Planned caesarean section for breech birth at term - systematic review
Oian P, Albrectsen S, Berge L N, Bordal P E, Egeland T, Henriksen T, Haheim L L
Record ID 32003000479
Norwegian
Authors' objectives:
The objective of this review was to present current knowledge on the method of delivery for breech birth at term. The review group should also assess external cephalic version. Norwegian practice with breech birth should be presented. Information on long term effects on morbidity and mortality for both child and mother was of relevance.
Authors' recommendations:
Vaginal delivery for term breech birth is advisable in suitable cases after a careful selection process, strict fetal monitoring, and presence of experienced obstetric staff.
The external validity of the results of the Term Breech Trial (TBT) to Norwegian practice is questionable, Many of the centres and countries participating in the study have a different antenatal care, birth surveillance, delivery experience and paediatric service than in Norway.
The data presented from four Norwegian hospitals (two published reports and two unpublished) confirms a low risk of complications by vaginal delivery in these hospitals.
It has not been found feasible to conduct a similar study as the TBT in Norway or the Nordic countries. As the perinatal mortality and morbidity is low in these countries this would require a very large study population. External cephalic version may reduce the frequency of breech births, but is not shown to affect perinatal mortality. The Norwegian practice with external cephalic version is poorly documented.
The expert group recommends the establishment of a national breech birth registry for continuous surveillance of delivery practice and results.
Authors' methods:
Systematic review
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
http://www.nokc.no/
Year Published:
2003
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Norway
MeSH Terms
- Breech Presentation
- Cesarean Section
Contact
Organisation Name:
Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Contact Address:
Universitetsgata 2, Postbox 7004 St. Olavs plass, NO-0310 Oslo NORWAY. Tel: +47 23 25 50 00; Fax: +47 23 25 50 10;
Contact Name:
Berit.Morland@nokc.no, dagny.fredheim@nokc.no
Contact Email:
Berit.Morland@nokc.no, dagny.fredheim@nokc.no
Copyright:
The Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services
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