Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: Umbilical cord may insert abnormally either velamentous or marginal insertion to
a placenta which can cause different birth and perinatal complications. Despite the increased
effort taken by different responsible bodies, the prevalence of birth and perinatal complications
are still high, possibly due to anomalous cord insertion. So far, anomalous cord insertion lacks
proper attention in different medical settings. Hence, the present study aims to assess the
prevalence and risk factors of anomalous cord insertion among singleton births at the University
of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods and materials: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted
among 421 singleton births at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital. A
systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected
by using a structured questionnaire and checklist and was entered into epi-data version 3.1 then
exported to SPSS version 20 for data cleansing and analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable
logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with anomalous cord insertions.
Crude and adjusted odds ratio with a 95 % confidence interval were calculated to identify the
independent risk factors for anomalous cord insertions.
Result: The prevalence of anomalous cord insertion was 9.0% (VCI = 2.6%, MCI = 6.4%) in
singleton pregnancies. Independent risk factors for ACI were advanced maternal age (AOR=
4.77), primiparity (AOR=3.87), maternal chronic hypertension (AOR=3.23), previous caesarian
delivery (AOR=3.28) and use of IUCD before pregnancy (AOR=3.91).
Conclusion and recommendation: The Prevalence and most of the risk factors in the present
study are in accordance with previous studies. Marginal cord insertion appears more prevalent
(6.4%) than velamentous cord insertion. Routine identification of the placental cord insertion site
should be considered in pregnancies with advanced age, nulliparity, hypertensive disorder,
history of caesarian section, and IUCD usage before pregnancy.
Keywords: prevalence, risk factors, Anomalous cord insertion, singleton births, Gondar,
Ethiopi
