Preliminary study of variations-anomalies of umbilical cord of term placenta in a Sri Lankan population
Abstract
Objectives: To assess the umbilical cord variations/anomalies of term placenta in a Sri Lankan population presenting to a selected centre
Methods: Two hundred and fifty two (252) normally delivered term placentas, collected from Colombo South Teaching Hospital during years 2012/2013 were dissected and observed for placental attachment of umbilical cord and umbilical vessels.
Results: Majority 81%(204/252) of the placenta had eccentric cord attachment and out of that, 63.2%(129/204) had non furcate blood vessel arrangement. Percentage 17.9(45/252) had central attachment while 53.3%(24/45) were furcate. Percentage 0.8(2/252) had marginal attachment with 100%(2/2) furcate and 0.4%(1/252) villamentous. Single umbilical artery was found in 0.8%(2/252) and both were eccentrically attached with single umbilical vein. Percentage 0.4(1/250) had two umbilical veins with two normal umbilical arteries. Majority had two umbilical arteries and non furcate 59.6%(149/250) while 1.3%(2/2) contained single umbilical artery and non furcate
Conclusions: Majority of umbilical cords had eccentric cord attachment with non furcate variety. Presence of single umbilical artery in Sri Lankan population is comparable with 0.5% -2.5 % of Indian studies. Villamentus attachment is rare [0.4%(1/252)] and low compared to western data(0.75%). As umbilical cord anomalies are known to be associated with other congenital anomalies early diagnosis of umbilical cord anomalies could give an insight to the former.
