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Significance of nuchal cord
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Tight nuchal cords (umbilical cord entanglement around the neck) significantly increase risks for babies, including birth asphyxia and perinatal death. Loose nuchal cords present fewer complications for newborns.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics
- Perinatology
- Neonatalogy
Background:
- Nuchal cord, the entanglement of the umbilical cord around the fetal neck, is a common occurrence during pregnancy.
- The clinical significance and impact of nuchal cord on perinatal outcomes require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the perinatal events associated with nuchal cord.
- To compare outcomes between tight nuchal cord (TNC) and loose nuchal cord (LNC) and control groups.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 180 babies with nuchal cords over one year.
- Categorization into tight nuchal cord (TNC) and loose nuchal cord (LNC) groups.
- Comparison of perinatal outcomes with a control group without nuchal cord.
Main Results:
- Nuchal cord incidence was 5.74% of hospital deliveries.
- 39% had TNC, 61% had LNC.
- TNC was associated with higher rates of fetal distress (51%), operative delivery (56%), small for date births (24%), birth asphyxia (61%), and perinatal death (8.5%) compared to LNC and controls.
Conclusions:
- Tight nuchal cords significantly worsen perinatal outcomes.
- Loose nuchal cords have a less adverse effect compared to tight nuchal cords.
- Nuchal cord management and monitoring strategies may need to consider the degree of tightness.