External cephalic version success rate and associated factors: Experience from a tertiary center in Sub-Saharan...

To determine the success rate of external cephalic version (ECV) and its associated factors in an Ethiopian setting.

A total of 152 ECVs performed at the St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from June 1, 2018, up to March 30, 2019, were analyzed, using a prospective cross-sectional study design. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Chi-square test of association was applied for categorical data analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of success of ECV. Odds ratio, 95% CI, and P-value<0.05 were used to describe findings' significance.

The success rate of ECV was 71.7%. ECV success rate did not differ between multiparous and nulliparous (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI 0.07-2.35), according to abdominal wall thickness status (AOR = 3.5, 95% Cl 0.29-42.40), and between unengaged and engaged presenting part (AOR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.26-4.74). A posterior placenta was associated with ECV success compared to anterior placenta (AOR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-2.60). Likewise, cases that experience no pain was associated with a higher ECV success rate (AOR 14.68, 95% CI 1.65-34.97). Soft uterine tone was also associated with a higher success rate compared to tense uterine tone (AOR = 3.89, 95% CI 0.02-0.39). Eighty-four percent of those mothers who had successful ECV had spontaneous vertex vaginal delivery.

The success rate of ECV in this study is found to be 71.7%, which is higher than reports from previous studies. Absence of pain during the procedure, posterior placenta, and soft uterine tone were associated with successful ECV.