Second-Trimester Ultrasound-Measured Umbilical Cord Insertion-to-Placental Edge Distance: Determining an Outcome-Based Threshold for Identifying Marginal Cord Insertions.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2020

Institution/Department

Obstetrics; Gynecology; Maine Medical Center Research Institute

Journal Title

Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine

MeSH Headings

Female, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Trimester, Second, Vasa Previa, Umbilical Cord, Placenta, Ultrasonography, Humans

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We sought to study potential diagnostic criteria for marginal placental cord insertions as determined by associations with obstetric outcomes.

METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort investigation included singleton gestations delivering from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016, and having a standard or detailed fetal ultrasound examination from 18 weeks to 21 weeks 6 days. Cord insertion-to-placental edge distances were used to create a referent comparison group and 3 patient groups: greater than 3.0 cm (comparison); greater than 2.0 to 3.0 cm (group 1); greater than 1.0 to 2.0 cm (group 2); and 1.0 cm or less (group 3). The primary outcome consisted of any one of spontaneous delivery before 37 weeks, fetal growth restriction, oligohydramnios, placental abruption, or intrauterine fetal demise.

RESULTS: The numbers of participants and mean distances ± SDs for the comparison group and groups 1 to 3, respectively, were 628 and 4.68 ± 1.17 cm, 106 and 2.52 ± 0.26 cm, 131 and 1.60 ± 0.29 cm, and 77 and 0.36 ± 0.37 cm, respectively. The primary outcome was significantly associated only with cord insertion-to-placental edge distances of 1.0 cm or less (adjusted odds ratio, 3.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.73-5.38).

CONCLUSIONS: Marginal cord insertions may be diagnosed when the cord insertion-to-placental edge distance is 1.0 cm or less.

ISSN

1550-9613

First Page

351

Last Page

358

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