What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Umbilical Cord Ulceration

What is Ulceration of Umbilical Cord? (Definition/Background Information)

• Ulceration of Umbilical Cord is an extremely rare condition that is associated with fetus intestinal atresia. In fetal intestinal atresia, there is congenital obstruction of the intestine due to a developmental defect
• Ulceration of Umbilical Cord can damage the umbilical arteries, a condition known as myonecrosis of the umbilical arteries. This can lead to hemorrhage within the pregnancy (or gestational) sac
• The placenta is an organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall. It is a disc shaped reddish brown structure that connects the fetus to the mother through the umbilical cord
• The umbilical cord contains two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein, providing a connection between maternal and fetal blood circulation
• The normal function of placenta is to supply nutrients and oxygen to the fetus from the mother’s blood and remove wastes from the fetal body
• There are no risk factors or causative factors associated with Ulceration of Umbilical Cord
• The condition can cause complications such as anemia in the developing fetus, intrauterine growth restriction, fetal deaths and stillbirths
• Ulceration of Umbilical Cord requires prompt and emergency treatment for an improved prognosis. Nevertheless, in most cases, the prognosis is poor
• Currently, there are no preventative measures available for Ulceration of Umbilical Cord

Who gets Ulceration of Umbilical Cord? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Ulceration of Umbilical Cord is a very rare condition that may occur in pregnant women of all ages
• Women who are pregnant with both male and female fetuses can be affected
• There is no racial, ethnic, or geographical predilection observed

What are the Risk Factors for Ulceration of Umbilical Cord? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Ulceration of Umbilical Cord
• Research is being performed to identify the relevant risk factors

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Ulceration of Umbilical Cord? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Ulceration of Umbilical Cord is unknown. But, some researchers believe that it may be caused by regurgitation of bile in the uterus
• Research is currently being performed to identify the relevant causative factors

Ulceration of Umbilical Cord is not caused by what the expectant mother does or does not do, either prior to or during pregnancy.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ulceration of Umbilical Cord?

The signs and symptoms of Ulceration of Umbilical Cord may include:

• Excessive hemorrhage/bleeding during childbirth
• Decreased blood flow to the fetus may result in fetal distress

How is Ulceration of Umbilical Cord Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Ulceration of Umbilical Cord may involve:

• Physical examination along with an evaluation of one’s medical history
• A prenatal ultrasound may reveal the ulceration
• Amniocentesis: It may reveal blood in the amniotic fluid
• A careful examination of the placenta by a pathologist after birth of the child, to macroscopically (gross visual exam) and microscopically analyze the placental tissue may help establish a diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Ulceration of Umbilical Cord?

Complications due to Ulceration of Umbilical Cord may include:

• The developing fetus may be anemic
• The condition may cause a decrease in blood flow to the developing fetus. This can result in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and other congenital abnormalities in the developing fetus
• Hydrops changes in the fetus
• Fetal distress and intrauterine fetal death
• Stillbirths and fetal mortality

How is Ulceration of Umbilical Cord Treated?

• Ulceration of Umbilical Cord can be a medical emergency and the treatment is directed at saving the fetus and managing the associated complications.
• A careful and periodic monitoring of the pregnancy is necessary, since the presence of Umbilical Cord Ulceration is considered to be a high-risk pregnancy

How can Ulceration of Umbilical Cord be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent Ulceration of Umbilical Cord
• A careful and periodic monitoring of the pregnancy is advised and recommended

What is the Prognosis of Ulceration of Umbilical Cord? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Ulceration of Umbilical Cord can be a life-threatening condition having a poor prognosis
• A delayed treatment or a lack of treatment may result in the death of the baby, or cause adverse health complications for the baby

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Ulceration of Umbilical Cord:

Less than 15 cases of Umbilical Cord Ulceration have been documented, though some medical researchers believe that the condition is often underdiagnosed.