Abstract

ARRIAGA LOPEZ, Alberto et al. True Umbilical Cord Knot, an Incidental Finding at Birth. Report of 4 Cases in a Third Level Hospital. Rev. Fac. Med. (Méx.) [online]. 2022, vol.65, n.4, pp.30-37.  Epub Aug 08, 2022. ISSN 2448-4865.  https://doi.org/10.22201/fm.24484865e.2022.65.4.04.

The true umbilical cord knot is a pathology with an incidence relatively low. It is associated with the risk of loss of fetal well-being and stillbirth. There are both maternal and fetal risk factors, with different associated perinatal outcomes. Prenatal diagnosis of a true knot is a diagnostic challenge for the obstetrician, however, nowadays it is possible by ultrasound for incidental finding or by intentional search, mainly in patients with risk factors. In the same way it should be suspected in the presence of a non-reassuring cardiotocography, especially when there is no response to the usual intrauterine resuscitation maneuvers, such as left lateral decubitus position, supplemental oxygen and maternal hydration. The purpose of this report is to describe 4 cases of true knot in term pregnancies, in a third level hospital, where an incidence of 0.03% was estimated,, with a mean gestational age of 39.3 weeks and a mean maternal age of 32.2 years. The main intrapartum findings were alterations in the cardiotocography, such as variable and late decelerations. The route of pregnancy resolution was equitable among the patients, 2 were resolved by vaginal delivery and the other 2 by cesarean section. Pregnancy was resolved by vaginal delivery in 2 of the patients, while the other 2 were resolved by cesarean section. One case of stillbirth was registered

Keywords : Umbilical cord; true knot; perinatal outcomes; prenatal diagnosis.