Clinical Analysis of Fetuses with Single Umbilical Artery

Song, Eun Ho; Park, Jin Wan; Lee, Won Ki

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of fetuses with a single umbilical artery(SUA).
METHODS
We studied 17 fetuses with a single umbilical artery retrospectively. The maternal age, maternal disease, gestational age, fetal sex, Apgar score, fetal weight, perinatal outcome, and fetal blood karyotype were reviewed.
RESULTS
1) Maternal age ranged 24-39 years old, mean age was 29.5 +/- 4.1 years. 2) Mean gestational age at birth was 38.3+/- 2.2 weeks, except one case of preterm labor due to cervical incompetence. 3) In three cases, low Apgar score, under seven, was recorded at one minute, and there was no case where Apgar score was low at five minute, except one case of preterm labor due to cervical incompetence. 4) Intrauterine growth retardation was found in two cases, and associated fetal malformations were noted in seven cases. 5) Among two cases of fetal blood karyotype, one case revealed normal and the other Patau syndrome.
CONCLUSION
Our data suggest that fetuses with single umbilical artery may be risky because of its association with growth retardation and malformation including chromosomal anomaly. It is imperative to diagnose the congenital disease as early as possible and conduct appropriate treatment, with an aid of noninvasive diagnostic modality such as ultrasonogram, and through a delicate prenatal care, one should promote good perinatal outcome.