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

• Umbilical Cord Necrosis due to Meconium

What is Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord? (Definition/Background Information)

• Longstanding meconium can cause damage to a portion of the umbilical cord. This can result in the disruption of blood and nutritional supply to the fetus
• This damage can result in necrosis (death) of the tissue and may affect the entire umbilical cord. This is known as Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord
• Meconium is the first feces of a developing fetus and it is usually dark green in color
• Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord can lead to hemorrhage within the pregnancy (gestational) sac resulting in fetal deaths and stillbirths
• 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 Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord
• Meconium-Induced Necrosis 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 Umbilical Cord Necrosis due to Meconium

Who gets Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord 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 Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Meconium-Induced Necrosis 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 Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord is unknown
• Research is currently being performed to identify the relevant causative factors

Meconium-Induced Necrosis 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 Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord?

The signs and symptoms of Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord depend upon the extent of damage to the umbilical cord; when the damage is focal, it may not cause any significant signs and symptoms. In other cases, it may lead to:

• Excessive hemorrhage/bleeding during childbirth
• Decreased blood flow to the fetus causing fetal distress

How is Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord may involve:

• Physical examination along with an evaluation of one’s medical history
• A prenatal ultrasound may reveal umbilical cord necrosis
• Amniocentesis: It may reveal blood in the amniotic fluid because of hemorrhage from the damaged umbilical cord

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 Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord?

Complications due to Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord may include:

• 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
• Fetal distress and intrauterine fetal death
• Stillbirths and fetal mortality

How is Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord Treated?

• Meconium-Induced Necrosis 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 the condition is considered to be a high-risk pregnancy

How can Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord be Prevented?

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

What is the Prognosis of Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord can be a life-threatening condition with a poor prognosis. The prognosis depends upon the extent of damage to the umbilical cord
• 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 Meconium-Induced Necrosis of Umbilical Cord:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/womens-health/