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Routine use of external cephalic version in three hospitals
A L Regalia1, P Curiel, N Natale
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, S. Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy.
Birth (Berkeley, Calif.)
|June 24, 2000
Summary
External cephalic version (ECV) is an effective procedure to reduce cesarean births for term breech infants. This study found ECV successful in 62.7% of cases across various hospital settings with good neonatal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics
- Fetal Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- External cephalic version (ECV) is a recommended alternative to cesarean birth for term breech presentations.
- Its efficacy in diverse hospital settings requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of routine external cephalic version (ECV) at or after 36 weeks gestation.
- To assess ECV efficacy across three different hospital levels.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 923 women with a single breech fetus undergoing ECV.
- The procedure utilized a tocolytic agent and the 'forward roll' technique.
- No maternal analgesia was administered during the procedure.
Main Results:
- Successful ECV was achieved in 62.7% of cases, with similar rates across hospitals.
- Vaginal delivery occurred in 56.9% of women post-ECV.
- The procedure was more successful in multiparous women and specific breech presentations; neonatal outcomes were generally favorable, with one femur fracture reported.
Conclusions:
- External cephalic version (ECV) effectively reduces cesarean deliveries for term breech infants.
- ECV demonstrates consistent efficacy and safety across various obstetric environments.
- No significant adverse neonatal outcomes were associated with routine ECV.