Nuchal cord encirclements and birth weight.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if the presence of a single or multiple nuchal cord encirclement has a negative effect on fetal growth.


METHODS
Data were retrieved from consecutive deliveries at our institution between January 1991 and December 1996. Our computerized database included live-born single and multiple births with a birth weight of > or = 300 g. ANOVA and multiple linear regression were used for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
Among the 13,256 deliveries, a single nuchal cord encirclement was observed in 3,250 (24.5%), and multiple encirclements were present in 504 (3.8%). There was no association between the diagnosis of growth restriction and the presence of a cord encirclement. The mean birth weight was no different in the presence of a single or multiple nuchal cord encirclement than with no encirclement (3,206 g or 3.135 g vs. 3,252 g; F = .08, P = .7). After controlling for substance abuse, medical or obstetric complications, race, infant sex, congenital anomalies and gestational age, there was no effect of a single or multiple cord encirclement on mean birth weight.


CONCLUSIONS
Birth weight is unaffected by a single or multiple nuchal cord encirclement.
Carey
J Christopher
JC
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, USA.
Rayburn
William F
WF
D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000209:etiology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009333:Neck; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000473:pathology*