Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2006 Jan;49(1):31-39.

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

• Kim SK
• Kim JS
• Kang JY
• Kang YD
• Park MC

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.

Keyword

Single umbilical artery; Congenital anomalies; Perinatal outcomes

MeSH Terms

Cardiovascular System
Central Nervous System
Chromosome Aberrations
Demography
Echocardiography
Female
Fetus*
Humans
Karyotyping
Medical Records
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications
Pregnancy Trimester, Second
Single Umbilical Artery*
Umbilical Cord
Urogenital System