RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Shoulder dystocia (SD) is a rare obstetrical complication but linked with a high perinatal morbidity and mortality rate. SD has been associated to a series of maternal and fetal risk factors due to a multifactorial etiology. This study analyzes the incidence of SD, its morbidity and associated risk factors. METHODS: Cases of SD occurred at the St. Gerardo Hospital (Monza) between January 1992 trough December 1997 have been retrospectively reviewed. Obstetrical and feto-neonatal data regarding cases of SD were compared to data regarding all the cephalic vaginal deliveries occurred in the same period in our Center. RESULTS: A total of 14,157 cephalic vaginal deliveries were included in this study, of these 21 infants (0.15%) had SD. A significantly higher incidence of SD cases was found in fetal macrosomia, maternal diabetes, induction of labor by PGE2, use of obstetrical vacuum, length of first stage of labor > 4 hours in multiparas and > 8 hours in nulliparas, and length of second stage > 60 minutes, regardless of parity. A closed association was also observed between SD and birth trauma as brachial plexus injury and humerus fracture. CONCLUSION: The incidence of SD in our population (0.15%) is below the average reported in the literature (0.37-1.1%). The well-known risk factors, whose low positive predictive value can nevertheless modify obstetrical management, are confirmed.
