External cephalic version: a safe procedure? A systematic review of version-related risks

Breech delivery in low-income settings: A systematic review of perinatal and maternal outcomes in vaginal versus cesarean breech deliveries

Most studies comparing vaginal breech delivery (VBD) with cesarean breech delivery (CBD) have been conducted in high-income settings. It is uncertain whether these results are applicable in a low-income setting. To assess the neonatal and maternal mortality and morbidity for singleton VBD compared to CBD in low- and lower-middle-income settings,the PubMed database was searched from January 1, 2000, to January 23, 2020 (updated April 21, 2021). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs comparing singleton VBD with singleton CBD in low- and lower-middle-income settings reporting infant mortality were selected. Two authors independently assessed papers for eligibility and risk of bias. The primary outcome was relative risk of perinatal mortality. Meta-analysis was conducted on applicable outcomes. Eight studies (one RCT, seven observational) (12 510 deliveries) were included. VBD increased perinatal mortality (relative risk [RR] 2.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.82-3.91; one RCT, five observational studies, 3289 women) and risk of 5-minute Apgar score below 7 (RR 3.91, 95% CI 1.90-8.04; three observational studies, 430 women) compared to CBD. There was a higher risk of hospitalization and postpartum bleeding in CBD. Most of the studies were deemed to have moderate or serious risk of bias. CBD decreases risk of perinatal mortality but increases risk of bleeding and hospitalization.

Predictive factors for successful external cephalic version with regional anesthesia

AIM

We aimed to investigate predictive factors of successful external cephalic version (ECV) using regional anesthesia.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we included women who underwent ECV at our center from 2010 to 2022. The procedure had been conducted using regional anesthesia and the administration of intravenous ritodrine hydrochloride. The primary outcome was the success of ECV, which was defined as the rotation from a non-cephalic to a cephalic presentation. Primary exposures were maternal demographic factors and ultrasound findings at ECV. To determine predictive factors, we conducted a logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 622 pregnant women who underwent ECV, missing data on any variables (n = 14) were excluded and the remaining 608 were analyzed. The success rate during the study period was 76.3%. Multiparous women had significantly higher success rates than primiparous women (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 2.06 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31-3.25]). Women with a maximum vertical pocket (MVP) of <4 cm had significantly lower success rates than those with 4 cm < MVP ≤6 cm (OR: 0.56 [95% CI: 0.37-0.86]). The non-anterior placental location was associated with higher success rates than the anterior placental location (OR: 1.46 [95% CI: 1.00-2.17]).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiparity, MVP >4 cm, and non-anterior placental locations were associated with successful ECV. These three factors could be useful for patient selection for successful ECV.

The Effect of External Cephalic Version on Fetal Circulation: A Prospective Cohort Study

External cephalic version (ECV) is a cost-effective and safe treatment option for breech presentation at term. Following ECV, fetal well-being is assessed via a non-stress test (NST). An alternative option to identify signs of fetal compromise is via the Doppler indices of the umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA) and ductus venosus (DV). Inclusion criteria were an uncomplicated pregnancy with breech presentation at term. Doppler velocimetry of the UA, MCA and DV were performed up to 1 h before and up to 2 h after ECV. The study included 56 patients who underwent elective ECV with a success rate of 75%. After ECV, the UA S/D ratio, UA pulsatility index (PI) and UA resistance index (RI) were increased compared to before the ECV (p = 0.021, p = 0.042, and p = 0.022, respectively). There were no differences in the Doppler MCA and DV before or after ECV. All patients were discharged after the procedure. ECV is associated with changes in the UA Doppler indices that might reflect interference in placental perfusion. These changes are probably short-term and have no detrimental effects on the outcomes of uncomplicated pregnancies. ECV is safe; yet it is a stimulus or stress that can affect placental circulation. Therefore, careful case selection for ECV is important.

Protocol versus practice: Deviations from guidelines in low-risk twin deliveries in the United States

BACKGROUND

Medical guidelines recommend vaginal delivery for low-risk twin pregnancies because cesareans increase the probability of maternal morbidity and mortality. Yet, vaginal delivery rates for twins are considerably lower than for comparable singletons. One explanation for this disparity argues that greater risk associated with twins warrants increased surgical intervention. An alternative explanation is that twin deliveries are more likely to deviate from protocols that advise vaginal birth.

METHODS

Using the 2017 Natality Detail File (N = 3,197,401), we measured alignment of vaginal birth and trial of labor (TOL) with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' guidelines for twin and singleton no-indicated-risk births. We calculated predicted probabilities for the population and by maternal race/ethnicity to assess whether low rates of vaginal births among twins are explained by associated risk factors, or by deviations from recommended delivery methods.

RESULTS

Overall, 31.2% of twins were born vaginally compared with 79.4% of singletons. Controlling for indicated risks, the predicted probability of vaginal birth for twins was 0.49 and 0.85 for singletons. The predicted probability of TOL for twins was 0.18 and 0.47 for singletons. Maternal race/ethnicity was only weakly associated with mode of delivery. These findings indicate that no-indicated-risk twin pregnancies, across maternal racial/ethnic categories, have lower probabilities of vaginal birth and TOL than would be expected with widespread adherence to current guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the life-threatening consequences that may result from unnecessary surgical procedures, our findings highlight the need for further research to illuminate medical and nonmedical mechanisms driving nonadherence to clinical guidelines for twin births.

Management of external cephalic version in France: A national practice survey

INTRODUCTION

The breech presentation represents 4,7% of deliveries at term. There is a method of external cephalic version (ECV) performed from 36 weeks of gestation. French guidelines for the clinical practice of ECV were published in 2020.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the national practices of ECV in French maternity units, especially on the use of tocolysis, 1 year after publication of the French clinical recommendations guidelines by the French national college of obstetricians and gynecologists (CNGOF).

METHODS

Data self-reported for this national descriptive study were collected from March to May 2021 by an online questionnaire distributed to all French maternities. The 25 items of the questionnaire collected information of maternity units, the general practice of ECV, use or not of tocolysis for ECV attempt and the relevance of a prospective study.

RESULTS

Of the 517 French maternity units, 150 (29%) responded to the online survey.  95,3% systematically performed ECV. A Kleihauer test was routinely performed in 71 units (49.7%). A tocolysis was associated with ECV attempt in 52.4% of cases. The drugs used were intravenous atosiban (30,7%), mainly in levels 2b and 3 maternity units, intravenous salbutamol (24%), other mode of administration of salbutamol (14,7%) and oral nifedipine (22,6%) mainly in levels 1 and 2a maternity units. Adverse effects were described in 20%, mainly with the use of salbutamol (73,3%).

CONCLUSIONS

52.4% of the French maternity units surveyed used tocolysis for the ECV attempt, although it is systematically recommended. The choice of tocolytic drug differed according to the maternity units.

Risk factors and outcomes of abnormal bleeding after external cephalic version

OBJECTIVES

To present the consequences of and risk factors for abnormal bleeding after ECV (external cephalic version).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review at a single center in Japan. Abnormal bleeding was defined as vaginal bleeding and/or intrauterine hemorrhage. We descriptively assessed birth outcomes among women with abnormal bleeding, and investigated the risk factors using a logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 477 women who received ECV, 39 (8.2%) showed abnormal bleeding, including 16 (3.4%) with intrauterine hemorrhage. Of the 16 women with intrauterine hemorrhage, 14 required emergency cesarean section; none experienced placental abruption, a low Apgar score at 5 min (<7), or low umbilical cord artery pH (<7.1). Among 23 women who had vaginal bleeding without intrauterine hemorrhage, four cases underwent emergency cesarean section and one case of vaginal delivery involved placental abruption. The risk of abnormal bleeding was higher in women with a maximum vertical pocket (MVP) of <40 mm in comparison to those with an MVP of >50 mm (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 3.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-9.90), as was higher in women with unsuccessful ECV than in those with successful ECV (aOR: 4.54, 95% CI: 1.95-10.6).

CONCLUSIONS

A certain number of women who underwent ECV had abnormal bleeding, including vaginal bleeding and/or intrauterine hemorrhage, many of them resulted in emergency cesarean section. Although all of cases with abnormal bleeding had good birth outcomes, one case of vaginal bleeding was accompanied by placental abruption. Small amniotic fluid volume and unsuccessful ECV are risk factors for abnormal bleeding.

Patient characteristics associated with complications of external cephalic version

BACKGROUND

Patient characteristics associated with external cephalic version success are well documented; however, the association between patient characteristics and the likelihood of external cephalic version complications is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the frequency of patient characteristics associated with complications that lead to unanticipated delivery during external cephalic version.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective study included pregnant women aged at least 18 years with singleton gestations who underwent an external cephalic version attempt between 2006 and 2016 at a single quaternary care center. External cephalic version complications were defined as persistent nonreassuring fetal status, placental abruption, labor, spontaneous rupture of membranes, and umbilical cord prolapse. Complications were only considered if they led to unanticipated induction or cesarean delivery within 24 hours of external cephalic version. Patient characteristics including maternal age, height, weight, body mass index, parity, fetal sex, gestational age, estimated fetal weight, the type of fetal malpresentation, and placental location were analyzed for their association with external cephalic version complications using univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regressions.

RESULTS

Among the 1138 patients included in this analysis, external cephalic version complications occurred in 6.7% (n=76). These complications (not mutually exclusive) included nonreassuring fetal status (4.8%, n=55), placental abruption (1.6%, n=18), labor (1.0%, n=11), spontaneous rupture of membranes (0.6%, n=7), and cord prolapse (0.1%, n=1). Neonatal outcomes for those with complications included intensive care unit admission (10.5%, n=8), 5-minute Apgar scores <5 (1.3%, n=1), cord arterial pH <7 (6.6%, n=5), head cooling (1.3%, n=1), and anemia (6.6%, n=5). There were no perinatal deaths. In multivariable analysis, higher body mass index (adjusted odds ratio, 0.90 per kg/m²; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.97) and estimated fetal weight (adjusted odds ratio, 0.998 per gram; 95% confidence interval 0.998-0.999) were associated with decreased likelihood of experiencing external cephalic version complications, whereas greater gestational age at procedure (adjusted odds ratio, 1.95 per week; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-2.7) and anterior placental location (adjusted odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.7) were associated with increased likelihood of experiencing external cephalic version complications.

CONCLUSION

In this large series, complications that led to delivery during external cephalic version occurred in 6.7% patients and were associated with body mass index, estimated fetal weight, gestational age, and placental location.

External cephalic version: Predictors for success

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to identify the factors predictive of the success of external cephalic version (ECV).

METHODS

A single-centre retrospective observational study was performed in the maternity ward of the Angers University Hospital, France, between January 2010 and May 2020. The study included all patients (n = 613) for whom an ECV was performed for a breech or transverse foetus. The primary endpoint was measured by the success of the ECV, defined by the visualisation, using pelvic ultrasound, of the foetus in cephalic presentation immediately after the manoeuvre. Following to the ECV, the cohort was separated into two groups; ECV Success and ECV Failure. In order to determine the predictive factors of success, a logistic regression model was performed, including the parameters of: parity, foetal presentation during ECV, the side of the foetal back, placental location, type of operator and maternal age. The results are presented as (odds ratio [confidence intervals]; p-value). The significance threshold was defined by a p-value < 0.05.

RESULTS

The ECV success rate was 21.4% (131/613). The factors predictive of the success of ECV were: transverse foetal presentation (2.7 [1.3-5.6]; p<0.01); a senior physician operator (1.6 [1.2-2]; p<0.01); multiparity (1.6 [1.2-2]; p<0.01); non anterior placental localization (1.4 [1.1-2]; p<0.01). A number of attempts greater than 3 were significantly associated with reduced chances of success (0.3 [0.2-0.4]; p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The study shows that transverse foetal presentation, a senior physician operator, multiparity, as well as a non-anterior placental location are factors predictive of the success of ECV. Knowledge of these factors can improve the information given to patients.

Utilization of epidural volume extension technique for external cephalic version

External cephalic version (ECV) has been successfully utilized to reduce breech presentations at term and offers an alternative to elective cesarean delivery. Unfortunately, there is not a consensus on which type of regional anesthesia conveys the highest chances for a successful ECV. This case report describes the use of the epidural volume extension technique to provide surgical anesthesia for ECV with a reduced dose of local anesthetic, with the goals of minimizing motor block and hypotension in the setting of an outpatient procedure.

External cephalic version for breech presentation: The guideline landscape and a quest for an optimal approach

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to illuminate differences in guidelines for external cephalic version (ECV) for breech presentation at or near term and assess their impact on effectiveness of the procedure in order to improve policymaking.

STUDY DESIGN

Guidelines from all Swedish ECV providers (hospitals with labor wards, n = 44) were retrieved in 2019 and assessed for similarities and differences. The scoring system based on the identified differences in timing, contraindications and periprocedural care was created. The hospitals were subsequently classified into either restrictive or liberal with regard to ECV. This classification was verified by comparing selection of patients for ECV attempts between the two groups. Our main outcomes were ECV success rate and effectiveness in reducing the remaining breech births and breech cesarean sections.

RESULTS

Important differences in timing of ECV, contraindications, periprocedural care, and counselling after failed ECV attempt were found. Two thirds of the hospitals were considered liberal and one third restrictive with regard to ECV. ECV success rate was significantly higher in hospitals with a liberal attitude towards ECV compared with restrictive hospitals (54.0 % vs 50.5 %, p = 0.015). Liberal hospitals had a significantly lower proportion of remaining breech births (2.81 % vs 3.01 %, p = 0.009) and breech cesarean sections at or near term (2.49 % vs 2.72 %, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Important differences in ECV guidelines were found. Hospitals with guidelines reflecting a liberal attitude to ECV had a higher ECV success rate, despite a less strict patient selection, and a lower proportion of breech births and breech cesarean sections, which is the aim of ECV. We recommend avoiding routine ill-founded restrictivity in ECV guidelines and support a more nuanced counselling.

Systematic Kleihauer-Betke Test after External Cephalic Version for Breech Presentation: Is It Useful?

The incidence of fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) after external cephalic version (ECV) has been poorly reported. In this study, we evaluated the frequency of FMH, diagnosed by positive Kleihauer–Betke test (KBT), after ECV attempt and then evaluate the relevance of its routine use after procedure. A total of 282 women with a term breech presentation and who had ECV attempt were recruited from January 2014 and December 2018. After ECV attempt, women were systematically screened for FMH using KBT. Data on ECV attempt, KBT results, perinatal and neonatal outcomes were collected and compared between women with positive (cases) and negative KBT (controls) after ECV. The success rate of ECV was 22.0% (62/282). Eight women (2.9%) experienced transient fetal heart rate (FHR) abnormalities after ECV. In five (1.8%) women, KBT was positive after ECV. Obstetrical management was modified for two of these five women due to continuous positivity of KBT at day 1 and day 7 controls after ECV attempt. A cesarean section was planned 7 days earlier due to persistent high FMH on day 7 (6 mL fetal blood) in one woman and the labor was induced for persistent high FMH on day 7 (20 mL fetal blood) for another woman. No newborns have signs of fetal anemia at birth and there was no significant difference in neonatal status between two groups. FMH after ECV attempt are rare, and no negative fetal or neonatal outcomes were observed when KBT was positive, even strongly (>5 mL fetal blood). It appears that systematic KBT after attempted ECV is probably not useful.

The effect of transient fetal bradycardia and other heart rate changes during and after external cephalic version on perinatal outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of transient fetal bradycardia and other heart rate changes during and after external cephalic version (ECV) on perinatal outcomes. To determine factors associated with a higher risk of occurrence of transient fetal bradycardia during and after ECV.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study in 286 women after the 36th week of gestation with a fetus in breech presentation who have undergone an ECV attempt. The study analyses the incidence of transient fetal bradycardia during and immediately after ECV, the time interval to complete adjustment of fetal bradycardia, the factors associated with the occurrence of transient fetal bradycardia, cardiotocography (CTG) changes after ECV and perinatal outcomes. All the data were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The ECV was successful in 51 % (146/286). Transient fetal bradycardia occurred during and after ECV in 81 cases (28.3 %). A successful version was a factor significantly associated with fetal bradycardia (54; 37.0 % versus 27; 19.3 %; p < 0.01). Clinically significant hypotension of the mother was accompanied by transient fetal bradycardia in 12 cases (4.2 %). After the successful ECV there was no significant difference in the percentage of vaginal deliveries between subgroups with and without transient fetal bradycardia (85.2 % versus 83.7 %; p = 1.00). Nor in occurrence of acute fetal distress during labor (18.5 % versus 15.6 %; p = 0.65). In cases of a successful ECV transient CTG changes after ECV had no effect on the incidence of acute fetal distress during labor (23.5 % versus 15.7 %; p = 0.49).

CONCLUSIONS

Transient fetal bradycardia and other heart rate changes during and immediately after ECV was not associated with a higher incidence of acute fetal distress during labor and did not affect perinatal outcomes. Higher occurrence of transient bradycardia after ECV was associated only with successful ECV. Transient hypotension of the mother as one of the causes of transient fetal bradycardia during ECV should be considered.

Effectiveness of nitrous oxide in external cephalic version on success rate: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 4% of singleton pregnancies at term are in breech presentation. External cephalic version (ECV) can reduce the risks of noncephalic birth and cesarean delivery, but this maneuver can be painful. Our aim was to analyze the effect of administering inhaled nitrous oxide for analgesia on the ECV success rate.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled trial included women with singleton pregnancies in breech presentation at term who were referred for ECV in a tertiary care center. Women were assigned according to a balanced (1:1) restricted randomization design to inhale either nitrous oxide (N₂ O) in a 50:50 mix with oxygen or medical air during the procedure. The main outcomes reported are the ECV success rate, degree of pain, adverse event rate, and women's satisfaction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01948115.

RESULTS

The study included 150 women (nitrous oxide group: n = 74; medical air: n = 76). Inhaled nitrous oxide was not associated with a higher ECV success rate than medical air (24.3 vs 19.7%, P = 0.51). Among parous women (n = 34 in each group), the ECV success rate appeared higher in the nitrous oxide group, respectively 47.1% (n = 16) vs 23.5% (n = 8) (P = 0.042). Neither the median pain level nor adverse event rates differed significantly in women with inhaled nitrous oxide compared with medical air.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of an equimolar mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide during ECV appears safe. Although it does not seem to change the overall success rate, it may increase success in parous women.

[Breech Presentation: CNGOF Guidelines for Clinical Practice - External Cephalic Version and other Interventions to turn Breech Babies to Cephalic Presentation]

OBJECTIVES

To provide guidelines regarding efficiency and safety of external cephalic version (ECV) attempt and alternatives methods to turn breech babies to cephalic presentation.

METHODS

MedLine and Cochrane Library databases search in French and English and review of the main foreign guidelines between 1980 and 2019.

RESULTS

ECV is associated with a decreasing rate of breech presentation at birth (LE2), and potentially with a lower rate of cesarean section (LE3) without an increase of severe maternal (LE3) and perinatal morbidity (LE3). It is therefore recommended to inform women with a breech presentation at term that ECV should be attempt (Professional consensus). ECV attempt should be performed with immediate access to an operating room for emergency cesarean (Professional consensus). The ECV attempt before 37 weeks, compared to ECV attempt after 37 weeks, increases the rate of cephalic presentation at birth (LE2) but with a small increase risk of moderate prematurity (LE2). ECV attempt should be performed from 36SA (Professional consensus). The main factors associated with successful ECV attempt are multiparity (LE3) and no maternal obesity (LE3). Parenteral tocolysis (β mimetic or atosiban), for ECV attempt at term is associated with a higher success rate (LE2), higher rate of achieved cephalic presentation in labor (LE2) and a lower cesarean section rate (LE2). It is recommended to use parenteral tocolysis for ECV attempt at term in order to increase its success rate (grade B). The ECV attempt is associated with an increase in transient FHR abnormalities (LE3), it is therefore recommended that cardiotocography should be performed prior and during 30minutes after the procedure (Professional consensus). There is no argument for recommending the practice of delayed cardiotocography after ECV attempt (Professional consensus). The risk of significant positivity (>30mL) of the Kleihauer test after ECV attempt is low (<0.1%) (LE3), it is not recommended to systematically perform a Kleihauer test after ECV attempt (professional consensus). In case of RH-1 negative women, it is recommended to ensure systematic RH-1 prophylaxis (Professional consensus). In case of breech presentation at term, acupuncture, moxibustion and postural methods are not effective in reducing breech presentation at birth (LE2), and are therefore not recommended (Grade B).

CONCLUSION

According to the clear benefits and the low risks of ECV attempt, all women with a breech presentation at term should be informed that ECV should be attempted to decrease breech presentation at birth and cesarean section.

Reviving external cephalic version: a review of its efficacy, safety, and technical aspects

Currently, the rate of cesarean sections being performed in Korea is approximately 40%, with Korea ranking 4th among the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries with respect to cesarean deliveries. Breech presentation at term is an important indication for cesarean section among other factors, including medicolegal concerns and pregnancies in women of advanced maternal age. Term breech presentation is associated with a higher fetal mortality rate than that associated with a cephalic presentation. Therefore, in Korea, most of these women deliver by cesarean section to avoid the complications of vaginal breech delivery. However, cesarean section is itself associated with considerable obstetric morbidity and sometimes, mortality. External cephalic version (ECV) is a useful method to reduce the cesarean section rate in women with breech presentation and therefore to reduce the incidence of breech presentation at delivery. Studies have shown that routine use of ECV reduces the cesarean section rate by approximately two-thirds in term pregnancies with breech presentation. ECV is accepted as a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective method and is recommended by both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in all pregnancies with term breech presentation, if not contraindicated. In Korea, although most clinicians are aware of the option of ECV, their relative lack of experience in performing the procedure and fear of complications render them hesitant to perform ECV. This review is aimed at guiding obstetricians by describing the efficacy, safety concerns, and technical aspects of this procedure.

Association Between Attempted External Cephalic Version and Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether, with fetal malpresentation at term, perinatal morbidity and mortality differ between women who undergo an external cephalic version (ECV) attempt and those who do not and are expectantly managed.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women with nonanomalous singleton gestations in nonvertex presentation delivering at a tertiary care institution from 2006 to 2016. Women undergoing an ECV attempt at 37 weeks of gestation or greater were compared with those with nonvertex fetuses who did not undergo an ECV attempt and delivered at 37 weeks of gestation or greater. The primary outcome was a composite of perinatal morbidity and mortality including stillbirth, neonatal death within 72 hours, Apgar score less than 5 at 5 minutes, umbilical artery pH less than 7.0, base deficit 12 mmol/L or greater, or neonatal therapeutic hypothermia. Secondary outcomes were neonatal intensive care unit admission and neonatal anemia (hemoglobin value less than 13.5 g/dL). Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Of the 4,117 women meeting eligibility criteria, 1,263 (30.7%) attempted ECV; 509 (40.3%) of these attempts resulted in successful versions. In bivariable analyses, women who underwent attempted ECV were more likely to be non-Hispanic white and multiparous and had lower mean body mass indexes. The composite perinatal morbidity and mortality outcome did not differ significantly between women who did and did not undergo attempted ECV (2.9% vs 2.5%, P=.46). The frequencies of neonatal intensive care unit admission (3.6% vs 3.3%, P=.53) and neonatal anemia (1.6% vs 1.2%, P=.36) were also similar. There continued to be no association between ECV attempt and composite perinatal morbidity and mortality outcome after adjustment for potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio 1.02, 95% CI 0.66-1.60).

CONCLUSION

Compared with expectant management, an ECV attempt at term is not associated with increased perinatal morbidity or mortality.

Success rates of early versus late initiation of external cephalic version

OBJECTIVE

To determine optimum timing of external cephalic version (ECV).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Israel between February 1, 2016, and July 1, 2017. Healthy primiparous women with breech presentation were offered either early ECV (35-36 weeks; n=54) or late ECV (37-38 weeks; n=106). Group assignment was according to the patient's preference and physician availability. The primary outcome was the rate of cephalic presentation at delivery. Secondary outcomes included rate of cesarean delivery, presentation of fetus after the first and last ECVs, and serious fetal complications.

RESULTS

The incidence of undergoing more than two ECV attempts was 18.5% in the early ECV group and 5.6% in the late ECV group (P=0.039). The incidence of cephalic presentation after the first ECV was 72.2% in the early ECV group versus 66.0% in the late ECV group (P=0.048). By contrast, no statistically significant between-group differences were found for presentation at delivery or rate of cesarean delivery. The other outcomes were also similar.

CONCLUSION

Early initiation of ECV among primiparous women increased the chance of immediate cephalic presentation; however, it had no effect on presentation at delivery or cesarean delivery rate.

External cephalic version after previous cesarean section: A cohort study of 100 consecutive attempts

OBJECTIVE

External cephalic version is commonly not performed in women with a previous cesarean section. Fear of uterine rupture and cesarean section in labor are prominent. The risks, however, of these are unclear. This study aims to document the safety and efficacy of external cephalic version in women with a prior cesarean section in a series of 100 consecutive attempts, and to perform a literature of the existing literature.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data of external cephalic version attempts in women at term with a previous cesarean section, and a literature review of previously published series. External cephalic version was performed by one of 3 experienced operators, with salbutamol tocolysis if appropriate, using ultrasound to visualize the fetal heart and place of fetal parts.

RESULTS

100 women with a prior cesarean section underwent external cephalic version over a 16-year period in one institution. 68% had no previous vaginal delivery. The external cephalic version success rate was 50%, and 30 (63.8%) of these subsequently delivered vaginally. There were no cases of uterine rupture or other complications. A literature review of series containing a total of 549 cases revealed no cases of uterine rupture or perinatal death.

CONCLUSIONS

External cephalic version in women with a prior cesarean section is safe but enables a vaginal birth in only about a third of women.

Development and internal validation of a clinical prediction model for external cephalic version

OBJECTIVE

To develop a prediction model for the chance of successful external cephalic version (ECV).

STUDY DESIGN

This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter, open-label randomized controlled trial that assessed the effectiveness of atosiban compared to fenoterol as uterine relaxant during ECV in women with a singleton fetus in breech presentation with a gestational age of 36 weeks or more. Potential predictors included maternal, pregnancy, fetal, and treatment characteristics and were recorded in all participants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with a stepwise backward selection procedure was used to construct a prediction model for the occurrence of successful ECV. Model performance was assessed using calibration and discrimination.

RESULTS

We included a total of 818 women with an overall ECV success rate of 37%. Ten predictive factors were identified with the stepwise selection procedure to be associated with a successful ECV: fenoterol as uterine relaxant, nulliparity, Caucasian ethnicity, gestational age at ECV, Amniotic Fluid Index, type of breech presentation, placental location, breech engagement, possibility to palpate the head and relaxation of the uterus. Our model showed good calibration and a good discriminative ability with a c-statistic of 0.78 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.81).

CONCLUSION

Prediction of success of ECV seems feasible with a model showing good performance. This can be used in clinical practice after external validation.

Fetal heart rate abnormalities during and after external cephalic version: Which fetuses are at risk and how are they delivered?

BACKGROUND

Fetal heart rate abnormalities (FHR) during and after external cephalic version (ECV) are relatively frequent. They may raise concern about fetal wellbeing. Only occasionally they may lead to an emergency cesarean section.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study in 980 women (> 34 weeks gestation) with a singleton fetus in breech presentation. During and after external cephalic version (ECV) FHR abnormalities were recorded. Obstetric variables and delivery outcome were evaluated. Primary outcome was to identify which fetuses are at risk for FHR abnormalities. Secondary outcome was to identify a possible relationship between FHR abnormalities during and after ECV and mode of delivery and fetal distress during subsequent labor.

RESULTS

The overall success rate of ECV was 60% and in 9% of the attempts there was an abnormal FHR pattern. In two cases FHR abnormalities after ECV led to an emergency CS. Estimated fetal weight per 100 g (OR 0.90, CI: 0.87-0.94) and longer duration of the ECV-procedure (OR 1.13, CI: 1.05-1.21) were factors significantly associated with the occurrence of FHR abnormalities. FHR abnormalities were not associated with the mode of delivery or the occurrence of fetal distress during subsequent labor.

CONCLUSIONS

FHR abnormalities during and after ECV are more frequent with lower estimated fetal weight and longer duration of the procedure. FHR abnormalities during and after ECV have no consequences for subsequent mode of delivery. They do not predict whether fetal distress will occur during labor.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Eindhoven Breech Intervention Study, NCT00516555 . Date of registration: August 13, 2007.

Effect of Intrathecal Bupivacaine Dose on the Success of External Cephalic Version for Breech Presentation

Background

Breech presentation is a leading cause of cesarean delivery. The use of neuraxial anesthesia increases the success rate of external cephalic version procedures for breech presentation and reduces cesarean delivery rates for fetal malpresentation. Meta-analysis suggests that higher-dose neuraxial techniques increase external cephalic version success to a greater extent than lower-dose techniques, but no randomized study has evaluated the dose–response effect. We hypothesized that increasing the intrathecal bupivacaine dose would be associated with increased external cephalic version success.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double-blind trial to assess the effect of four intrathecal bupivacaine doses (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 mg) combined with fentanyl 15 μg on the success rate of external cephalic version for breech presentation. Secondary outcomes included mode of delivery, indication for cesarean delivery, and length of stay.

Results

A total of 240 subjects were enrolled, and 239 received the intervention. External cephalic version was successful in 123 (51.5%) of 239 patients. Compared with bupivacaine 2.5 mg, the odds (99% CI) for a successful version were 1.0 (0.4 to 2.6), 1.0 (0.4 to 2.7), and 0.9 (0.4 to 2.4) for bupivacaine 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 mg, respectively (P = 0.99). There were no differences in the cesarean delivery rate (P = 0.76) or indication for cesarean delivery (P = 0.82). Time to discharge was increased 60 min (16 to 116 min) with bupivacaine 7.5 mg or higher as compared with 2.5 mg (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

A dose of intrathecal bupivacaine greater than 2.5 mg does not lead to an additional increase in external cephalic procedural success or a reduction in cesarean delivery.

Remifentanil analgesia during external cephalic version for breech presentation in nulliparous women at term: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of remifentanil for pain relief during external cephalic version (ECV) for breech presentation in nulliparous women at term.

METHODS

A total of 144 nulliparous women with singleton breech presentation were randomly divided into the intervention group and the placebo group, with 72 subjects in each group. The subjects in the intervention group received remifentanil (infused at 0.1 μg kg min with demand boluses of 0.1 μg/kg), whereas those in the placebo group were given saline placebo. This study was conducted from May 2013 to April 2016. The outcomes measures include pain (measured with the visual analog scale, VAS), success rate of ECV, maternal satisfaction for ECV, and adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 137 participants completed the study. The intervention with remifentanil showed greater efficacy than did placebo in decreasing the VAS score immediately after ECV (intervention group 4.3 ± 2.2 vs placebo group 6.4 ± 2.5, P < 0.01). A significant difference in the ECV success rate was also found between the 2 groups (intervention group 56.9% vs placebo group 38.9%, P = 0.03). In addition, a significant difference in the satisfaction score was also detected (intervention group 9.3 ± 0.9 vs placebo group 6.7 ± 1.2, P < 0.01). The observed adverse events were similar between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that remifentanil could decrease pain, improve the ECV success rate, and improve satisfaction in nulliparous women at term during the period of ECV. Furthermore, it is also well tolerated with few adverse events.

Atosiban versus fenoterol as a uterine relaxant for external cephalic version: randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

 To compare the effectiveness of the oxytocin receptor antagonist atosiban with the beta mimetic fenoterol as uterine relaxants in women undergoing external cephalic version (ECV) for breech presentation.

DESIGN

 Multicentre, open label, randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

 Eight hospitals in the Netherlands, August 2009 to May 2014.

PARTICIPANTS

 830 women with a singleton fetus in breech presentation and a gestational age of more than 34 weeks were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either 6.75 mg atosiban (n=416) or 40 μg fenoterol (n=414) intravenously for uterine relaxation before ECV.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

 The primary outcome measures were a fetus in cephalic position 30 minutes after the procedure and cephalic presentation at delivery. Secondary outcome measures were mode of delivery, incidence of fetal and maternal complications, and drug related adverse events. All analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis.

RESULTS

 Cephalic position 30 minutes after ECV occurred significantly less in the atosiban group than in the fenoterol group (34% v 40%, relative risk 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.55 to 0.93). Presentation at birth was cephalic in 35% (n=139) of the atosiban group and 40% (n=166) of the fenoterol group (0.86, 0.72 to 1.03), and caesarean delivery was performed in 60% (n=240) of women in the atosiban group and 55% (n=218) in the fenoterol group (1.09, 0.96 to 1.20). No significant differences were found in neonatal outcomes or drug related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

 In women undergoing ECV for breech presentation, uterine relaxation with fenoterol increases the rate of cephalic presentation 30 minutes after the procedure. No statistically significant difference was found for cephalic presentation at delivery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

 Dutch Trial Register, NTR 1877.

A randomized trial of remifentanil for analgesia in external cephalic version for breech presentation

BACKGROUND

Although external cephalic version (ECV) can be effective for correcting the fetus in a cephalic presentation, it may be painful for the mother. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of remifentanil for pain relief during ECV in China.

METHODS

In all, 152 Chinese parturients with singleton breech presentation were randomly divided into 2 groups, each with 76 patients. All 152 patients were assigned to receive either remifentanil (infused at 0.1 μg/kg/min and demand boluses of 0.1 μg/kg) or saline placebo. The study was performed between January 2012 and December 2015. Outcome measurements included the Numerical Rating Pain Scale score (0-10) after ECV, success rate for ECV, and maternal satisfaction after ECV. Adverse events were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The study was completed by 146 patients. Remifentanil showed greater efficacy than placebo in decreasing the pain score immediately after ECV (remifentanil 4.6 ± 2.6 vs placebo 6.5 ± 2.7; P < 0.001). The success rate for ECV showed a significant difference between the 2 groups (remifentanil 56.5% vs placebo 39.5%; P = 0.04). Maternal satisfaction also showed a significant difference between the 2 groups (remifentanil 9.6 ± 1.4 vs placebo 6.4 ± 3.7; P < 0.001). However, the adverse events profiles were similar between both groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrate that remifentanil is an effective intervention for reducing pain, achieving successful ECV, and increasing maternal satisfaction during ECV, and is generally well-tolerated without additional adverse effects.

Management of fetal malpresentation

Fetal malpresentation is an important cause of the high cesarean delivery rate in the United States and around the world. This includes breech, face, brow, and compound presentations as well as transverse lie. Risk factors include multiparity, previously affected pregnancy, polyhydramnios, and fetal and uterine anomalies. Appropriate management can reduce the need for cesarean delivery in some cases. This review discusses management options and focuses specifically on external cephalic version and vaginal breech delivery.

External cephalic version for breech presentation at term

BACKGROUND

Management of breech presentation is controversial, particularly in regard to manipulation of the position of the fetus by external cephalic version (ECV). ECV may reduce the number of breech presentations and caesarean sections, but there also have been reports of complications with the procedure.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to assess the effects of ECV at or near term on measures of pregnancy outcome. Methods of facilitating ECV, and ECV before term are reviewed separately.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Trials Register (28 February 2015) and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials of ECV at or near term (with or without tocolysis) compared with no attempt at ECV in women with breech presentation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors assessed eligibility and trial quality, and extracted the data.

MAIN RESULTS

We included eight studies, with a total of 1308 women randomised. The pooled data from these studies show a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in non-cephalic presentation at birth (average risk ratio (RR) 0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29 to 0.61, eight trials, 1305 women); vaginal cephalic birth not achieved (average RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.62, seven trials, 1253 women, evidence graded very low); and caesarean section (average RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.82, eight trials, 1305 women, evidence graded very low) when ECV was attempted in comparison to no ECV attempted. There were no significant differences in the incidence of Apgar score ratings below seven at one minute (average RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.37, three trials, 168 infants) or five minutes (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.36, five trials, 428 infants, evidence graded very low), low umbilical vein pH levels (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.17 to 2.44, one trial, 52 infants, evidence graded very low), neonatal admission (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.34, four trials, 368 infants, evidence graded very low), perinatal death (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.64, eight trials, 1305 infants, evidence graded low), nor time from enrolment to delivery (mean difference -0.25 days, 95% CI -2.81 to 2.31, two trials, 256 women).All of the trials included in this review had design limitations, and the level of evidence was graded low or very low. No studies attempted to blind the intervention, and the process of random allocation was suboptimal in several studies. Three of the eight trials had serious design limitations, however excluding these studies in a sensitivity analysis for outcomes with substantial heterogeneity did not alter the results.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Attempting cephalic version at term reduces the chance of non-cephalic presentation at birth, vaginal cephalic birth not achieved and caesarean section. There is not enough evidence from randomised trials to assess complications of ECV at term. Large observational studies suggest that complications are rare.

Coming out ahead: the cost effectiveness of external cephalic version using spinal anesthesia

Breech presentation is encountered in 3 to 4% of term pregnancies and has been a significant driver of the increased rate of cesarean deliveries over the last 4 decades. External cephalic version (ECV) is recommended at term by most professional organizations in an effort to reduce the prospect of cesarean deliveries. The authors propose the use of regional anesthesia to increase efficacy and reduce cost in the care of patients who undergo ECV in an effort to convert a breech presentation to a vertex counterpart. Despite emerging evidence of the advantages, obstacles to more comprehensive implementation of this approach continue to exist, which include patient acceptance, provider experience, and safety concerns. The addition of tocolytics and use of regional anesthesia for secondary ECV efforts have also been considered as options to increase success and reduce cost. This is a commentary on http://www.ijhpr.org/content/3/1/5.

Successful external cephalic version: factors predicting vaginal birth

Purpose. To determine the maternal and fetal outcomes of successful external cephalic version (ECV) as well as factors predicting vaginal birth. Methods. The ECV data over a period of three years at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) between 1 September 2008 and 30 September 2010 was reviewed. Sixty-seven patients who had successful ECV were studied and reviewed for maternal, fetal, and labour outcomes. The control group comprised patients with cephalic singletons of matching parity who delivered following the index cases. Results. The mean gestational age at ECV was 263 ± 6.52 days (37.5 weeks ± 6.52 days). Spontaneous labour and transient cardiotocographic (CTG) changes were the commonest early adverse effects following ECV. The reversion rate was 7.46%. The mean gestational age at delivery of the two groups was significantly different (P = 0.000) with 277.9 ± 8.91 days and 269.9 ± 9.68 days in the study group and control groups, respectively. The study group needed significantly more inductions of labour. They required more operative deliveries, had more blood loss at delivery, a higher incidence of meconium-stained liquor, and more cord around the neck. Previous flexed breeches had a threefold increase in caesarean section rate compared to previous extended breeches (44.1% versus 15.2%, P = 0.010). On the contrary, an amniotic fluid index (AFI) of 13 or more is significantly associated with a higher rate of vaginal birth (86.8% versus 48.3%, P = 0.001). Conclusions. Patients with successful ECV were at higher risk of carrying the pregnancy beyond 40 weeks and needing induction of labour, with a higher rate of caesarean section and higher rates of obstetrics complications. Extended breech and AFI 13 or more were significantly more likely to deliver vaginally postsuccessful ECV. This additional information may be useful to caution a patient with breech that ECV does not bring them to behave exactly like a normal cephalic, so that they have more realistic expectations. However, these predictive factors needed further confirmation and hopefully, in the future, they would be able to further enhance counselling prior to ECV.

External cephalic version for breech presentation at term

BACKGROUND

Management of breech presentation is controversial, particularly in regard to manipulation of the position of the fetus by external cephalic version (ECV). ECV may reduce the number of breech presentations and caesarean sections, but there also have been reports of complications with the procedure.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to assess the effects of ECV at or near term on measures of pregnancy outcome. Methods of facilitating ECV, and ECV before term are reviewed separately.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Trials Register (7 August 2012).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials of ECV at or near term (with or without tocolysis) compared with no attempt at ECV in women with breech presentation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors assessed eligibility and trial quality, and extracted the data.

MAIN RESULTS

We included seven studies. The pooled data from these studies show a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in non-cephalic birth (seven trials, 1245 women; risk ratio (RR) 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31 to 0.66; and caesarean section (seven trials, 1245 women; RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.90) when ECV was attempted. There were no significant differences in the incidence of Apgar score ratings below seven at one minute (two trials, 108 women; RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.89) or five minutes (four trials, 368 women; RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.77), low umbilical artery pH levels (one trial, 52 women; RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.17 to 2.44), neonatal admission (one trial, 52 women; RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.04 to 3.24), perinatal death (six trials, 1053 women; RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.05 to 2.12), nor time from enrolment to delivery (2 trials, 256 women; weighted mean difference -0.25 days, 95% CI -2.81 to 2.31).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Attempting cephalic version at term reduces the chance of non-cephalic births and caesarean section. There is not enough evidence from randomised trials to assess complications of external cephalic version at term. Large observational studies suggest that complications are rare.

Clinical hypnosis before external cephalic version

Three to four percent of full-term singleton pregnancies present themselves as breech deliveries. External cephalic version (ECV) is a procedure to try to turn a breech fetus to cephalic by externally maneuvering the fetus through the maternal abdomen. This trial examines a clinical hypnosis intervention against standard medical care of women before ECV. A total of 78 women, who received a hypnosis intervention prior to ECV, had a 41.6% (n = 32) successful ECV, whereas the control group of 122, who had similar baseline characteristics, had a 27.3% (n = 33) successful ECV procedure (p < 0.05). This trial found that a relaxation technique with the help of clinical hypnosis was successful at increasing the likelihood of a successful ECV procedure.

The Effects of Clinical Hypnosis versus Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) before External Cephalic Version (ECV): A Prospective Off-Centre Randomised, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial

Objective. To examine the effects of clinical hypnosis versus NLP intervention on the success rate of ECV procedures in comparison to a control group. Methods. A prospective off-centre randomised trial of a clinical hypnosis intervention against NLP of women with a singleton breech fetus at or after 37^0/7 (259 days) weeks of gestation and normal amniotic fluid index. All 80 participants heard a 20-minute recorded intervention via head phones. Main outcome assessed was success rate of ECV. The intervention groups were compared with a control group with standard medical care alone (n = 122). Results. A total of 42 women, who received a hypnosis intervention prior to ECV, had a 40.5% (n = 17), successful ECV, whereas 38 women, who received NLP, had a 44.7% (n = 17) successful ECV (P > 0.05). The control group had similar patient characteristics compared to the intervention groups (P > 0.05). In the control group (n = 122) 27.3% (n = 33) had a statistically significant lower successful ECV procedure than NLP (P = 0.05) and hypnosis and NLP (P = 0.03). Conclusions. These findings suggest that prior clinical hypnosis and NLP have similar success rates of ECV procedures and are both superior to standard medical care alone.

Single-institute experience, management, success rate, and outcome after external cephalic version at term

OBJECTIVE

To determine obstetric outcomes after external cephalic version (ECV) performed at term.

METHODS

In a retrospective study of ECV among pregnant women at term at Klinikum Kreuzschwestern Wels between January 1999 and June 2010, univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze factors influencing success rate.

RESULTS

Among 379 ECV attempts, 49.1% (95% confidence interval, 44.1-54.1) were successful. Success rate was dependent on parity, gestational age, and performing physician. Increasing parity was associated with increasing success rate (P=0.05). Gestational age had no influence until week 39, after which the success rate increased (success after completion of week 35, 48.1%; week 37, 43.7%; week 38, 43.5%; week 39, 64.9%; week 40 or more, 90.9%; P=0.19). The performing physician had a significant influence (P<0.0005). Regarding obstetric outcome, spontaneous re-version occurred in 8.1% of women, 81.1% of women delivered vaginally, 7.9% had unplanned cesarean delivery, and 4.9% had vacuum extraction. No harm to fetal or maternal health resulted from ECV.

CONCLUSION

ECV was found to be a safe procedure at term. The skill of the physician significantly affected the success rate. The rate of surgical delivery after successful ECV was low. A trial of ECV at term and beyond is feasible.

The Early External Cephalic Version (ECV) 2 Trial: an international multicentre randomised controlled trial of timing of ECV for breech pregnancies

Objective

To investigate whether initiating external cephalic version (ECV) earlier in pregnancy might increase the rate of successful ECV procedures, and be more effective in decreasing the rate of non-cephalic presentation at birth and of caesarean section.

Design

An unblinded multicentred randomised controlled trial.

Setting

A total of 1543 women were randomised from 68 centres in 21 countries.

Population

Women with a singleton breech fetus at a gestational age of 33^0/7 weeks (231 days) to 35^6/7 weeks (251 days) of gestation were included.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to having a first ECV procedure between the gestational ages of 34^0/7 (238 days) and 35^6/7 weeks of gestation (early ECV group) or at or after 37^0/7 (259 days) weeks of gestation (delayed ECV group).

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the rate of caesarean section; the secondary outcome was the rate of preterm birth.

Results

Fewer fetuses were in a non-cephalic presentation at birth in the early ECV group (314/765 [41.1%] versus 377/768 [49.1%] in the delayed ECV group; relative risk [RR] 0.84, 95% CI 0.75, 0.94, P = 0.002). There were no differences in rates of caesarean section (398/765 [52.0%] versus 430/768 [56.0%]; RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85, 1.02, P = 0.12) or in risk of preterm birth (50/765 [6.5%] versus 34/768 [4.4%]; RR 1.48, 95% CI 0.97, 2.26, P = 0.07) between groups.

Conclusion

External cephalic version at 34–35 weeks versus 37 or more weeks of gestation increases the likelihood of cephalic presentation at birth but does not reduce the rate of caesarean section and may increase the rate of preterm birth.

Cost-effectiveness of external cephalic version for term breech presentation

BACKGROUND

External cephalic version (ECV) is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to convert a breech fetus to vertex position and reduce the need for cesarean delivery. The goal of this study was to determine the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, from society's perspective, of ECV compared to scheduled cesarean for term breech presentation.

METHODS

A computer-based decision model (TreeAge Pro 2008, Tree Age Software, Inc.) was developed for a hypothetical base case parturient presenting with a term singleton breech fetus with no contraindications for vaginal delivery. The model incorporated actual hospital costs (e.g., $8,023 for cesarean and $5,581 for vaginal delivery), utilities to quantify health-related quality of life, and probabilities based on analysis of published literature of successful ECV trial, spontaneous reversion, mode of delivery, and need for unanticipated emergency cesarean delivery. The primary endpoint was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio in dollars per quality-adjusted year of life gained. A threshold of $50,000 per quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) was used to determine cost-effectiveness.

RESULTS

The incremental cost-effectiveness of ECV, assuming a baseline 58% success rate, equaled $7,900/QALY. If the estimated probability of successful ECV is less than 32%, then ECV costs more to society and has poorer QALYs for the patient. However, as the probability of successful ECV was between 32% and 63%, ECV cost more than cesarean delivery but with greater associated QALY such that the cost-effectiveness ratio was less than $50,000/QALY. If the probability of successful ECV was greater than 63%, the computer modeling indicated that a trial of ECV is less costly and with better QALYs than a scheduled cesarean. The cost-effectiveness of a trial of ECV is most sensitive to its probability of success, and not to the probabilities of a cesarean after ECV, spontaneous reversion to breech, successful second ECV trial, or adverse outcome from emergency cesarean.

CONCLUSIONS

From society's perspective, ECV trial is cost-effective when compared to a scheduled cesarean for breech presentation provided the probability of successful ECV is > 32%. Improved algorithms are needed to more precisely estimate the likelihood that a patient will have a successful ECV.

Flowcytometric assessment of fetomaternal hemorrhage during external cephalic version at term

External cephalic version (ECV) at term is a safe procedure and reduces the incidence of cesarean sections for breech presentation. One of the known complications, however, is an ECV-related disruption of the placental barrier and a subsequent transfusion of fetal blood into maternal circulation. While the incidence of ECV-related fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) has been determined recently in a large trial using a manual Kleihauer-Betke test (KBT), questions remain on the amount of ECV-related FMH. KBT, which detects fetal red blood cells (RBC) on the basis of acidic resistance of fetal hemoglobin (HbF), is known to be a sensitive test, yet prone to procedural errors limiting its accuracy in quantifying FMH. In this study we investigated 50 patients for FMH before and after ECV, using a dual-color flow cytometric test kit with a lower limit of quantification of 0.05% fetal RBC in maternal peripheral blood. Three patients had a quantifiable increase of fetal RBC detected after ECV (0.06%; 0.08%; 0.1%). None of these subtle increments was predictable by ECV-related clinical parameters or translated into fetal compromise. Using a sensitive and accurate flow cytometric test method, our data provide further assurance to mothers on the safety of ECV at term.

Ultrasound factors to predict the outcome of external cephalic version: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the medical literature reporting on ultrasound factors that can be predictive for the outcome of an attempt at external cephalic version (ECV).

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. Studies reporting on potential ultrasound prognosticators and ECV success rates that allowed construction of a 2x2 table were selected.

RESULTS

We selected 37 primary articles reporting on 7709 women. Posterior placental location (odds ratio (OR), 1.9; 95% CI, 1.5-2.4), complete breech position (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.9-2.8) and an amniotic fluid index>10 (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5-2.1) were predictors of successful ECV.

CONCLUSION

Success of an ECV attempt is associated with ultrasound parameters such as fetal position, amniotic fluid and placental location. This knowledge can be used to develop a prognostic model to predict successful ECV.