Fetal rotation during vacuum extractions for prolonged labor: a prospective cohort study

Birgitte H Kahrs, Sana Usman, Tullio Ghi, Aly Youssef, Erik A Torkildsen, Elsa Lindtjørn, Tilde B Østborg, Sigurlaug Benediktsdottir, Lis Brooks, Lotte Harmsen, Kjell Å Salvesen, Cristoph C Lees, Torbjørn M Eggebø

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to investigate fetal head rotation during vacuum extraction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study from November 2013 to July 2016 in seven European hospitals. Fetal head position was determined with transabdominal or transperineal ultrasound and categorized as occiput anterior (OA), occiput transverse (OT) or occiput posterior (OP) position. Main outcome was the proportion of fetuses rotating during vacuum extraction. Secondary outcomes were conversion of delivery method, duration of vacuum extraction, umbilical artery pH <7.10 and agreement between clinical and ultrasound assessments.

RESULTS: The study population comprised 165 women. During vacuum extraction 117/119 (98%) remained in OA and two fetuses rotated to OP position. Rotation from OT to OA position occurred in 14/19 (74%) and to OP position in 5/19 (26%). Rotation from OP to OA position occurred in 15/25 (60%), and 10/25 (40%) fetuses remained in OP position. Delivery information was missing in two cases. The conversion rate from vacuum extraction to cesarean section or forceps was 10% in the OA group vs. 23% in the non-OA group; p < 0.05. The estimated duration of vacuum extraction was significantly shorter in OA fetuses, 7 min vs. 10 min (log rank test p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in umbilical artery pH < 7.10 between OA and non-OA position. Cohens Kappa of agreement between clinical and ultrasound assessments was 0.42 (95% CI 0.26-0.57).

CONCLUSION: Most fetuses in OP or OT positions rotated to OA position during vacuum extraction, but the proportion of failed vacuum extractions remained high.

Original languageEnglish
JournalActa Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica
Volume97
Issue number8
Pages (from-to)998-1005
ISSN0001-6349
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2018

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Fetal rotation during vacuum extractions for prolonged labor: a prospective cohort study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this