The effect of umbilical cord loops around the fetal neck on the modified Doppler myocardial performance index (Mod- MPI) in a sample of Egyptian population.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Reproductive Health Research Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt

2 Department of Ob/gyn Kasr Al Ainy Hospital, Cairo University, Egypt

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate if there is a significant difference on the modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) in cases of umbilical cord loops around the fetal neck (nuchal cord).
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included 60 healthy pregnancies between 28 to 35 weeks’ gestation with a loop of cord around the neck (group A) and another 60 controls (group B). They were all undergoing ultrasound examination in a private clinic in Egypt from January 2021 till March 2022. Loops of cord around the neck were identified by grey scale and color Doppler. The Mod-MPI was used to assess fetal myocardial function using the Hernandez-Andrad et al. technique and the value was calculated according to Tei et al.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the age, BMI, nor the gestational age between both groups. However, there was a statistically significant difference regarding gravidity and parity between both groups with mean gravidity 2.13 +/- 1.41 and mean parity
0.87 +/- 1.10 for group A and mean gravidity 2.89 +/- 1.94 mean parity 1.44 +/- 1.42 (p=0.038 and 0.031) respective- ly. Finally, there was a statistically significant increase in the mean and standard deviation of the Mod MPI between Group A and B; 0.427 and 0.406 respectively. (p= 0.014)
Conclusion: We hope this study could provide valuable information for a comprehensive and objective evaluation of the effects nuchal cord on fetal wellbeing as well as guide intervention and provide new ways to reduce peri- natal morbidity and mortality. We consider this a pilot and study and further studies with a larger sample size and follow up till delivery are required to be able to draw clearer and more solid conclusion.

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