What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)
- Hypoplasia of One Umbilical Artery
- Hypoplasia of Umbilical Artery
- Hypoplastic Fetal Umbilical Artery
What is Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery? (Definition/Background Information)
- The umbilical cord contains two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein, providing a connection between maternal and fetal blood circulation
- Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery is a variant of single umbilical artery (SUA). In SUA, there is only one umbilical artery present. However, in Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery, both umbilical arteries are present, but there is a disparity in the sizes of the umbilical arteries
- 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 normal function of the placenta is to supply nutrients and oxygen to the fetus from the mother’s blood and remove wastes from the fetal body
- Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery is found to be associated with congenital heart disease, placental infarction, trisomy 18 syndrome, polyhydramnios, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), abnormal insertion of the umbilical cord, and umbilical cord hematoma
- Currently, there are no preventative measures available for Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery. A close monitoring of the pregnancy is mandated to ensure improved outcomes
Who gets Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery? (Age and Sex Distribution)
- Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery may occur in pregnant women of all ages. Based on a few studies, the incidence is around 0.03% or about 1 in 3,300 pregnancies
- Women who are pregnant with both male and female fetuses can be affected
- All racial and ethnic groups may be affected
What are the Risk Factors for Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery? (Predisposing Factors)
The risk factors for Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery may include:
- Maternal diabetes
- Chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy 18
Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery is also known to be associated with a host of conditions (congenital anomalies and defects) including:
- Abnormal insertion of the umbilical cord
- Congenital heart disease
- Intrauterine growth retardation
- Placental infarction
- Polyhydramnios
- Trisomy 18 syndrome
- Umbilical cord hematoma
It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s 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 Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery? (Etiology)
- The exact cause of development of Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery is unknown
- An abnormal development of the umbilical cord during pregnancy may be a possible cause
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery?
The signs and symptoms of Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery may include:
- Decreased blood flow to the fetus resulting in fetal distress
- Hypoplastic Fetal Umbilical Artery is associated with a variety of birth defects that may be revealed on prenatal imaging scans
- Significant signs and symptoms may be observed with any underlying (associated) condition
How is Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of Hypoplastic umbilical Artery may involve:
- Physical examination along with an evaluation of one’s medical history: The healthcare provider may check for any signs of fetal distress such as non-reassuring fetal heart rate
- Prenatal abdominal ultrasound may reveal the condition and other associated fetal abnormalities
- Amniocentesis, if necessary, to help diagnose any associated congenital abnormalities
- A careful examination of the placenta by a pathologist after birth of the child, to macroscopically (gross visual exam) and microscopically analyse the placental tissue may help establish a definitive 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 Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery?
Complications due to Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery may include:
- Counseling for parents who may have severe emotional distress
- Fetal growth restriction
- Polyhydramnios or increase in the quantity of amniotic fluid
- Low birth weight of babies
- Complications from associated gestational diabetes, congenital heart disease, and abnormal cord insertions (marginal, velamentous, and eccentric), if any present
- Complications from trisomy 18: Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery is observed in children having chromosomal defects such as trisomy 18
- Increased incidence of neonatal death and stillbirths
How is Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery Treated?
- Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery treatment is directed at managing the associated complications
- A careful and periodic monitoring of the pregnancy is necessary, which should include diabetic screening, ultrasound scanning for fetal abnormalities and growth, and fetal echocardiography
How can Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery be Prevented?
- Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery
- A careful and periodic monitoring of the pregnancy is advised and recommended
What is the Prognosis of Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery? (Outcomes/Resolutions)
The overall prognosis of Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery depends on a variety of factors.
- After birth of the baby, the baby should be evaluated for heart defects and genetic abnormalities
- The presence of certain associated conditions and significant complications from the same may adversely affect overall outcomes
Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Hypoplastic Umbilical Artery:
The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:
https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-related-disorders/
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