3D-ultrasound detection of fetal grasping of the umbilical cord and fetal outcome.

A case of persistent fetal palmar grasping of the umbilical cord in a 23-year-old primigravida is described. Palmar grasping was detected with three-dimensional ultrasound examination after cardiotocographically recorded fetal bradyarrhythmia. Because of acute fetal hypoxia, urgent Misgav-Ladach cesarean section was performed to deliver a hypotrophic female newborn, 2,120 g/43 cm, Apgar score 4/7, pH 7.29. No other pathology was found during the procedure. The postoperative course proceeded uneventfully and the early neonatal neurological status and neurosonographic findings were normal.