Umbilical cord coiling index as a marker of perinatal outcome

Abstract

The umbilical cord is very important for the well-being and survival of the fetus, however this is susceptible to compressions, kinking, traction and torsion which may influence the perinatal outcome and an abnormal umbilical coiling index has been related to adverse fetal and pregnancy outcomes. To determine the umbilical cord coiling index (UCI) and compare its association with perinatal outcome in normal and complicated pregnancies.It was a prospective observational study done on 200 patients at term (after 37 weeks) pregnancy, delivered either vaginally or by cesarean section. The umbilical cord coiling index was calculated. The mean coiling index of our study was 0.256+0.07 per cm. The outcomes measured were maternal age, parity, body mass index, hypertension in pregnancy, diabetes in pregnancy, amniotic fluid index, meconium staining of liquor, neonatal birth weight, Apgar score at birth, ponderal index, NICU admission. The coils were then divided into three categories on the basis of UCI and their association with the maternal and fetal outcomes were analyzed. Hypocoiled cords were those having UCI less than 10th centile, and hypercoiled cords those having UCI more than 90th centile. Statistical analysis was done by chi square test, Fishers exact test and the t test where applicable. Hypocoiled cords (UCI <10th centile) were associated with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), diabetes mellitus, meconium staining of liquor, low Apgar score, growth restricted fetus and NICU admission. Hypercoiled cords were associated with liquor abnormalities and low ponderal index. Abnormal umbilical cord coiling index was associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.