Umbilical Artery Atherosclerosis as the Risk Factor for Anorectal Malformation

Background: Anorectal malformation (ARM) is a congenital anomaly in which the anus and rectum are not normally developed. The causes of this anomaly are thought to be multifactorial. Umbilical cord pathology is related to various congenital anomalies and atherosclerosis of the umbilical artery may induce negative effects on the fetus, therefore, this study analyzed the correlation between umbilical artery atherosclerosis and the incidence of ARM. Method: This case-control study was conducted between November 2020 and March 2021. Umbilical cord samples were taken from neonates with/without ARM and evaluated for the presence of umbilical artery atherosclerosis. Spearman analysis was utilized to determine any correlations. Result: Umbilical cord samples from 30 newborns without ARM and 30 newborns with ARM were analyzed revealing that 10 newborns with ARM had initial atherosclerotic lesions in their umbilical artery. Conclusion: The incidence of an initial atherosclerotic lesion instead of an atherosclerotic lesion in the patients with ARM was significantly correlated with the incidence of ARM.