Determinants and perinatal outcome of cord prolapse at a tertiary hospital in Benin City

Abstract

Cord prolapse is an obstetric emergency with life-threatening implication for the foetus. Prompt intervention at detection especially with a live foetus is needed to reduce the associated high perinatal morbidity and mortality.

We investigated the current incidence of cord prolapse, predisposing factors and perinatal outcome of the cases of cord prolapse over a period of five years managed at the UBTH Benin, Nigeria from January 2010 to December 2014.

Results showed that there were 15,348 deliveries with 46 cases of cord prolapse in the study period. The incidence of cord prolapse was 0.3%. Among the patients, 18 (39.1%) were booked while 28 (60.9%) were unbooked. The highest incidence occurred in women aged 21 – 30 years and multiparous women. Spontaneous rupture of membranes with high presenting part had the most top contributing factor of 58.7%. About (4) 8.7% of the babies were dead, at presentation to the hospital. Two babies with severe birth asphyxia died in the early neonatal period. Perinatal mortality from the study was 152 per 1000 deliveries.

We therefore conclude that Cord prolapse is still a major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality. A high index of suspicion and recognition of predisposing factors may allow for early detection and timely delivery, thereby minimising perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Cord prolapse, Perinatal outcome