title: Umbilical cord prolapse: a clinical study of 60 cases seen at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife.
abstract: The incidence of umbilical cord prolapse at Obafemi Awolowo University teaching hospital complex, Ile-Ife over a ten year period was 0.42% (one in 240 deliveries). The incidence was observed to be higher among the unbooked patients (76.7%). Analysis of the 60 cases reveals that multiparity, unengaged presenting part from cephalo-pelvic disproportion, prematurity, prelabour spontaneous rupture of membranes, breech presentation, and multiple pregnancy were the major contributory factors. The perinatal mortality (36.7%) was significantly higher than that of the hospital which was 8% (P < 0.05). The perinatal mortality rate was higher among the unbooked patients (86.4%). Caesarean section gave better results except when the cervix was fully dilated. Early resort to Caesarean section, proper and adequate antenatal care and properly supervised hospital delivery is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
authors.forename: F O
authors.initials: FO
authors.lastname: Dare
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Owolabi
authors.forename: O B
authors.initials: OB
authors.lastname: Fasubaa
authors.forename: O C
authors.initials: OC
authors.lastname: Ezechi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009549:Nigeria; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011391:Prolapse; D012307:Risk Factors; D014470:Umbilical Cord