Umbilical Cord Prolapse-Interesting CTG Traces.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Fetal Medicine
• Neonatal Care

Background:

• Umbilical cord prolapse is a rare but critical obstetric emergency.
• It can lead to severe fetal hypoxia and adverse outcomes.
• Diagnosis is often challenging, relying on clinical suspicion or indirect signs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the utility of cardiotocography (CTG) in diagnosing umbilical cord prolapse.
• To present clinical cases illustrating CTG patterns indicative of cord prolapse.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing subtle CTG changes during labor.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of clinical cases with confirmed umbilical cord prolapse.
• Analysis of cardiotocography (CTG) tracings preceding and during prolapse events.
• Correlation of CTG findings with clinical presentation and obstetric maneuvers.

Main Results:

• Abnormal and often variable cardiotocography (CTG) patterns were consistently observed.
• Specific decelerations and bradycardia on CTG were associated with prolapse.
• Clinical examination confirmed prolapse in a minority of cases, with CTG being the primary diagnostic tool.

Conclusions:

• Cardiotocography (CTG) is an invaluable tool for the early detection of umbilical cord prolapse.
• Familiarity with specific CTG abnormalities can aid timely diagnosis and intervention.
• Prompt recognition of CTG changes suggestive of prolapse is crucial for improving fetal outcomes.