A Study of Correlation Between Placental and Umbilical Cord Abnormalities and Foetal Outcome of Patients Delivering at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

It has been estimated that 30% of births have some type of umbilical cord abnormalities. Disruption of the umbilical cord supply line is a major source of harm to the developing foetus. It is estimated that every third to fourth delivery has an identifiable umbilical cord abnormality or anomaly. What is unknown is how these findings affect the foetus and to what extent. Hence, the placenta and umbilical cord needs to be evaluated. AIM OF THE STUDY To study the correlation between the foetal outcome and the different types of abnormalities of placenta and umbilical cord. METHODS AND MATERIALS This descriptive study was done during the period October 2010 to December 2011 in a tertiary care centre. All consecutive patients who delivered at the institution during this period were included in the study. Those placentas where the anatomy of the cord could not be clearly identified were excluded from the study. RESULTS 26.6% of the placentas examined showed some abnormality. Abnormalities of the cord was present in 78 cases (7.8%). One cord had five vessels-four arteries and one vein. Foetal abnormalities were more common in those who had a placental or cord anomaly also. CONCLUSIONS No significant correlation between placental abnormalities and foetal anomalies could be obtained. There was a higher incidence of adverse foetal outcome with cord abnormalities. An accurate antenatal evaluation could be of help in anticipating adverse perinatal outcomes in selected cases.