Coiling characteristics of umbilical cords in breech vs. vertex presentation.
OBJECTIVE
To compare selected umbilical cord parameters, especially cord coiling, between breech and vertex presentations.


METHODS
We prospectively collected umbilical cords from uncomplicated breech and vertex obtained during elective term cesarean deliveries. We compared various cord parameters between the two groups as well as data regarding obstetric history and pregnancy outcome.


RESULTS
We evaluated 55 umbilical cords from breech and 55 from vertex deliveries. Umbilical cord length (56.93 cm vs. 63.95 cm, P=0.05), number of coils (5.1+/-0.4 vs. 11.7+/-0.6, P<0.0001) and umbilical cord index (UCI) (0.09 coils/cm vs. 0.18 coils/cm, P<0.0001) were all significantly lower for breech presentations and remained significant following multivariate analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
We document significant differences in umbilical coiling and the UCI between breech and vertex presentation. The precise reason for these differences is still unclear.
Ochshorn
Yifat
Y
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Bibi
Guy
G
Ascher-Landsberg
Jessica
J
Kupferminc
Michael J
MJ
Lessing
Joseph B
JB
Many
Ariel
A
D000328:Adult; D001946:Breech Presentation / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D005324:Fetal Movement; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*