Related Experiment Videos
Newborn acid-base status and umbilical cord morphology
R K Atalla1, K Abrams, S C Bell
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, United Kingdom.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|October 30, 1998
Summary
Umbilical cord morphology, including length and coiling, is linked to fetal blood gases at birth. These findings suggest placental factors may influence maternal-fetal gas exchange.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Fetal Physiology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Umbilical cord morphology is a key indicator of fetal well-being.
- Understanding the relationship between cord characteristics and fetal status is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between various umbilical cord morphological features and intrapartum fetal status.
- To determine the association between umbilical cord characteristics and umbilical cord blood gases at birth.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 134 newborns and their umbilical cords.
- Analysis of umbilical cord length, number of coils, coiling index, and vessel length index.
- Correlation with intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns, amniotic fluid, delivery mode, and umbilical cord blood gases.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were observed between umbilical venous pH and PCO2 with cord length, number of coils, coiling index, and vessel length index.
- Umbilical artery pH showed relationships with vessel length index and the number of coils.
- No significant associations were found between cord morphology and intrapartum FHR decelerations, meconium staining, or delivery mode.
Conclusions:
- Umbilical cord morphology is significantly related to umbilical venous and arterial blood gas parameters.
- Variations in placental morphology or blood flow may underlie these observed associations, impacting maternal-fetal gas exchange.