Risk Factors and Outcomes of Umbilical Cord Prolapse: Evaluation of 94 Cases

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors and outcomes of umbilical cord prolapse

Study Design: In this descriptive retrospective study, 94 cases of umbilical cord prolapse between January 2013 and December 2014 in our department were analyzed.

Results: 45.166 births occurred in our hospital during the study period, and the prevalence of umbilical cord prolapse was 2.08 (n=94) per 1000 live births, and the perinatal mortality rate was 1.1%. In all pregnant women, the delivery had been performed by emergent caesarean section. The average age, gravida, parity and gestational week of pregnant women were 29.11±6.17, 3.69±2.48, 2.69±2.48 and 37.61±3.17, respectively. Singleton pregnancies were 95.7% (n=90) of all pregnancies and twin pregnancies were 4.3% (n=4). Presentation of the cases were vertex, breech or transverse at 75.5% (n=71), 16% (n=15) and 8.5% (n=8) of all cases respectively. Polyhydramnios complicated 13.8% (n=13) of all cases and average birth weight was 3138.62±759.89 grams. 16% (n=15) of the cases had a birthweight lesser than 2500 gr. 1st and 5th minute APGAR scores were 6.89±2.05 and 8.69±1.39, respectively. The time period between the diagnosis and delivery was demonstrated as 8.24±1.22 minutes.

Conclusion: Breech presentation, polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancies and low birth weight are risk factors for umbilical cord prolapse. Shortening the time interval between diagnosis and delivery significantly reduces perinatal mortality. It can be provided at clinics that presenting the appropriate infrastructures for rapid intervention.