Authors: Wittich, Arthur C.¹; Szczepanik, Michelle E.²

Source: Military Medicine, Volume 172, Number 8, August 2007 , pp. 892-894(3)

Publisher: AMSUS - Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Abstract:

True knots of the umbilical cord are complications that can result in obstetric disasters, including fetal asphyxia and eventual fetal death. This study reports on 13 patients with a true knot of the umbilical cord in a delivery population of 967 deliveries during a 1-year period. In this group, there was one second-trimester fetal demise, four cases of fetal distress during labor necessitating cesarean delivery, and eight cases with a true knot found incidentally at delivery. No abnormal sequelae were found for the 12 viable newborns. True knots of the umbilical cord can be incidental findings; however, a tightened knot is reported to be associated with a fourfold increased risk of fetal death. Prenatal fetal surveillance, including targeted sonographic examination and Doppler studies, may identify true knots of the umbilical cord. Identification of high-risk patients and clinical expertise in the management of these patients have not been established.

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Obstetrics/Gynecology Service, Dewitt Army Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060. 2: Family Practice Department, Dewitt Army Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060.

Publication date: 2007-08-01

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• Military Medicine is the Association's official monthly journal. The objective of the Journal is to promote awareness of Federal medicine by providing a forum for responsible discussion of common ideas and problems relevant to Federal healthcare. Its mission is: To increase healthcare education by providing scientific and other information to its readers; to facilitate communication; and to offer a prestige publication for members' writings.
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