Maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with complicated single umbilical artery: A retrospective cohort study

This study aims to investigate maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by a single umbilical artery (SUA), distinguishing between isolated SUA (iSUA) and those associated with additional anomalies. In a retrospective cohort study, 52 pregnancies were diagnosed with SUA, categorized into iSUA (n=25) and SUA with additional anomalies (n=27). Maternal demographics, prenatal findings and neonatal outcomes were analyzed. Statistical tests were used to investigate associations between SUA types and adverse outcomes. Gestational age at delivery was significantly lower in the SUA with anomalies group (31.31±8.22 weeks) than in the iSUA group (37.39±2.65 weeks, p<0.001). Although birth weight was slightly lower in the group with anomalies, the difference was not statistically significant. Congenital anomalies were predominantly cardiovascular (30%), urinary (25%) and digestive (17.5%) anomalies in the anomaly group. The live birth rate was higher in the iSUA group (92%) than in the SUA group with anomalies (55%, p<0.001). Postnatal mortality was also higher in the group with anomalies (11%). SUA is associated with significant adverse outcomes, especially when additional anomalies are present. Enhanced prenatal surveillance and multidisciplinary care are recommended for the management of these pregnancies.