Umbilical cord prolapse in the southeast region of Turkey: evaluation of 79 cases.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors and perinatal outcomes of umbilical cord prolapse (UCP).

Methods: This study was performed at Dicle University between January 2000 and December 2008 on 79 cases in which deliveries were complicated by umbilical cord prolapse.

Results: 0.36% of all deliveries were complicated by umbilical cord prolapse. The presentation of the fetuses were as follows: vertex, breech and transverse lie and foot presentation. Thirty-four (43%) fetuses with UCP had a fetal weight of < or = 2500 g as compared with nine (9%) for fetuses in the control group (p < 0.05). Mothers in the study group were 1.3 times more likely to be multiparas than the control group (p = 0.16) Cesarean section was performed in 76 cases (96.2%) and there were nine (11.3%) perinatal deaths.

Conclusions: Umbilical cord prolapse is a risk factor of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Fetal weight < or = 2500 and abnormal fetal presentation are associated with increased risk of umbilical cord prolapse. Cesarean section resulted in a significantly decreased risk of perinatal mortality.