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Published on: June 6, 2020
Intrapartum caesarean rates differ significantly between ethnic groups--relationship to induction
Khadijah I Ismail1, Zbigniew Marchocki, Donal J Brennan
1Anu Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland.
Summary
Eastern European women had lower rates of intrapartum caesarean sections (CS) compared to Irish women. Younger maternal age and fewer inductions may explain these differences in labour outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal Health
- Comparative Healthcare Outcomes
Background:
- International variations in obstetric practices necessitate comparative studies to understand rising caesarean delivery rates.
- An increasing number of Eastern European (EE) women are delivering in Irish maternity hospitals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare labour outcomes between Irish and Eastern European (EE) women in a tertiary referral center.
- To investigate potential reasons for differences in caesarean delivery rates between these groups.
Main Methods:
- A prospective consecutive cohort study was conducted over one calendar year (2009).
- The study included 5550 Irish and 867 EE women, excluding multiple pregnancies, breech presentations, and elective/pre-labour caesarean sections.
- Data collected included maternal age, nationality, parity, gestation, labour onset, mode of delivery, and birth weight.
Main Results:
- The overall intrapartum caesarean section (CS) rate was 11.4%, significantly higher in Irish women (11.8%) compared to EE women (8.8%).
- Primiparas had a higher intrapartum CS rate in Irish women (20.7%) versus EE women (11.0%), with higher rates in both spontaneous and induced labour.
- Irish primiparas were older (19.7% >35 years) and had higher induction rates (45.4%) compared to EE primiparas (1.6% >35 years; 32% induction rate).
Conclusions:
- Primigravid intrapartum CS rates were significantly lower in Eastern European women compared to Irish women.
- Younger maternal age and lower induction rates in Eastern European primiparas may contribute to these observed differences.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the factors influencing these distinct labour outcomes between two Caucasian groups.
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