ABSTRACT
The objective to characterize neonatal outcome associated with ultrasonographic identification
of a single umbilical artery. Pregnancies diagnosed with single umbilical artery antenatally
were identified. All prenatal/antenatal and pediatric records were reviewed for maternal
demographics, associated anomalies, karyotypic analysis, pregnancy complications,
and neonatal outcome. Twenty-seven pregnancies complicated by fetal single umbilical
artery were identified. Of the 27 pregnancies, 5 (18.5%) underwent pregnancy termination
and 1 (3.7%) experienced fetal demise. Of the 21 liveborn infants, 4 (19%) died within
the first year of life. Sixty-seven percent of fetuses had an associated structural
anomaly. Sixteen of the 27 pregnancies underwent amniocentesis and 7 of these were
chromosomally abnormal. All of the karyotypically abnormal fetuses had a structural
defect in addition to the single umbilical artery. Of the six fetuses without any
associated structural or chromosomal anomalies, three (50%) demonstrated growth restriction.
Single umbilical artery is relatively rare finding. When a single umbilical artery
is identified, a vigilant search for associated anomalies should be undertaken. Pregnancies
identified as having fetuses with associated structural anomalies should be offered
amniocentesis. Pregnancies with isolated single umbilical artery should be carefully
monitored for evidence of fetal growth restriction.
KEYWORD
Single umbilical artery - chromosomal anomalies - growth restriction
