Clinical characteristics and outcomes of antenatal fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein varix detection.
10.5468/ogs.2014.57.3.181
- Author:
Si Won LEE
1
;
Moon Young KIM
;
Jung Eun KIM
;
Jin Hoon CHUNG
;
Hyun Jung LEE
;
Ji Young YOON
Author Information
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Kwandong University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. mykimdr@yahoo.co.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Antenatal ultrasound;
Umbilical veins;
Varicose veins
- MeSH:
Bronchopulmonary Sequestration;
Cryptorchidism;
Diagnosis;
Dilatation;
Female;
Fetal Death;
Fetal Monitoring;
Follow-Up Studies;
Gestational Age;
Humans;
Hydrops Fetalis;
Infant, Newborn;
Kidney Pelvis;
Lost to Follow-Up;
Male;
Medical Records;
Pregnancy;
Pregnancy Complications;
Pregnancy Outcome;
Prenatal Care;
Retrospective Studies;
Ultrasonography;
Umbilical Veins*;
Varicose Veins*
- From:Obstetrics & Gynecology Science
2014;57(3):181-186
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: This study reviewed clinical characteristics of fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein (FIUV) varices that were detected during antenatal ultrasound examinations. METHODS: Between January 2006 and January 2012, 121 cases of FIUV varices were detected and 7 cases were lost to follow-up. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 114 patients and neonates. RESULTS: From a total 96,553 ultrasound examinations in 43,995 pregnancies, 121 cases of FIUV varices were identified (2.8 per 1,000 pregnancies). Gestational age at diagnosis was 32.0 +/- 2.9 weeks (range, 20.1-36.3 weeks), the mean diameter of the FIUV varix was 12.6 +/- 2.1 mm (range, 8.0-21.0 mm) at initial diagnosis and the mean maximal diameter was 13.1 +/- 2.3 mm (range, 8.0-21.0 mm) during follow-up. The most severe pregnancy complications included one case of intrauterine fetal death and another case of fetal hydrops. Associated fetal anomalies (n = 11, 9.6%) detected by ultrasonography included bilateral renal pelvis dilatation, ventriculomegaly, cryptorchidism, incomplete renal duplication and pulmonary sequestration. A total of 104 cases (91.2%) were delivered at term and 10 cases (8.8%) were preterm deliveries before 37 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSION: FIUV varices that are not associated with fetal anomalies based on ultrasound examination during prenatal care have favorable pregnancy outcomes. Nevertheless, close fetal monitoring is recommended to decrease perinatal complications.