p = 0.11) were risk factors for mortality in neonates with SUA. Conclusion: Neonates with SUA and concurrent gastrointestinal anomaly, low birth weight, maternal multiparity, and initial cardiac resuscitation had poor outcomes. Key words: Single umbilical artery, Congenital abnormalities, Perinatal mortality.