Single umbilical artery is known as the most common congenital malformation, 5 to 9 babies in 1,000 live ´births, and might be associated with the other abnormalities.
This study was undertaken to validate the clinical importances of single umbilical artery(SUA). 12 fetuses with SUA were detected on prenatal ultrasound examination from January 1997 to January 2000. The data were analyzed and reviewed retrospectively based on medical records.
The results were as follows
1. Maternal age ranged 25-43 years old, mean age was 33.0(±7.8) years.
2. Mean gestational age at birth was 37(±7.1) weeks, except 2 cases of therapeutic abortions.
3. Mean values of one minute Apgar score was 7.2, five minute Apgar score was 8.3.
4. Intrauterine growth retardations were found in 3 cases(25%).
5. Associated fetal malformations were noted in 3 cases(25%) and one case of chromosomal
anomaly was diagnosed.
Because of low Apgar score at birth, high incidence of intrauterine growth retardation and associated malformations, we should regard pregnancy with SUA highly risky.
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