A study to assess the association between umbilical cord coiling index and perinatal outcomes

Abstract

Aim: To analyze whether antenatal second trimester umbilical coiling index measurement could predict adverse perinatal outcome. Materials and methods: A study designed was a prospective observational study, enrolled total 100 singleton pregnancies, who were fulfilling inclusion criteria, attending regular antenatal checkup and willing for institutional deliveries. Each case was evaluated by sonographic study for umbilical coiling index at the time of routine fetal anatomical survey between 18 weeks and 24 weeks and then followed up for evaluation of perinatal outcome. Results: In present study, 79% had normocoiling while 10% had hypocoiling and 11% had hypercoiling of cord. Of these, 5% had preterm deliveries which was statistically significant (p = 0.046). Also, meconium-stained liquor was noted in 10% cases, among which 50% had abnormal coiling index. This was statistically significant (p = 0.008). Conclusion: Measuring coiling index can help in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes resulting in closer fetal monitoring and improved fetal outcome. Clinical significance: Antenatal umbilical cord coiling index (aUCI) is an important parameter to be studied during second trimester which may help to screen patients at risk of adverse perinatal outcome.