Umbilical cord prolapse in the southeast region of Turkey: evaluation of 79 cases.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors and perinatal outcomes of umbilical cord prolapse (UCP).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This study was performed at Dicle University between January 2000 and December 2008 on 79 cases in which deliveries were complicated by umbilical cord prolapse.

RESULTS

0.36% of all deliveries were complicated by umbilical cord prolapse. The presentation of the fetuses were as follows: vertex, breech and transverse lie and foot presentation. Thirty-four (43%) fetuses with UCP had a fetal weight of < or = 2500 g as compared with nine (9%) for fetuses in the control group (p < 0.05). Mothers in the study group were 1.3 times more likely to be multiparas than the control group (p = 0.16) Cesarean section was performed in 76 cases (96.2%) and there were nine (11.3%) perinatal deaths.

CONCLUSION

Umbilical cord prolapse is a risk factor of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Fetal weight < or = 2500 and abnormal fetal presentation are associated with increased risk of umbilical cord prolapse. Cesarean section resulted in a significantly decreased risk of perinatal mortality.