Prenatal diagnosis of single umbilical artery and postpartum outcome

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2020 Nov:254:6-10. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.08.047. Epub 2020 Sep 2.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the incidence of the single umbilical artery (SUA) malformation and postpartum outcomes in a retrospective analysis of 781 fetuses.

Materials and methods: This retrospective analysis included 781 pregnant women carrying singleton fetuses diagnosed with SUA at Gansu Provincial Maternal and Child-care Hospital between 2013 and 2019. Detailed data on maternal and fetal characteristics and postpartum outcomes were obtained.

Results: In total, 624 (79.9 %) fetuses were diagnosed with isolated SUA and 157 (20.1 %) fetuses had SUA together with other structural and/or chromosome abnormalities. The highest incidence of malformation was found in the urinary system, followed by the cardiovascular system and digestive system. The incidence of SUA was 59.1 % on the right side and 40.9 % on the left side. Fetuses with SUA and other abnormalities tended to have a lower mean birth weight (3061 g vs 3201 g, p < 0.01), but no difference in the rate of preterm delivery was noted.

Conclusions: After a diagnosis of SUA, structural observation of the fetus is required. The urinary, cardiovascular and digestive systems should be the focus of observation. If relevant malformations are found, then genetic testing must be performed. With isolated SUA, dynamic monitoring of biological indicators is recommended for lower birth weight, but genetic testing is not recommended.

Keywords: Chromosome abnormalities; Fetus; Isolated single umbilical artery; Postpartum outcome; Single umbilical artery.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Single Umbilical Artery* / diagnostic imaging
  • Single Umbilical Artery* / epidemiology
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal
  • Umbilical Arteries / diagnostic imaging