UMBILICAL COILING INDEX - IS IT A MARKER FOR THE FETUS AT RISK

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between-the nu mber of coils in the umbilical cord and perinatal outcome. The umbilic al cords and delivery records of 147 liveborn neonates were prospectiv ely studied. The umbilical coiling index (UCI) of each cord was calcul ated by dividing the total number of complete umbilical vascular coils by the umbilical cord length, Subjects with UCIs below the 10th perce ntile, above the 90th percentile, and between the 10th and 90th percen tiles were defined as hypocoiled, hypercoiled, and normocoiled, respec tively. Several different parameters were used to measure neonatal out come. The mean UGI was 0.20+/-10 (SD). No relationship was noted betwe en UCI and maternal age, gravidity, parity, oligohydramnios, or birth weight, When we compared the hypocoiled group (n=30) with the normocoi led group (n=87), we detected a statistically significantly higher inc idence of meconium staining, interventional delivery, apgar scores, fe tal blood pH and intrapartum fetal heart rate disturbances, As a resul t, we concluded that the UCI has a strong relationship with perinatal outcome and may be used antenatally as a marker for identifying the fe tus at risk.