Umbilical coiling index & the perinatal outcome.

Objective: To correlate the perinatal outcome by noting the umbilical coiling index.

Methods: The umbilical cords of the babies born to 100 women, who delivered either vaginally or by lower segment cesarean section, were examined and umbilical coiling index was calculated.

Results: There was significant correlation (p value 0.003) between the hypercoiled cords (UCI >90th percentile) and intrauterine growth restriction of the babies. Apgar score at 1 min <4 and 5 min <7 was highly significant (p < 0.001) with hypocoiled cords. Meconium staining was significantly (p value 0.001) associated with the hypocoiled cords (UCI <10th percentile) in the present study.

Conclusions: The hypocoiled cords or UCI <10th percentile is associated with the meconium staining, Apgar score at 1 min <4 and Apgar score at 5 min <7. The hypercoiled cord or UCI >10th percentile is associated with intra uterine growth restriction.