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Malformations of the umbilical cord
Acta Geneticae Medicae Et Gemellologiae
|January 1, 1977
Summary
Umbilical cord anomalies were found in 30.98% of 184 autopsies, including knots and arterial agenesis. These findings highlight the significance of umbilical cord health in fetal development and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Pathology
- Developmental Biology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Umbilical cord anomalies are potential contributors to adverse perinatal outcomes.
- Congenital malformations are frequently observed in stillborn infants and aborted fetuses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of umbilical cord anomalies in a cohort of deceased newborns, stillborn infants, and aborted fetuses.
- To correlate umbilical cord anomalies with fetal outcomes and maternal factors.
Main Methods:
- Autopsy examination of 184 cases including newborns, stillborns, and fetuses.
- Detailed macroscopic and microscopic analysis of umbilical cords.
- Classification and quantification of identified umbilical cord anomalies.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion (30.98%) of cases exhibited umbilical cord anomalies.
- Common anomalies included umbilical cord knots (10.32%), arterial agenesis (9.2%), focal fibrosis of Wharton's jelly (4.34%), and varices with thrombosis (3.8%).
- The study included fetuses from first pregnancies, stillborns, and premature births.
Conclusions:
- Umbilical cord anomalies are relatively common in cases of fetal demise and congenital malformations.
- Specific anomalies like knots and arterial agenesis warrant further investigation for their etiological role.
- Routine examination of the umbilical cord during autopsy is crucial for understanding perinatal pathology.
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