Single Umbilical Artery

Abstract

The Umbilical Artery Unica is found in 0.2 to 1.1% of all fetuses. Their presence of AOU in itself does not cause any harm to the fetus and newborn. Sometimes, however, this abnormality occurs associated with chromosomal abnormalities and other abnormalities Structural. The chromosomal abnormalities account for about 5-10%; the most common are trisomy 13, 18 and 21. The non-chromosomal anomalies associated together account for about 22%: heart disease is the most frequent. 4-6% of fetuses with AOU in isolation have minor abnormalities at birth, whose ultrasound diagnosis is difficult or impossible. 25-30% of fetuses with AOU are suffering from intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and about a quarter of these born prematurely. Fetuses with AOU also feature a higher risk of death intrauterine and / or intrapartum.