Abnormal Umbilical Cord Coiling Index and Its Relation to Adverse Perinatal Outcome

Background: The umbilical cord is vital to the development, well being and survival of the fetus. A coil of the cord is defined as a complete 360 degree spiral course of umbilical vessels around Wharton’s jelly. Sonographically, the Umbilical Coiling Index (UCI) is defined as the reciprocal of the average distance between a pair of coils. Hypocoiled cords are those with UCI < 10 centile while hypercoiled cords are those with UCI >90 centile. Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nalanda Medical College , Patna, Bihar. Hundred patients attending GOPD were selected for the study over a period of one year( October 2015 – October 2016). The effect of Umbilical cord coiling index on the antenatal outcome . (Presence of gestational hypertension& IUGR) and fetal outcome ( Presence of meconium stained liquor, APGAR Score at birth and requirement of NICU admission) was studied. Results: Hypocoiled cords (UCI < 10 centile) were found to be associated with adverse fetal outcomes like presence of MSL and low APGAR score at 1 & 5 min. Hypercoiled cords ( UCI > 90 centile) were found to be associated with a higher incidence of gestational hypertension in mother and IUGR in fetus.