Determining the sensitivity of sitting height in predicting cephalo pelvic disproportion in Eritrea

To determine the sensitivity of sitting height in predicting cephalo pelvic disproportion (CPD), a prospective case-control study was conducted. A total of 724 primiparas who delivered in Mekane Hiwot Maternity Hospital, Asmara, Eritrea were studied. Primiparas who delivered by caesarian section because of CPD were taken as cases (221), and primiparas who delivered vaginally were taken as controls (503). Height was measured for all, while sitting and while standing. The sensitivity of sitting height in predicting CPD was 34.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 27.7-40.3%), while that of the standing height was 33.5% (95% CI = 27.1-39.84). CPD cannot be predicted accurately by height in general and by sitting height in particular. Therefore, in order to avoid obstetric complications, all pregnant women should have access to skilled attendance during delivery and access to facilities with emergency obstetric care when needed.