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Umbilical Cord Haematoma: A Serious Pregnancy Complication
Author(s) -
Gregora Michael G.,
Lai Jerome
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.734
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1479-828X
pISSN - 0004-8666
DOI - 10.1111/j.1479-828x.1995.tb01876.x
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiotocography , umbilical cord , fetus , fetal movement , obstetrics , cord , pregnancy , surgery , anatomy , genetics , biology
EDITORIAL COMMENT:We accepted this report for publication because it informs readers that umbilical cord haematoma is yet another cause of acute fetal hypoxia which may present as diminished fetal movements where cardiotocography can indicate the need for prompt delivery and save a life. We hope that further follow‐up of the infant in Case 1 will not reveal evidence of cerebral palsy. Diminished fetal movements is the indication for about 15% of antepartum cardiotocographs; evidence of critical fetal reserve as in Case I was found in 1% of such cases (24 of 2,601) A . The 2 cases reported here are very uncommon. There was no case of cord haematoma causing cardiotocographic evidence of fetal hypoxia in the large series referred to above. A. Chew FTK; Beischer NA. Antepartum cardiotocographic surveillance of patients with diminished fetal movements. Aust NZ J Obstet Gynaecol 1992; 32: 107‐113. Summary: The 2 cases presented show the potential morbidity and mortality which may be associated with umbilical cord haematoma. That timely diagnoses and delivery can save such an affected fetus is seen in Case 1. If fetal movements are absent, both a nonstress cardiotocograph and ultrasound scan may lead to the correct management.