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This report describes the case of a pregnant woman who arrived for preanesthetic assessment of External Cephalic Version (ECV) for fetus in breech presentation and cesarean section in case of ECV failure. Although the technique seems simple, attempts to rotate the fetus can result in elevated intracranial pressure, which might cause malformation bleeding. The most appropriate anesthetic technique in cases of arteriovenous malformations during C-sections has not been determined. Neuroaxial anesthesia is safe only in stable brain cavernomas, but the presence of spinal malformations contraindicates it. Anesthetic goals include stabilizing the blood pressure and reducing the risk of rupture.

Objective Many studies since the Term Breech Trial have demonstrated the safety of vaginal breech birth (VBB), and today it is an option for breech presentation at term. However, women with breech presentation often face a difficult decision regarding mode of birth, especially when planned cesarean was the standard of care in the not-so-distant past. We aim to clarify the decision-making process and barriers women face when making this decision. Methods Between January and April 2016, women who delivered with breech presentation were approached during their postpartum hospital stay to obtain consent for the study. The follow-up, semi-structured interview probed the woman's acquisition of knowledge and supports and barriers to her choices leading up to delivery. The responses were recorded and transcribed for analysis, and themes were identified for reporting. Results Of the 95 women who completed the interview, 21 preferred VBB but only 1 had a VBB. Most unplanned cesarean deliveries were performed for obstetrical indications, but 5 women expressed a lack of support for VBB or did not recall being provided options. Themes were identified with respect to the influences the women experienced, including passive external, provider-based, evidence-based, and internal. Conclusion Despite the availability of options for breech pregnancy, the majority of women continue to have planned cesarean deliveries. The retrospective process reveals that women did not fully understand the eligibility criteria for VBB and all available options (including external cephalic version). Shared decision-making and continuity of care should remain a priority during the counselling process and delivery of care.

Following the term breech trial (TBT), the incidence of Caesarean section secondary to breech presentations increased, from 76.9 % to 89.7 %. External Cephalic Version (ECV) is a safe effective method to reduce non-cephalic presentation at time of delivery.Retrospective audit of all the ECV procedures performed at a tertiary women's hospital between Jan 2010 and Jan 2020.The success rate of ECV was 54.5 %. The rate of vaginal birth following successful ECV was 73.6 % and rate of Caesarean 26.4 %, compared to 96.4 % for those with unsuccessful ECV (P0.0001). Factors found to be associated with increased success rates was the use of Intravenous terbutaline (P = 0.03), fetal birth weight ≥3.5 kg (P = 0.0001) and when the procedure is performed by an experienced operator who performed over 20 ECV procedures (P0.0001).ECV is a safe and effective procedure to reduce Caesarean section rates secondary to breech presentation. A dedicated ECV clinic with experienced operators and the use of intravenous terbutaline could improve success rate of ECV and reduce the number of Caesareans for breech presentation.

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.

Background Australian women seeking a vaginal breech birth report limited access to this option due to resistance from clinicians and strict medical criteria. Limited evidence exists to determine the attitudes, knowledge, experience and perceived confidence of Australian maternity clinicians towards the management of a breech presentation at term. Aim The aim of this study is to identify experience, knowledge and attitudes of birth suite clinicians’ before and after training, toward term breech presentation and management practices. Methods A mixed methods research design was used that included a survey tool. A survey of 29 midwives and 11 medical professionals who attended an educational course in breech management (“BABE - Becoming a Breech Expert”) was undertaken pre and post BABE training. Results While participants were experienced in providing maternity services, the results indicated most were inexperienced in facilitating a vaginal breech birth. Prior to training, most participants believed vaginal breech birth had a higher risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality compared to caesarean birth. The prospect of a woman choosing a breech birth outside of medical recommendations made many participants “nervous”. Despite this, support to ensure there was informed decision-making and respect for a woman’s choice was high. Following training, clinician knowledge of assessment of risks for breech birth and intention to discuss breech management options with women increased. Conclusions Participation in breech management training is beneficial to increasing clinician knowledge and assessment of risk and confidence towards discussing vaginal breech birth management, respect for women’s choice and informed decision-making.

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.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.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).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.

Resume Objectifs Emettre des recommandations de bonnes pratiques cliniques quant a l’efficacite et la securite de la tentative de version par manœuvre externe (VME) et des techniques alternatives de version en cas de presentation du siege. Methode Recherche bibliographique en langue francaise et anglaise a partir des bases de donnees Medline et Cochrane entre 1980 et 2019 et a partir des recommandations de societes savantes internationales. Resultats La tentative de VME etant associee a une diminution du taux de presentation du siege a l’accouchement (NP2) et a une diminution du taux de cesarienne (NP3) sans augmentation de la morbidite maternelle (NP3) et perinatale severe (NP3), il est recommande d’informer les femmes avec une presentation du siege de la possibilite de realiser une tentative de VME (Accord professionnel). Il est recommande de realiser toute tentative de VME dans une structure ou une cesarienne est realisable en urgence (Accord professionnel). La tentative de VME avant 37 SA, en comparaison a une tentative de VME a partir de 37 SA, augmente les chances de presentation cephalique a la naissance (NP2) avec une faible augmentation du risque de prematurite moderee (NP2). En cas de tentative de VME, il est recommande de la realiser a partir de 36 SA (Accord professionnel). Les principaux facteurs associes a la reussite d’une VME sont la multiparite (NP3) et l’absence d’obesite maternelle (NP3). L’utilisation d’une tocolyse IV (β mimetiques ou atosiban), lors d’une tentative de VME ameliore le taux de succes (NP2), augmente le taux de presentation cephalique lors de l’entree en travail (NP2) et reduit le taux de cesariennes (NP2). Il est recommande d’utiliser une tocolyse IV en cas de tentative de VME a terme afin d’en augmenter le taux de succes (Grade B). La tentative de VME etant associee a une augmentation d’anomalies transitoires du rythme cardiaque fœtal (RCF) (NP3), il semble raisonnable de realiser un enregistrement du RCF avant et pendant les 30 minutes qui suivent une tentative de VME (Accord professionnel). En revanche, il n’existe aucune donnee pour recommander un enregistrement du RCF a distance d’une tentative d’une VME (Accord professionnel). Le risque de positivite significative (> 30 mL) du test de Kleihauer apres une tentative de VME etant faible ( Conclusion Au regard des benefices et des risques de la tentative de VME, toutes les femmes avec une presentation du siege a terme devraient etre informees de la possibilite de realiser une tentative de VME.

Problem and background The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) conducts regular updates to the Essential Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice to determine the introduction or retention of items in the global scope of midwifery practice guidance document. Aim This article presents the review process that underpinned the deliberation about three specific clinical practices: external cephalic version, prenatal ultrasonography, and tobacco cessation interventions that occurred during the 2016–2017 global update study. Methods A brief outline of the research methodology used in the 2016–2017 study is provided. Literature summaries about safety and effectiveness of three clinical skills are offered. Data addressing global and regional variations in support of each practice and final disposition of the items are documented. Findings External cephalic version did not receive sufficient document support for inclusion in the initial list of items to be tested in the study. Prenatal ultrasonography was supported as an advanced (76.6%) or country-specific (18.8%) skill that midwives could acquire, to promote wider global access for pregnant women. Midwives’ participation in tobacco cessation counselling was supported (≥85%) in each of ICM’s regions. Knowledge about World Health Organization recommendations for nicotine replacement therapy was endorsed as an additional (62.4%) or country-specific (29.3%) skill. Discussion and conclusion The current evidence of safety of midwives performing external cephalic version led to the recommendation that it be considered in the next document update. Conflicting views of midwives’ role in acquiring skills to conduct prenatal ultrasound were evident. There was strong support for participation in smoking cessation counselling, but knowledge of World Health Organization recommendations was not highly endorsed.

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.

Introduction Short-term maternal administration of betamimetics is a common obstetric practice with uses including tocolysis during antenatal corticosteroid administration for fetal lung maturity, intrapartum tachysystole, and prior to external cephalic version. While previous research has demonstrated adverse effects of prolonged use of maternal betamimetics, no prior documentation exists of fetal tachyarrhythmias beyond sinus tachycardia after administration of terbutaline. Case This case documents a transient fetal tachyarrhythmia consistent with presumed atrial flutter after maternal administration of terbutaline for external cephalic version. On day of life 9, the neonate presented in supraventricular tachycardia with signs of heart failure and was subsequently diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Conclusion Maternal administration of terbutaline may be associated with transient fetal tachyarrhythmia. In some fetuses, this cardiac arrhythmia may predate diagnosis of an underlying cardiac disorder, warranting close follow-up after delivery., Highlights • Fetal tachyarrhythmias are possible after maternal terbutaline administration. • Fetal tachyarrhythmias after maternal terbutaline administration may resolve spontaneously. • Terbutaline-induced tachyarrhythmia may precede the diagnosis of an underlying cardiac dysrhythmia.

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.

Objective This study sought to compare obstetrical outcomes for women with a cephalic presentation at birth resulting from successful external cephalic version (ECV) compared to those resulting from spontaneous cephalic version (SCV). Methods Secondary analysis was performed on Early External Cephalic Version Trial data. A total of 931 study participants had breech presentations between 34 and 36 weeks' gestation and cephalic presentations at birth. The incidence of intrapartum interventions was compared between patients with successful ECV (557) and those with SCV (374). A generalized linear mixed model was used to determine ORs for our primary outcomes. Parity, maternal BMI, previous CS, and enrolment centre were controlled for in the analysis. Results No differences were found after ECV compared with SCV in the incidence of CS (96 of 557 and 76 of 374, respectively; adjusted OR [aOR] 0.89; 95% CI 0.63–1.26), instrumental birth (68 of 557 and 29 of 373, respectively; aOR 1.55; 95% CI 0.96–2.50), or normal vaginal birth (393 of 557 and 268 of 373, respectively; aOR 0.92; 95% CI 0.68–1.24). Multiparous women with successful ECV were half as likely to require a CS compared with those with SCV and no ECV (28 of 313 and 42 of 258, respectively; aOR 0.45; 95% CI 0.26–0.80). Conclusion This is the first study to compare birth outcomes of breech pregnancies that convert to cephalic presentation by means of SCV with birth outcomes of breech pregnancies that have ECV. Women with a cephalic-presenting fetus at birth as a result of successful ECV are not at greater risk of obstetrical interventions at birth when compared with women with fetuses who spontaneously turn to a cephalic presentation in the third trimester.

The objective of this study was to identify the factors predictive of the success of external cephalic version (ECV).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-value0.05.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]; p0.01); a senior physician operator (1.6 [1.2-2]; p0.01); multiparity (1.6 [1.2-2]; p0.01); non anterior placental localization (1.4 [1.1-2]; p0.01). A number of attempts greater than 3 were significantly associated with reduced chances of success (0.3 [0.2-0.4]; p0.01).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.

OBJECTIVE Fetal malpresentation complicates approximately 3% to 4% of all term births. It requires special considerations for delivery and exposes the mother and neonate to obstetrical interventions and potential adverse outcomes, such as umbilical cord prolapse, head entrapment and birth trauma, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, cesarean delivery, and cesarean delivery–related complications. We set out to explore the maternal and fetal factors associated with noncephalic malpresentation at term, with specific interest on the impact of maternal race and ethnicity on fetal malpresentation. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective analysis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Natality Live Birth database for the years from 2016 through 2018. All term, singleton deliveries for the following racial and ethnic groups were included: non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Asian, and Hispanic. Race and ethnicity were assigned based on self-identification and individuals with >1 racial category were excluded from the analysis. Malpresentation was defined as a noncephalic presentation at term and included breech and transverse presentations. The malpresentation group included all noncephalic births and cephalic births that occurred following successful external cephalic version, whereas all other cephalic births served as controls. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the rate of malpresentation, with adjustment for potential confounders including maternal age, race and ethnicity, parity, birthweight, fetal malformations, malformations of the central nervous system (CNS), and chromosomal anomalies. The results are displayed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at a P value of RESULTS There were 9,692,203 term, singleton births during the study period. The malpresentation group included 354,689 births (3.66% of the total). The Table shows the rate of malpresentation for various maternal and fetal factors. We found a substantial racial and ethnic disparity in the malpresentation rates. Non-Hispanic White women had the highest malpresentation risk, whereas non-Hispanic Black women had the lowest risk (3.93% vs 2.81%; aOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.36–1.39). Hispanic and Asian women were also at increased risk for malpresentation when compared with non-Hispanic Black women (aOR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.29–1.32 and aOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.10–1.14, respectively). In addition, several maternal and fetal conditions were noted to be associated with an increased risk for malpresentation at term, including older maternal age (aOR, 2.81; 95% CI, 2.74–2.88; for patients >40 years), nulliparity (aOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.48–1.51), low birthweight (aOR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.77–1.83 for birthweight under 2500 g), and fetal malformations of the CNS and chromosomal anomalies (aOR, 3.53; 95% CI, 3.06–4.06 and aOR, 2.32; 95% CI, 2.05–2.63, respectively). CONCLUSION Based on a large US population database, we identified several maternal, fetal, and racial and ethnic factors that are associated with an increased rate of noncephalic malpresentation at term. Specifically, fetal CNS malformations, congenital or chromosomal anomalies, advanced maternal age, low birthweight, and nulliparity are risk factors for noncephalic presentation. Interestingly, non-Hispanic White women have the highest risk for malpresentation, whereas non-Hispanic Black women have the lowest risk. Previous publications found that low birthweight, advanced maternal age, nulliparity, and congenital fetal malformations are risk factors for malpresentation. 1 , 2 , 3 Nonetheless, the current data available on race and ethnicity are sporadic, with limited reports suggesting that sub-Saharan ethnicity is associated with a lower rate of malpresentation 2 and that White race is associated with a higher rate. 4 We present a large-scale, nationwide US-based study to confirm the racial and ethnic disparity regarding malpresentation in the United States. This may be explained by the known variation in the shape of the bony birth canal in different racial and ethnic groups and populations from different geographic locations. 5 Further investigation is needed to explore the racial and ethnic disparity described.

Breech presentation is the most common abnormal fetal presentation and complicates approximately 3% to 4% of all pregnancies. External cephalic version (ECV) should be recommended to women with a breech singleton pregnancy, if there is no maternal or fetal contraindication. ECV increases the chance of cephalic presentation at the onset of labor and decreases the rate of cesarean delivery by almost 40%. The success rate of ECV is approximately 60%. Review of the risks and benefits for performing an ECV and for both the timing of ECV and the number of attempts should be should be discussed with the patient.

Study objective Neuraxial blockade may increase external cephalic version (ECV) success rates. This survey aimed to assess the frequency and characteristics of neuraxial blockade used to facilitate ECV. Setting and design We surveyed Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology members regarding ECV practice using a 15-item survey developed by 3 obstetric anesthesiologists and tested for face validity. The survey was e-mailed in January 2015 and again in February 2015 to the 1056 Society of Obstetric Anesthesiology and Perinatology members. We present descriptive statistics of responses. Participants Our survey response rate was 322 of 1056 (30.5%). Main result Neuraxial blockade was used for ECV always by 18 (5.6%), often by 52 (16.1%), sometimes by 98 (30.4%), rarely by 78 (24.2%), and never by 46 (14.3%) of respondents. An anesthetic sensory block target was selected by 141 (43.8%) respondents, and analgesic by 102 (31.7%) respondents. Epidural drug doses ranged widely, including sufentanil 5-25 μg; lidocaine 1% or 2% 10-20 mL, bupivacaine 0.0625% to 0.5% 6-15 mL, and ropivacaine 0.2% 20 mL. Intrathecal bupivacaine was used by 182 (56.5%) respondents; the most frequent doses were 2.5 mg used by 24 (7.5%), 7.5 mg used by 35 (10.9%), and 12 mg used by 30 (9.3%). Conclusions Neuraxial blockade is not universally offered to facilitate ECV, and there is wide variability in neuraxial blockade techniques, in drugs and doses administered, and in the sensory blockade (anesthetic or analgesic) targeted. Future studies need to evaluate and remove barriers to allow for more widespread use of neuraxial blockade for pain relief and to optimize ECV success rates.

Objectives In the literature, success rate of external cephalic version (ECV) is 39 to 65%. This study aims to identify potential predictors of a successful ECV. Materials and methods Retrospective bi-center study performed from January 2011 through December 2012 at Angers University Hospital and Nantes University Hospital from January 2011 through December 2011. Were identified the demographic and ultrasonography characteristics of patients and the data of the process. Results One hundred and seventy-eight patients were included, 88 in Angers and 90 in Nantes; 16.3% of ECV were successful. Multiparity (OR 28.45; P < 0.01) and transverse position (OR 0.63; P < 0.01) are the two significant predictors. There is no significant difference found for center, operator, position of the placenta, amniotic fluid or presence of a uterine scar. Conclusion The success rate in our two French university centers is much lower than that reported in the literature. Parity and transverse position are the only 2 significant predictors of ECV success.; But Le taux de réussite d’une version par manœuvre externe (VME) dans la littérature est d’environ 39 à 65 %. Cette étude a pour but d’identifier les facteurs prédictifs potentiels de la réussite d’une VME et de confirmer ou non ce taux de réussite. Patientes et méthodes Il s’agit d’une étude rétrospective bicentrique, réalisée de janvier 2011 à décembre 2012 sur les CHU d’Angers et de Nantes de janvier 2011 à décembre 2011 avec relevé des données démographiques et échographiques des patientes ainsi que des caractéristiques de la procédure. Résultats Nous avons inclus 178 patientes, 88 au CHU d’Angers et 90 au CHU de Nantes. Nous avons retrouvé un taux très faible de succès de VME : 16,3 %. La multiparité (OR 5,62 ; p < 0,01) et la position transverse (OR 28,45 ; p < 0,01) sont les 2 facteurs prédictifs significatifs d’une VME réussie. Il n’a pas été retrouvé de différence significative concernant le centre, l’opérateur, la position du placenta, la quantité de liquide ou la présence d’un utérus cicatriciel. Conclusion Le taux de succès dans nos 2 centres universitaires français est très inférieur à celui retrouvé dans la littérature. La multiparité et la présentation transverse sont les 2 seuls facteurs prédictifs de réussite de VME identifiés.

Objective Evaluation of fetal position is an important part of prenatal care. A woman with a breech presentation may need referral for external cephalic version, for assisted breech delivery, or to schedule a Caesarean section. In many centres, a breech presentation undetected until labour will result in an emergency Caesarean section, a less desirable alternative for both the mother and the health care system. The anecdotal reports of undiagnosed breech presentations at a busy maternity clinic prompted a study to quantify the missed breech presentations and to evaluate the effectiveness of the current detection process, with the aim of allowing no more than 1% of breech presentations to remain undetected until labour. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 102 breech deliveries over a 14 month period to quantify missed breech presentations, and used a prospective physician survey documenting how fetal presentation was determined at 186 prenatal visits over four months to analyze the current detection process. Results We found that approximately 8% of breech presentations were undetected until labour. We concluded that within the limitations of the small sample size evaluated, the current practice of using a vaginal examination to verify fetal presentation determined by abdominal palpation (Leopold's manoeuvres) may not be more accurate than abdominal palpation alone. Conclusion The current detection process resulted in an unacceptably high rate of missed breech presentations. The results of this study prompted the clinic's acquisition of bedside ultrasound capability to assess fetal position.

Successful external cephalic version (ECV) for breech presenting fetus reduces the need for Caesarean section (CS). We aimed to compare the success rate of ECV with either spinal anaesthesia (SA) or i.v. analgesia using remifentanil.In a double-phased, stratified randomized blinded controlled study we compared the success rates of ECV, performed under spinal anaesthesia (SA), i.v. analgesia (IVA) using remifentanil or no anaesthetic interventions. In phase I, 189 patients were stratified by parity before randomization to ECV, performed by blinded operators, under SA using either hyperbaric bupivacaine 9 mg with fentanyl 15 µg, i.v. remifentanil infusion 0.1 µg kg min(-1), or Control (no anaesthetic intervention). Operators performing ECV were blinded to the treatment allocation. In phase 2, patients in the Control group in whom the initial ECV failed were further randomized to receive either SA (n=9) or IVA (n=9) for a re-attempt. The primary outcome was the incidence of successful ECV.The success rate in Phase 1 was greatest using SA [52/63 (83%)], compared with IVA [40/63 (64%)] and Control [40/63 (64%)], (P=0.027). Median [IQR] pain scores on a visual analogue scale (range 0-100), were 0 [0-0] with SA, 35 [0-60] with IVA and 50 [30-75] in the Control group (P0.001). Median [IQR] VAS sedation scores were highest with IVA [75 (50-80)], followed by SA, [0 (0-50)] and Control [0 (0-0)]. In phase 2, 7/9 (78%) of ECV re-attempts were successful with SA, whereas all re-attempts using IVA failed (P=0.0007). The incidence of fetal bradycardia necessitating emergency CS within 30 min, was similar among groups; 1.6% (1/63) in the SA and IVA groups and 3.2% (2/63) in the Control group.SA increased the success rate and reduced pain for both primary and re-attempts of ECV, whereas IVA using remifentanil infusion only reduced the pain. There was no significant increase in the incidence of fetal bradycardia or emergency CS, with ECV performed under anaesthetic interventions. Relaxation of the abdominal muscles from SA appears to underlie the improved outcomes for ECV.

Cesarean childbirth began as a practice to remove the infant form a dead or dying mother, it was a measure of last resort and was not intended to preserve the mother’s life (1). From these origins, cesarean delivery has moved in the 21st century to become one of the most common major abdominal surgeries performed, and has a variety of obstetrical and medical indications. Of the almost 4 million births in the United States in 2012, 32.8% were delivered by cesarean, a rate unchanged since 2010. From 1996 to 2010 the rate had steadily increased from 20.7% in 1996 to the current 32%. (2). In parallel with the rise in total cesarean births from 1996–2010 is a rise in primary cesarean deliveries. Prior to 1996, the rate was flat or declining from the mid 1980s, in part due to the increasing use of vaginal birth after cesarean; however the VBAC rate peaked in the mid 1990s and now accounts for less than ten percent of deliveries despite evidence supporting the method. (3). Internationally, rates of cesarean vary dramatically ranging from

Based on data from the AUDIPOG sentinel network between 1994 and 2010, we can say that the rate of singleton breech presentation at term is 3% and remains unchanged despite an external cephalic version rate of 35%. The total cesarean section rate is currently 75%. This rate increased by nearly 20% after the Hannah publication in 2000, regardless of the type of breech and type of maternity unit. The rate of planned cesarean sections increased in particular, going from 40% to 60%, and even reaching 67% for footling breech presentations. The rate is higher in type I maternity units than in type II or III. This cesarean section rate has been stable since 2005 and has even decreased for the Frank breech. The average rate of external cephalic version remains stable at around 23%. The episiotomy rate is 28%. The rate of babies transferred to neonatology units is higher for breech babies at term than for babies presenting cephalically (3.9% compared to 2.9%), but the newborns most often transferred are those born by cesarean section (4.1% compared to 3.4%).

Introduction expansion of advanced and specialist midwifery practitioner roles across professional boundaries requires an evidence-based framework to evaluate achievement and maintenance of competency. In order to develop the role of Breech Specialist Midwife to include the autonomous performance of external cephalic version within one hospital, guidance was required on standards of training and skill development, particularly in the use of ultrasound. Methods a three-round Delphi survey was used to determine consensus among an expert panel, including highly experienced obstetric and midwife practitioners, as well as sonographers. The first round used mostly open-ended questions to gather data, from which statements were formed and returned to the panel for evaluation in subsequent rounds. Findings standards for achieving and maintaining competence to perform ECV, and in the use of basic third trimester ultrasound as part of this practice, should be the same for midwives and doctors. The maintenance of proficiency requires regular practice. Conclusions midwives can appropriately expand their sphere of practice to include ECV and basic third trimester ultrasound, according to internal guidelines, following the completion of a competency-based training programme roughly equivalent to those used to guide obstetric training. Ideally, ECV services should be offered in organised clinics where individual practitioners in either profession are able to perform approximately 30 or more ECVs per year in order to maintain an appropriate level of skill.

The scope of obstetric anesthesia practice ranges far beyond the delivery of care to women for vaginal and cesarean deliveries. Increasingly, obstetric anesthesiologists are involved in the management of anesthetics for new procedures and for new indications. Anesthesia is frequently needed for maternal procedures, as well as fetal procedures, and at varying times in the intrapartum period. Maternal-specific procedures include cerclage, external cephalic version (ECV), postpartum bilateral tubal ligation (BTL), and dilation and evacuation (D and E). Fetus-specific procedures include fetoscopic laser photocoagulation and ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT). This review will not include discussion of the anesthetic management of non-obstetric surgery during pregnancy, such as appendectomy or cholecystectomy.

In 2011, 1 in 3 women who gave birth in the United States did so by cesarean delivery. Cesarean birth can be lifesaving for the fetus, the mother, or both in certain cases. However, the rapid increase in cesarean birth rates from 1996 through 2011 without clear evidence of concomitant decreases in maternal or neonatal morbidity or mortality raises significant concern that cesarean delivery is overused. Variation in the rates of nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex cesarean births also indicates that clinical practice patterns affect the number of cesarean births performed. The most common indications for primary cesarean delivery include, in order of frequency, labor dystocia, abnormal or indeterminate (formerly, nonreassuring) fetal heart rate tracing, fetal malpresentation, multiple gestation, and suspected fetal macrosomia. Safe reduction of the rate of primary cesarean deliveries will require different approaches for each of these, as well as other, indications. For example, it may be necessary to revisit the definition of labor dystocia because recent data show that contemporary labor progresses at a rate substantially slower than what was historically taught. Additionally, improved and standardized fetal heart rate interpretation and management may have an effect. Increasing women's access to nonmedical interventions during labor, such as continuous labor and delivery support, also has been shown to reduce cesarean birth rates. External cephalic version for breech presentation and a trial of labor for women with twin gestations when the first twin is in cephalic presentation are other of several examples of interventions that can contribute to the safe lowering of the primary cesarean delivery rate.

Background Umbilical cords of fetuses in breech presentation differ in length and coiling from their cephalic counterparts and it might be hypothesised that these cord characteristics may in turn affect ECV outcome. Aim To investigate the relation between umbilical cord characteristics and the outcome of external cephalic version (ECV). Study design Prospective cohort study. Subjects Women (> 35 weeks gestation) with a singleton fetus in breech presentation, suitable for external cephalic version. Demographic, lifestyle and obstetrical parameters were assessed at intake. ECV success was based on cephalic presentation on ultrasound post-ECV. Umbilical cord length (UCL) and umbilical coiling index (UCI) were measured after birth. Outcome measure The relation between umbilical cord characteristics (cord length and coiling) and the success of external cephalic version. Results ECV success rate was overall 79/146 (54%), for multiparas 37/46(80%) and for nulliparas 42/100 (42%). Multiple logistic regression showed that UCL (OR: 1.04, CI: 1.01–1.07), nulliparity (OR: 0.20, CI: 0.08–0.51), frank breech (OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.15–0.90), body mass index (OR: 0.85, CI: 0.76–0.95), placenta anterior (OR: 0.27, CI: 0.12–0.63) and birth weight (OR: 1.002, CI: 1.001–1.003) were all independently related to ECV success. Conclusions Umbilical cord length is independently related to the outcome of ECV, whereas umbilical coiling index is not.

BACKGROUND In adults, dosages of some anaesthetic agents are based on lean body mass (LBM) rather than body weight. Our aim was to derive an equation for estimating LBM in children. METHODS Patients comprised three groups: prospective kidney transplant donors from two separate centres (centres 1 and 3) and children referred to a further centre (centre 2) for the routine clinical measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR and extracellular fluid volume (ECV) were measured using Cr-51-EDTA. LBM was directly estimated (eLBM) in adults using an equation based on height and weight. ECV in children was estimated (eECV) from another equation based on height and weight, converted to eLBM using the relationship between eLBM and ECV determined in the adults from centre 1 and then compared with adult data from centre 3. RESULTS In children, the ratio of eECV to ECV was 1.04 (SD 0.18). In centre 1, eLBM (kg) was 3.81 (SD 0.55) times greater than ECV (litres) in men (n=50) and 3.77 (0.77) times greater in women (n=51). eLBM in children was therefore derived by multiplying eECV by 3.8. In children, eLBM showed a close linear correlation with measured ECV (eLBM=3.50ECV+2.0; R(2)=0.857), similar to adults (eLBM=2.82ECV+14.5; R(2)=0.582). In all groups, eLBM/weight correlated inversely with weight. CONCLUSIONS In terms of the relationships between eLBM, ECV, and weight, children are similar to adults. Therefore, drug dosage in children should also be based on eLBM rather than weight

To estimate the contribution of select maternal groups to temporal trends in Caesarean section (CS) rates.Using the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database, all deliveries by CS during the 24-year period from 1984 to 2007, at the Women's Hospital, IWK Health Centre were identified. Deliveries by CS were classified into groups using parity (nullipara/multipara), plurality (singleton/multiple), presentation (cephalic/breech/transverse), gestational age (term/preterm), history of previous CS (previous CS/no previous CS), and labour (spontaneous/induced/no labour). CS rates in each group and the contribution of each group to the overall CS rate was determined for three eight-year epochs. The risk of CS in each group over time, accounting for identified maternal, fetal, and obstetric practice factors, was evaluated using logistic regression.Of 113,016 deliveries, 23,232 (20.6%) were identified as deliveries by CS meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The CS rate rose from 16.8% in 1984 to 1991 to 26.8% in 2000 to 2007 (P0.001). The biggest contributors to the overall CS rate in the last study epoch (2000-2007) were nulliparous women with singleton, cephalic, term pregnancies with spontaneous or induced labour; women with singleton, cephalic, term pregnancies with previous CS; and women with breech presentation. Adjusted analyses explained some increases in the rate of CS and demonstrated reduced risks in others.Only some temporally increased CS rates in select maternal groups remain increased after adjusting for confounding variables. The identification of potentially modifiable maternal risk factors, re-evaluation of the indications and techniques for induction of labour in nulliparous women, provision of clinical services for vaginal birth after Caesarean section, and external cephalic version for selected breech presentation are important clinical management areas to consider for safely lowering the Caesarean section rate.

Objectives: to explore the effects of moxibustion treatment, to examine the predictors of its use in causing a breech presentation to spontaneously turn to a cephalic presentation which will result in a vaginal birth (the paper will refer to this as ‘successful’) and offer external cephalic version (ECV) subsequently after moxibustion treatment when the fetus remains in a breech presentation. Design: a prospective study over a two-year time period from February 2004 until January 2006. Participants: 76 pregnant women from various acupuncture practices in the UK, with a third trimester breech presentation. Interventions: the acupuncturist taught the women how to apply moxibustion (sticks of compressed dried herbs—Artemisia vulgaris) treatment at home by stimulating the acupoint on the outer edge at the base of the little toe nail for seven days twice a day (morning and afternoon). If the breech presentation persisted after treatment, ECV was carried out towards the end of the pregnancy. The obstetricians offered this during the routine antenatal hospital visits. Findings: the results show that following treatment with moxibustion, 31 (40.8%) of the breech presentations spontaneously turned to cephalic presentations, and a further 33 (43.4%) breech presentations were turned by ECV. Women who involved other people in the administration of moxibustion were twice as likely to be successful. Multiparous women were also 16% more likely than primiparous women to succeed in achieving a spontaneous version with the use of moxibustion. Fewer side effects reported when using moxibustion were the strongest predictor of successful spontaneous cephalic version with an odds ratio of 12% (p ¼ 0.02). Key conclusions: moxibustion creates a better chance of vaginal birth for expectant mothers. Of the women who were successful in turning their babies using moxibustion, 88% went on to have a normal birth and 12% had a caesarean section. Moxibustion treatment also significantly increases version from a breech presentation to a cephalic presentation where there are fewer side effects reported, if the woman is multiparous and has support during the administration of moxibustion treatment. Implications for practice: moxibustion treatment should be offered to all women with a breech presentation because it is non-invasive and can be self-administered by the woman. It is therefore a simple, cost-effective technique that requires no medical intervention.

Improving the success of external cephalic version (ECV) for breech presentation may help avoid some cesarean deliveries. The results of randomized trials comparing the success of ECV with neuraxial analgesia compared to control are inconsistent. We hypothesized that combined spinal-epidural (CSE) analgesia would increase the success of ECV when compared with systemic opioid analgesia.Parturients with singleton breech presentation (n=96) were randomized to receive CSE analgesia with bupivacaine 2.5mg and fentanyl 15 microg (CSE group) or intravenous fentanyl 50 microg (SYS group) before ECV attempt. The primary outcome was ECV success.The success rate of ECV was 47% with CSE and 31% in the SYS group (P=0.14). Subsequent vaginal delivery was 36% for CSE and 25% for SYS (P=0.27). Median [IQR] visual analog pain scores (0-100mm scale) were lower with CSE (3 [0-12]) compared to SYS analgesia (36 [16 to 54]) (P0.005) and patient satisfaction (0-10 scale) was higher (CSE 10 [9 to 10] versus SYS 7 [4 to 9]) (P0.005). There were no differences in fetal heart rate patterns, but median time to return to fetal heart rate reactivity after analgesia was shorter with CSE (13 [IQR 9-21] min) compared to the SYS group (39 [IQR 23-51] min) (P=0.02).There was no difference in the rate of successful ECV or vaginal delivery with CSE compared to intravenous fentanyl analgesia. Pain scores were lower and satisfaction higher with CSE analgesia, and median time to fetal heart rate reactivity was shorter in the CSE group.