Abnormal Umbilical Cord Coiling Index and Its Relation to Adverse Perinatal Outcome

BACKGROUND The umbilical cord is vital to the development, well being and survival of the fetus. A coil of the cord is defined as a complete 360 degree spiral course of umbilical vessels around Whartons jelly. Sonographically, the Umbilical Coiling Index (UCI) is defined as the reciprocal of the average distance between a pair of coils. Hypocoiled cords are those with UCI less than 10th centile while hypercoiled cords are those with UCI greater than90th centile. METHODS The study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nalanda Medical College, Patna, Bihar. Hundred patients attending GOPD were selected for the study over a period of one year ( October 2015 October 2016). The effect of Umbilical cord coiling index on the antenatal outcome. (Presence of gestational hypertension& IUGR) and fetal outcome ( Presence of meconium stained liquor, APGAR Score at birth and requirement of NICU admission) was studied. RESULTS Hypocoiled cords (UCI less than 10th centile) were found to be associated with adverse fetal outcomes like presence of MSL and low APGAR score at 1& 5 min. Hypercoiled cords ( UCI greater than 90th centile) were found to be associated with a higher incidence of gestational hypertension in mother and IUGR in fetus. Umbilical artery Coiling Index, Gestational Hypertension, Meconium Stained Liquor, IUGR, APGAR Score