Cord Prolapse, Associated Factors and Fetal Outcome: A Report of 47 Cases from the Yaounde Central Hospital, Cameroon

Cord prolapse is a condition in which the umbilical cord comes ahead of the presenting part. Fetal demise occurs as a consequence of the compression of the cord by the presenting part. We conducted this study to determine profile of pregnancy and its outcome at the Central Hospital Yaounde, Cameroon. This was an observational, descriptive and retrospective study of deliveries complicated by cord prolapse between January 2003 and December 2006 at the Central Maternity of the Central Hospital Yaounde. Data was retrieved from patient’s files, operation room registers and admission registers. During this period, there were a total of 6924 deliveries amongst which 47 were complicated by umbilical cord prolapse (2.8 per 1000 deliveries). Among the women with cord prolapse, 62.2% were delivered by emergency caesarean section. Fetal demise was reported in 32% of the women upon admission. An abnormal pelvis was seen in 25.5% of the women. Artificial rupture of membranes was carried out in 40.4%. This study shows that cord prolapse is associated with severe fetal consequences in our unit. A good knowledge of the risk factors, prompt diagnosis and rapid intervention by medical staff are required.