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Lower-limb neurologic deficit after vaginal delivery: a prospective observational study
A Tournier1, A C Doremieux1, E Drumez2
1Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, Pôle Femme Mère Nouveau-né, F-59000 Lille, France.
International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
|November 10, 2019
Summary
Lower limb neurologic deficits affect 0.3% of women after vaginal delivery, often involving sensory nerves. While most women recover within weeks, some may experience prolonged or disabling symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neurology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Lower limb neurologic deficit following vaginal delivery is not well understood.
- Nerve injury during childbirth requires further investigation into its incidence, characteristics, and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of lower limb neurologic deficits after vaginal delivery.
- To characterize the types of nerve injuries and identify associated risk factors.
- To describe the prognosis and recovery patterns for these neurologic deficits.
Main Methods:
- A single-center observational study was conducted.
- Included women who reported lower limb neurologic deficits immediately after vaginal delivery.
- Follow-up extended up to four years.
Main Results:
- 31 out of 10,569 deliveries (0.3%) resulted in a neurologic deficit.
- Most affected women were nulliparous, with a prolonged second stage of labor and instrumental delivery.
- Sensory deficits, primarily in the femoral nerve territory, were most common; 69.2% recovered within six weeks, but one case took 3.5 years.
Conclusions:
- Neurologic deficits occurred in 0.3% of the vaginal delivery population studied.
- Recovery can be lengthy, sometimes taking many weeks, and may result in disability.
