Umbilical cord prolapse in case of preterm premature rupture of membranes: When to be more cautious?

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the umbilical cord prolapse rates in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) between 24 weeks and 33 weeks and 6 days gestation and to define the associated factors with umbilical cord prolapse.Material and methods: Patients admitted due to PPROM between 24 weeks and 33 weeks and 6 days of gestation, and followed in clinic are included in the study. Primary aim of the study was to describe the umbilical cord prolapse rates. Secondary aim was to describe the pregnancy specific factors associated with umbilical cord prolapse.Results: Total 88 patients are included in the study. Umbilical cord prolapse rate was 3.4% (3/88). Umbilical cord prolapses, all occurred in the first week after membrane rupture. All were multiparas and at non-vertex presentation. Conclusion: Umbilical cord prolapse is much frequent after PPROM compared to general obstetric population. Clinicians should be more cautious in follow-up of patients after PPROM in case of earlier gestational weeks, transverse situs and non-vertex presentations, especially in the first week after PPROM.