Associated anomalies and perinatal outcomes in the fetus with single umbilical artery / 대한산부인과학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pattern of associated structural anomalies, perinatal outcomes and obstetrical complications in fetuses with single umbilical artery. METHODS: 27 fetuses with a single umbilical artery were detected between May 1995 and June 2005 at our hospital. All medical records were reviewed for maternal demographics, associated anomalies, karyotypic analysis, pregnancy complications and perinatal outcome. RESULTS: Of the 27 fetuses, 1 (3.7%) was terminated and 1 (3.7%) was expired. 13 fetuses (48.1%) had an associated structural anomalies. The structural anomalies found in association with single umbilical artery were in the cardiovascular system (6 cases, 46.2%), urogenital system (6 cases, 46.2%), central nervous system (3 cases, 23.1%), neuromuscular system (3 cases, 23.1%) and gastrointestinal system (1 case, 7.7%). 6 cases (46.2%) among these had multiple malformations. Karyotypic analyses were available only in 3 cases and one of these was chromosomally abnormal. CONCLUSION: Scanning the umbilical cord should be one of the essential parts of the second trimester ultrasonographic examination. When single umbilical artery is detected, a detailed ultrasonographic examination including fetal echocardiography and fetal karyotyping should be recommended for search of associated structural and chromosomal abnormalities.