Incidence and outcome of umbilical cord prolapse: experience in a tertiary health facility southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Umbilical cord prolapse is a rare obstetric emergency with adverse perinatal outcomes. The incidence has been on the decline, hence necessitating the need for periodic evaluation in order to document its contribution to perinatal indices. We sought to determine the incidence, predisposing factors and fetal outcome of umbilical cord prolapse.

Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study carried out in Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia over a 5-year period from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013. Data was analyzed using WinPepi version 11.65. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-squared test with level of significance set at P < 0.05.

Results: The incidence of umbilical cord prolapse was 0.3%. The mean age was 31.8 ± 5.1 years. Multiparous women constituted 80% of those diagnosed with the condition while 84% of the women were unbooked. Although multiple risk factors were noted in the parturient, multiparity ranked highest (80%) while artificial rupture of membrane contributed the least (4%). Most (84%) of the women were delivered by emergency cesarean section. The perinatal mortality rate was 12%.

Conclusion: Umbilical cord prolapse remains a high risk condition to the fetus. Therefore, early presentation to the health care facility in the event of membrane rupture may improve its outcome.

Running Title: Outcome of umbilical cord prolapse

Keywords: Cord prolapse, fetal outcome, perinatal mortality, Umuahia