Clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes of eight cases of umbilical cord vascular rupture

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes of umbilical cord vascular rupture, and to investigate the diagnosis and treatment strategies for reducing adverse perinatal outcomes. METHODS: Clinical data of patients with a singleton pregnancy with umbilical cord rupture who were admitted to Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital were collected. The incidence, related factors, clinical features and perinatal outcomes of umbilical cord rupture were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: There were eight cases of umbilical cord rupture (incidence rate: 1/8370). Among them, seven were secondary to umbilical cord insertion abnormality, and one may have been related to a relatively short umbilical cord and umbilical cord traction. There were eight cases of abnormal fetal heart rate, two of vaginal bleeding, five of bloody amniotic fluid, five of premature rupture of the membranes, and two of placental abruption. With regard to outcomes, 50% of patients had cesarean section, 12.5% had forceps delivery, and 50% had perinatal mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal bleeding, amniotic fluid, fetal heart rate, and umbilical cord insertion should be closely monitored in pregnancy. When abnormal conditions occur, obstetricians should be aware of rupture of the umbilical vessels and terminate pregnancy as soon as possible, which could improve perinatal outcomes.