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The missing umbilical artery. II. Paediatric follow-up
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|September 1, 1975
Summary
Single umbilical artery in newborns often requires a thorough search for less obvious malformations. However, prolonged surveillance solely for this condition is generally not recommended.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Single umbilical artery (SUA) is a condition detected during placental examination.
- SUA has been associated with congenital malformations, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of infants with single umbilical artery.
- To assess the necessity and extent of pediatric follow-up for infants with SUA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 143 infants with SUA identified via placental examination.
- Follow-up included clinical examinations and reports from family doctors/parents.
- Assessment of malformations present at birth and those detected later.
Main Results:
- Of 143 infants, 25 had major malformations at birth. 10 children had less severe malformations detected postnatally.
- Urinary tract anomalies were a notable exception, predisposing to infection.
- 14 out of 16 infants who were small-for-dates at birth showed catch-up growth.
Conclusions:
- While SUA warrants a search for non-apparent malformations, prolonged surveillance for SUA alone is not advised.
- Most postnatal findings were minor, with urinary tract anomalies being a key concern.
- The study highlights the importance of thorough perinatal examination but cautions against unnecessary prolonged follow-up based solely on SUA presence.