Retrospective evaluation of risk factors and perinatal outcome of umbilical cord prolapse during labor

OBJECTIVE: Umbilical cord prolapse has a reported prevalence of 0.1-0.6%. In previous studies, risk factors for umbilical prolapse have been identified as multiparity, preterm delivery, non-vertex presentation, and obstetric manipulation for labor induction. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the risk factors for umbilical cord prolapse and to determine the factors that may relate to neonatal morbidity in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study consisted of recorded cases of umbilical cord prolapse at Dr Zekai Tahir Burak Research and Training Hospital between January 2008 and May 2013. Clinical and demographic data were obtained by reviewing the patients' medical records. Student's t test was performed for parametric variables between groups, and a Chisquare test was performed for nonparametric variables between groups. A logistic regression was performed to investigate the effects of clinical parameters such as gestational age, diagnosis to delivery interval, and fetal presentation on neonatal morbidity. RESULTS: The patients with umbilical cord prolapse during labor had higher rates of preterm deliveries, low-birth-weight infants, and non-vertex presentations than the control group did. Preterm delivery, non-vertex presentation, presence of polyhydramnios, and spontaneous membrane rupture increased the risk of umbilical cord prolapse significantly. In the regression analysis, gestational age and diagnosis to delivery interval greater than 10 minutes predicted adverse neonatal outcomes independently. CONCLUSIONS: Umbilical cord prolapse is more common in cases of preterm delivery, nonvertex fetal presentation, and spontaneous rupture of membranes. A diagnosis to delivery interval greater than ten minutes is independently associated with an adverse neonatal outcome.