Morphometric Characterization of Umbilical Cord Vessels and Neonatal Outcome

Abstract

Morphologic and morphometric characterization of the umbilical cord and vessel components could greatly assist in improving adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between morphometry of umbilical cord vessel components and neonatal outcome. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on 207 umbilical cords attached to placentae obtained from Victory Maternity Home and Clinic in Kumasi (Ghana) between November, 2013 and October, 2014. Umbilical cord length, diameter, and vessels' diameter were measured with the umbilical cord still attached to the placenta. Neonatal anthropometries were recorded within 24 hours after delivery. The mean ± SD of vein diameter between neonates of normotensive 3.36 (±0.88) and hypertensive mothers 3.82 (± 0.50) showed a significant difference. The body length of neonates with short umbilical cord length was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of those with long cord lengths. Quantitative analysis indicated a positive linear relationship in umbilical cord and its vessels components with neonatal anthropometry (p<0.05). In conclusion, the morphometry of the umbilical cord and its vessels could predict maternal and neonatal outcome and therefore would be useful in early detection and management of neonatal abnormalities.

Morphological Features of the Umbilical Cord Vessels at the Delivery, in Sudanese Neonates

“…The present study found that the dominant tissues of the human umbilical cord vessels wall were smooth muscles. A similar finding was observed by Ernst et al [6], in (2013); he found that, the smooth muscles in inner layer runs with the vessel lengthwise, while the outer layer runs in circle ways. Contrary to the findings of Ernst et al [6], in (2013), the present study found that, inner layer runs in circle ways while the outer muscular layer runs with the vessel lengthwise.…”

“…A similar finding was observed by Ernst et al [6], in (2013); he found that, the smooth muscles in inner layer runs with the vessel lengthwise, while the outer layer runs in circle ways. Contrary to the findings of Ernst et al [6], in (2013), the present study found that, inner layer runs in circle ways while the outer muscular layer runs with the vessel lengthwise. The arrangement of smooth muscles in wall of cord vessels in this study was found similar to arrangement the smooth muscles in wall of esophagus; this arrangement will allow the cord to shorten and elongate during fetal movements.…”

“…The vein goes all the way to the fetus's liver, where it splits into two parts; part supplies blood to the hepatic portal vein, which supplies blood to the liver, while the other, which is known as the ductus venosus, supplies 80% of the blood to the human body, allowing oxygen and other vital nutrients to circulate throughout the fetus [3]. Inside the placenta, the umbilical arteries connect with each other at a distance of approximately 5 mm from the cord insertion [6]. Subsequently, they branch into chorionic arteries or intraplacental fetal arteries.…”

Graphene Oxide Coating Improves the Mechanical and Biological Properties of Decellularized Umbilical Cord Arteries

“…4.5–5.5 mm under physiological pressure) that form a cylindrical helix around the umbilical vein (i.d. 4 mm), while vessels of chorion placenta are highly ramified with a shorter length (1–2 cm) and variable i.d. (0.55–3.2 mm) .…”