Spontaneous umbilical cord hematoma with a favorable outcome

Abstract

Umbilical cord hematoma is a rare but serious complication of pregnancy or childbirth that often results in neonatal hypoxia–ischemia and death. We describe a newborn infant with spontaneous umbilical cord hematoma, resulting in transient hypoxia–ischemia. Treatment with therapeutic hypothermia was rapidly initiated by a multidisciplinary team of obstetricians, midwives, and neonatologists. Risk factors for umbilical cord hematoma reported in the literature were investigated. The neurological signs, electroencephalogram, and blood analysis results improved rapidly. This case report demonstrates that the effective management of anoxia–ischemia caused by umbilical cord hematoma can lead to a positive outcome for the newborn infant.