Morphologic and morphometric characterization of the umbilical cord and vessel components could greatly assist in improving adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between morphometry of umbilical cord vessel components and neonatal outcome. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on 207 umbilical cords attached to placentae obtained from Victory Maternity Home and Clinic in Kumasi (Ghana) between November, 2013 and October, 2014. Umbilical cord length, diameter, and vessels' diameter were measured with the umbilical cord still attached to the placenta. Neonatal anthropometries were recorded within 24 hours after delivery. The mean ± SD of vein diameter between neonates of normotensive 3.36 (±0.88) and hypertensive mothers 3.82 (± 0.50) showed a significant difference. The body length of neonates with short umbilical cord length was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of those with long cord lengths. Quantitative analysis indicated a positive linear relationship in umbilical cord and its vessels components with neonatal anthropometry (p<0.05). In conclusion, the morphometry of the umbilical cord and its vessels could predict maternal and neonatal outcome and therefore would be useful in early detection and management of neonatal abnormalities.

BACKGROUND: One key factor proven to increase quality of pregnancy outcome has been antenatal care (ANC) service. The perinatal triad of mother, placenta and fetus becomes functionally complete with a functional umbilical cord. The objective of the study was to establish mathematical models to predict the outcome of umbilical cord morphometric parameters using maternal first antenatal care visit biometric indices. METHOD: This analytical descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 pregnant women who attended antenatal care for the first time in their first trimester at the Victory Maternity Home and Clinic in the Kumasi Metropolis, between April 2016 and October 2019. Umbilical cord length, diameter, area, volume and weight were measured after delivery. Maternal first antenatal care visit blood pressure was taken and their non-fasting blood samples were collected and lipid profile done. RESULTS: Mean values for umbilical cord measurements were; cord length, 38.10±7.86 cm; diameter, 1.04±0.17 cm; area, 66.10±24.49 cm2 and volume was 34.02±11.16 cm3 respectively while mean cord weight was 65.01±21.35 g. The study found that a unit increase in total cholesterol led to an increase of 2.33 units in umbilical cord length, high-density lipoprotein also resulted in 0.06 units increase in cord diameter while low-density lipoprotein decreases cord length by 3.31 units. Also, a unit increase in maternal booking total cholesterol resulted in 2.33 units increase in umbilical cord length. CONCLUSION: Maternal first antenatal care visit total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein could influence the outcome of umbilical cord length, diameter and area.

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