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Published on: June 29, 2013
Umbilical cord diameter in the prediction of foetal growth restriction: a cross sectional study
Mariam L Mohamed1, Magda M Elbeily1, Maisara M Shalaby1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
Insights
Umbilical cord diameter, measured via ultrasound, is a significant predictor of foetal growth restriction (FGR). This simple method can be used during antenatal visits to identify at-risk pregnancies early.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Conflicting evidence exists on the predictive value of umbilical cord measurements for fetal growth restriction (FGR).
- Accurate prediction of FGR is crucial for timely intervention and improved perinatal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive role of umbilical cord diameter in identifying pregnancies at risk for FGR.
- To determine if umbilical cord diameter measurements during antenatal visits can predict FGR development.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, cross-sectional study involving patients at risk for FGR and normal pregnant women.
- Ultrasound examinations for umbilical cord diameter were conducted at 28, 32, 36, and 40 weeks of gestation.
- Statistical analysis compared umbilical cord diameter between groups and assessed its predictive value for FGR.
Main Results:
- Fetal growth restriction developed in 13.2% of the at-risk group.
- Significantly lower umbilical cord diameter was observed in the FGR group (1.8 ± 0.2 cm) compared to controls (2.0 ± 0.2 cm) (p < .001).
- Umbilical cord diameter demonstrated high predictive accuracy for FGR at multiple antenatal assessment points and delivery.
Conclusions:
- Umbilical cord diameter is a significant and simple predictor of FGR.
- Ultrasound measurement of umbilical cord diameter can be effectively integrated into routine antenatal care for FGR risk assessment.
- Further research comparing ultrasound findings with histopathology is recommended.
Abstract:
This was a cross sectional study with a prospective design conducted from October 2018 to October 2019. We recruited patients at risk for FGR and normal pregnant women. Each patient had ultrasound examination for the umbilical cord diameter in the 28th, 32nd, 36th, and the 40th week, Foetal growth restriction developed in 10/76 (13.2%) patients in the at risk group. The umbilical cord diameter was significantly lower in the at risk group (1.8 ± 0.2 versus 2.0 ± 0.2 in the control group with a p value of <.001). The umbilical cord diameter was highly predictive for the occurrence of FGR at each antenatal care visit as well as at delivery. We concluded that the umbilical cord diameter was a significant predictor of foetal growth restriction when applied through the antenatal care visits. It is a simple and easy method causing no distress for the patients.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Conflicting results exist regarding the predictive role of the umbilical cord in foetal growth restriction.What do the results of this study add? Foetal umbilical cord diameter was correlated significantly to foetal weight and had a significant predictive role in the prediction of FGR. The cut off values for the umbilical cord diameter in women with FGR were not evaluated before.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Comparing the ultrasound findings with histopathologic examination of the umbilical cord and the placentas would be recommended.
