Abstract: Objective To investigate the implications of a prenatal diagnosis of single umbilical artery (SUA) for chromosomal
abnormalities and neonatal outcomes. Methods From January, 2008 to June, 2012, color Doppler ultrasound identified 44
fetuses with SUA. Prenatal diagnoses with amniocentesis or umbilical blood sampling were subsequently ordered for routine
chromosome karyotyping and the newborns were followed up for assessing the neonatal outcomes. Results Of all the 44
fetuses, 24 had uncomplicated SUA, and 20 had other concurrent abnormalities (including 8 with abnormal ultrasound soft
indexes and 12 with chromosomal abnormalities). The two groups of fetuses showed significant differences in gestational
weeks at delivery and incidence of chromosomal abnormalities but not in neonatal weight, placenta weight or APGAR score.
Conclusions Fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of SUA and other development abnormities need to undergo prenatal
chromosomal examination. For fetuses with uncomplicated SUA, careful ultrasound examination is necessary to avoid missed
diagnosis of potential congenital abnormalities.