Umbilical morphology: normal values for neonatal periumbilical skin length

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Clinical Genetics
• Pediatric Dysmorphology

Background:

• Umbilical malformations are observed in various dysmorphic syndromes, notably Rieger syndrome.
• Rieger syndrome features redundant periumbilical skin extending excessively along the umbilical cord.
• Establishing normative data for umbilical skin length in healthy neonates is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine normal values for umbilical skin length in healthy neonates.
• To provide a reference for diagnosing Rieger syndrome and other umbilical malformations.
• To investigate associations between umbilical skin length and neonatal characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Umbilical skin length was measured in 104 healthy neonates.
• Measurements were taken along the cranial and caudal aspects of the umbilical cord.
• Statistical analyses, including multiple regression, were employed to assess associations.

Main Results:

• Cranial umbilical skin length (mean 11.53 mm) was significantly longer than caudal umbilical skin length (mean 8.71 mm).
• A significant association was found between neonatal age and umbilical skin length.
• Birth weight, length, and gestational age did not show significant associations with umbilical skin length after adjustment.

Conclusions:

• The established normal values for umbilical skin length can aid in the neonatal diagnosis of Rieger syndrome.
• Cranial umbilical skin length measurement is recommended as part of the examination for dysmorphic children.
• These findings contribute to the understanding of normal umbilical cord anatomy in neonates.