• O Irion, P Hirsbrunner Almagbaly, and A Morabia.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland.
• Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1998 Jul 1;105(7):710-7.

ObjectiveTo compare neonatal mortality and neonatal and maternal morbidity in planned vaginal delivery versus elective caesarean section for breech presentation at term. To identify factors associated with the risk of caesarean section during labour.DesignCohort study.SettingUniversity Hospital of Geneva.PopulationSeven hundred and five consecutive singleton term breech presentations: 385 planned vaginal deliveries and 320 elective caesarean sections.MethodsRelative risk and risk difference with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for neonatal and maternal morbidity. Prognostic factors for the risk of intrapartum caesarean section were analysed by multiple logistic regression.Main Outcome Measures1. Neonatal mortality 2. Neonatal morbidity (eg. fracture, haematoma with hyperbilirubinemia, paresis, paralysis, visceral trauma, respiratory distress, umbilical cord arterial pH < 7.0 with 5 minute Apgar score < 7), corrected neonatal morbidity was defined as morbidity after exclusion of major malformations. 3. Maternal morbidity (eg. endometritis, urinary infection, pulmonary infection, surgical complications, hysterectomy, anaemia, pulmonary embolism, cardio-respiratory arrest).ResultsThere were significantly fewer maternal complications in the planned vaginal delivery group than in the elective caesarean section group (risk difference 10.5%, 95% CI 3.9 to 17.0). Five neonates with major malformations died. There was no difference in corrected neonatal morbidity between the planned vaginal delivery and the elective caesarean section groups (risk difference 1.9%, 95% CI -1.0 to 4.9). Nulliparity, maternal age > 30 years and a higher body mass index were independently associated with the risk (30%) of intrapartum caesarean section, but it was not possible to construct a predictive model useful for clinical practice.ConclusionsThere is no firm evidence to recommend systematic elective caesarean section for breech presentation at term. Large unbiased studies are needed to determine whether a potential benefit for the newborns outweighs the increased risk for the mothers associated with elective caesarean section.

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