title: Implementation of a simple method to measure total umbilical cord length.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Umbilical cord (UC) alterations are involved in fetal and neonatal complications, and even deaths. Abnormal length has been recognized as the most important UC feature linked to unfavorable results. However, how can the UC be accurately measured in cases in which there is an overriding need for intravenous intervention, urgent lab samples or segments for stem cell cultivation?
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed an observational study to describe our UC length measurement method at the San Ignacio University Hospital (HUSI).
  
  
  RESULTS
  All HUSI obstetricians and pediatricians accepted the new rapid cord measurement method; no delays were reported for either maternal or neonatal care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In light of the association of abnormal UC length to complications, we recommend that complete UC length data be registered. Our new and rapid method allows for any UC intervention to be performed, while at the same time, providing precise UC length data under all circumstances.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, The Medical School, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana-San Ignacio University Hospital, Bogotá, Colombia.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Olaya-C
authors.affiliation: Director Gynecology Department, the Medical School, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana-San Ignacio University Hospital, Bogotá, Colombia.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Institute of Human Genetics, the Medical School, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Bernal
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Umbilical cord; congenital anomalies; cord accident; fetal thrombotic vasculopathy