What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Dysplasia Umbilico-Fetalis
• Flying Fetus Syndrome
• Umbilical Cord Agenesis

What is Acordia? (Definition/Background Information)

• The length of the umbilical cord is important, since it can affect fetal growth and development. The cord length can also affect the outcome of the pregnancy. On an average, the umbilical cord length is between 55 and 60 cm
• In Acordia, the umbilical cord is either absent or extremely short in length (near complete absence). It is also known as Umbilical Cord Agenesis
• The placenta is an organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall. It is a disc shaped reddish brown structure that connects the fetus to the mother through the umbilical cord
• The umbilical cord contains two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein, providing a connection between maternal and fetal blood circulation
• The normal function of placenta is to supply nutrients and oxygen to the fetus from the mother’s blood and remove wastes from the fetal body
• Acordia is a very rare condition with unidentified risk factors and of unknown cause
• Depending upon the severity of Acordia, it is classified into the following types (based on prenatal scan studies):
  • Type I Acordia: Empty gestational sac with no well-formed fetus and umbilical cord is observed
  • Type II Acordia: Poorly-formed fetus and umbilical cord is observed
  • Type III Acordia: Poorly-formed umbilical cord (naked umbilical cord) and poorly-formed fetus with some identifiable parts may be observed
• The condition is fatal to the developing fetus and leads to a miscarriage, early during the pregnancy

Who gets Acordia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Acordia is a very rare condition that may occur in pregnant women of all ages
• Women who are pregnant with both male and female fetuses can be affected
• There is no racial, ethnic, or geographical predilection observed

What are the Risk Factors for Acordia? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Acordia
• The condition is sporadic and does not run in families
• Research is being performed to identify the relevant risk factors

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Acordia? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Acordia (or the absence of umbilical cord) is unknown
• Research is currently being performed to identify the relevant causative factors

It is not caused by what the expectant mother does or does not do, either prior to or during pregnancy.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Acordia?

Generally, no signs and symptoms of Acordia may be observed, other than the signs of a miscarriage. These may include:

• Bleeding (spotting or heavy bleeding)
• Strong crampy pain
• Loss of pregnancy symptoms such as nausea or breast tenderness
• Back pain

How is Acordia Diagnosed?

In most of the cases, Acordia may remain undiagnosed, since the pregnancy remains unknown.

• In rare cases, when the pregnancy progresses for a short period of time, an antenatal ultrasound scan may reveal the condition (such as an empty gestational sac)
• A careful examination of the placenta by a pathologist, to macroscopically (gross visual exam) and microscopically analyze the placental tissue may help establish a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Acordia?

Complications due to Acordia include severe fetal developmental abnormalities, which results in spontaneous termination of the pregnancy.

How is Acordia Treated?

• There is no specific treatment available for Umbilical Cord Agenesis or Acordia
• The healthcare provider may decide on the course of action on a case-by-case basis, analyzing all the health issues that are involved

How can Acordia be Prevented?

Currently, there are definitive methods available to prevent Acordia.

What is the Prognosis of Acordia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Acordia is poor with all types (Type I, II, and III) of the condition and fetal mortality is inevitable
• The developing fetus may have numerous congenital abnormalities including abdominal wall defects, diaphragm and limb defects, which are severe and fatal
• However, studies have not identified Acordia to be a risk factor for subsequent pregnancies

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Acordia:

Please visit our Rare Diseases & Disorders Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/