Remifentanil for External Cephalic Version: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of remifentanil on external cephalic version (ECV) in breech presentation. An extensive search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and other grey literature. Only randomized controlled trials using remifentanil for ECV were included. Risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) were used to estimate outcomes and quality of evidence was assessed using the Risk of Bias and GRADE system. Five studies consisting of 602 patients were analyzed. Remifentanil resulted in a moderate increase in ECV success rate (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.43; P = .05), a large reduction of pain score (MD, -2.02; 95% CI, -2.32 to -1.72; P < .00001) with fewer transient fetal bradycardia (RR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.85; P = .02). However, remifentanil did not affect cesarean section rates, (RR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.93; P = .93) instrumental delivery (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.41 to 2.15; P = 0.89), and spontaneous delivery rate (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.78 to 1.35; P = 0.87). Mothers treated with remifentanil have a higher patient satisfaction score. The use of remifentanil may be a good strategy for ECV. However, extrapolation of this finding to clinical settings must consider the study limitations.

Evaluating the effectiveness of lateral postural management for breech presentation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (BRLT study).

BACKGROUND: Breech presentation is observed in 3-4% at term of pregnancy and is one of the leading causes of cesarean section. There is no established treatment for breech presentation before 36 weeks. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to demonstrate that the lateral position is effective for breech presentation. However, there are no randomized controlled trials evaluating lateral position management for breech presentation. Here, we described the methodology of a randomized controlled trial of a cephalic version for breech presentation in the third trimester by lateral postural management (BRLT study). METHODS: The BRLT study is an open-label, randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups allocated in a 1:1 ratio to examine the lateral position management for breech presentation, as compared with expectant management care. An academic hospital in Japan will enroll 200 patients diagnosed with a breech presentation by ultrasonography between 28 + 0 weeks and 30 + 0 weeks. Participants in the intervention group will be instructed to lie on their right sides for 15 min three times per day if the fetal back was on the left side or lie on their left sides if the fetal back was on the right side. The instruction will be given every 2 weeks after confirmation of fetal position, and the lateral position will be instructed until the cephalic version, and after the cephalic version, the reverse lateral position will be instructed until delivery. The primary outcome is cephalic presentation at term. The secondary outcomes are cesarean delivery, cephalic presentation 2, 4, and 6 weeks after the instruction, and at delivery, recurrent breech presentation after cephalic version, and adverse effects. DISCUSSION: This trial will answer whether the lateral positioning technique is effective in treating breech presentation and, depending on the results, may provide a very simple, less painful, and safe option for treating breech presentation before 36 weeks, and it may impact breech presentation treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000043613. Registered on 15 March 2021 https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000049800 .

External Validation of a Prediction Model for External Cephalic Version Success.

External cephalic version (ECV) success correlates with numerous maternal and pregnancy factors. A prior study developed an ECV success prediction model based on body mass index, parity, placental location, and fetal presentation. We performed external validation of this model using a retrospective cohort of ECV procedures from a separate institution between July 2016 and December 2021. Four hundred thirty-four ECV procedures were performed, with a 44.4% success rate (95% CI 39.8-49.2%), which was similar to the derivation cohort (40.6%, 95% CI 37.7-43.5%, P =.16). There were significant differences in patients and practices between cohorts, including the rate of neuraxial anesthesia (83.5% derivation cohort vs 10.4% our cohort, P <.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was 0.70 (95% CI 0.65-0.75), which was similar to that in the derivation cohort (AUROC 0.67, 95% CI 0.63-0.70). These results suggest the published ECV prediction model's performance is generalizable outside the original study institution.

Systematic review of the effectiveness of remifentanil in term breech pregnancies undergoing external cephalic version.

BACKGROUND: External cephalic version (ECV) is a moderately painful procedure used to turn a fetus from a non-vertex to cephalic position. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared intravenous remifentanil with other analgesia or no analgesia or placebo on the success rate and associated pain of ECV. METHODS: Systematic searches for randomised controlled trials using remifentanil during ECV for non-cephalic term singleton pregnancies were conducted in EMBASE, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library to October 2021. The primary outcomes were successful ECV and maternal pain; secondary outcomes included mode of delivery and adverse effects. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used and meta-analysis undertaken if there were ≥2 comparable studies. RESULTS: Four trials were identified, three placebo-controlled and one vs no analgesia, totalling 482 participants. Comparisons against nitrous oxide or neuraxial anaesthesia were not analysed. Two studies had a low overall risk of bias, and two had some concern for bias. Remifentanil compared with placebo increased the success of ECV by 43% (risk ratio [RR] 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14 to 1.78). Pain scores (0-10) were lower (mean difference -1.97; 95% CI -2.49 to -1.46) whilst there was no impact on caesarean delivery rate (RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.81 to 1.17). Adverse events were rare, with fetal bradycardia observed less often with remifentanil than placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Remifentanil increases the procedural success of ECV and reduces pain compared with placebo. Trials were at low risk of bias and contained a sufficient number of participants to have reasonable confidence in this finding.

Predictive factors for successful external cephalic version with regional anesthesia.

AIM: We aimed to investigate predictive factors of successful external cephalic version (ECV) using regional anesthesia. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included women who underwent ECV at our center from 2010 to 2022. The procedure had been conducted using regional anesthesia and the administration of intravenous ritodrine hydrochloride. The primary outcome was the success of ECV, which was defined as the rotation from a non-cephalic to a cephalic presentation. Primary exposures were maternal demographic factors and ultrasound findings at ECV. To determine predictive factors, we conducted a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 622 pregnant women who underwent ECV, missing data on any variables (n = 14) were excluded and the remaining 608 were analyzed. The success rate during the study period was 76.3%. Multiparous women had significantly higher success rates than primiparous women (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 2.06 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31-3.25]). Women with a maximum vertical pocket (MVP) of <4 cm had significantly lower success rates than those with 4 cm < MVP ≤6 cm (OR: 0.56 [95% CI: 0.37-0.86]). The non-anterior placental location was associated with higher success rates than the anterior placental location (OR: 1.46 [95% CI: 1.00-2.17]). CONCLUSIONS: Multiparity, MVP >4 cm, and non-anterior placental locations were associated with successful ECV. These three factors could be useful for patient selection for successful ECV.

External cephalic version success rate and associated factors: Experience from a tertiary center in Sub-Saharan Africa: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the success rate of external cephalic version (ECV) and its associated factors in an Ethiopian setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 152 ECVs performed at the St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from June 1, 2018, up to March 30, 2019, were analyzed, using a prospective cross-sectional study design. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Chi-square test of association was applied for categorical data analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of success of ECV. Odds ratio, 95% CI, and P-value<0.05 were used to describe findings' significance. RESULTS: The success rate of ECV was 71.7%. ECV success rate did not differ between multiparous and nulliparous (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI 0.07-2.35), according to abdominal wall thickness status (AOR = 3.5, 95% Cl 0.29-42.40), and between unengaged and engaged presenting part (AOR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.26-4.74). A posterior placenta was associated with ECV success compared to anterior placenta (AOR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-2.60). Likewise, cases that experience no pain was associated with a higher ECV success rate (AOR 14.68, 95% CI 1.65-34.97). Soft uterine tone was also associated with a higher success rate compared to tense uterine tone (AOR = 3.89, 95% CI 0.02-0.39). Eighty-four percent of those mothers who had successful ECV had spontaneous vertex vaginal delivery. CONCLUSION: The success rate of ECV in this study is found to be 71.7%, which is higher than reports from previous studies. Absence of pain during the procedure, posterior placenta, and soft uterine tone were associated with successful ECV.

Maternal race/ethnicity impacts the success rates of external cephalic version (ECV) in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: Racial and ethnic disparities in obstetrics are prevalent in the United States (US). We aimed to assess whether the success rate of external cephalic version (ECV) is affected by maternal race/ethnicity. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis based on the CDC Natality Live Birth database for 2016-2018. We compared the success rates of ECV across US pregnant women of different racial/ethnic groups (non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, non-Hispanic Asians, and Hispanics) using the Pearson chi-square test and used multivariate logistic regression to control for confounding variables. Statistical signiciance was determined as p<0.05 and results were displayed as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: Of the 11,150,527 births, 26,255 women underwent an ECV and met inclusion criteria. The overall ECV success rate was 52.75% (13,850 women). Non-Hispanic Blacks had the highest ECV success rate (64.52%), followed by Hispanics (59.21%) and non-Hispanic Asians (55.51%). These rates were significantly higher than those of non-Hispanic Whites (49.27%, p<0.001). Non-Hispanic Blacks were associated with the highest success rate compared to non-Hispanic Whites (adjusted OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.77-2.15). CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of ECV varies among different maternal racial/ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic White women have the lowest ECV success rate, while non-Hispanic Black women have the highest ECV success rate.

Factors influencing the effect of external cephalic version: a retrospective nationwide cohort analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the factors associated with the success and failure rate of the external cephalic version (ECV) in breech fetuses. Secondary outcomes were fetal presentation in labor and mode of delivery. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined the live birth certificates from 2003 through 2020 from US states and territories that implemented the 2003 revision. A total of 149,671 singleton pregnancies with information about ECV success or failure were included. The outcome was ECV success/failure, while the exposures were possible factors associated with the outcome. RESULTS: The successful ECV procedures were 96,137 (64.23%). Among the successful ECV procedures, the prevalence of spontaneous vaginal delivery was 71.63%. Among the failed ECV procedures, 24.74% had a cephalic presentation at delivery, but 63.11% of these pregnancies were delivered by cesarean section. Nulliparity, female sex, low fetal weight centile, high pre-pregnancy BMI, high BMI at delivery, and high maternal weight gain during pregnancy were associated with an increased ECV failure (p < 0.001). African American, American Indian and Alaska Native race categories were significant protective factors against ECV failure (p < 0.001). Maternal age had a U-shape risk profile, whereas younger maternal age (< 25 years) and old maternal age (> 40 years) were significant protective factors against ECV failure (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of successful ECV procedures and subsequent spontaneous vaginal delivery were found. The present results found nulliparity, maternal race, maternal age, female fetal sex, low fetal weight, and maternal anthropometric features correlated to ECV results. These findings can potentially improve the knowledge about the factors involved in ECV, allowing more informed counseling to the women undergoing this procedure.

Impact of full vs empty urinary bladder on external cephalic version success: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: External cephalic version is a procedure used to turn a fetus from a breech position to a cephalic position before delivery. The success rate of the external cephalic version can be affected by various factors; however, the effect of bladder volume on the success rate of the external cephalic version remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of urinary bladder status (full or empty) on the success rate of the external cephalic version through a prospective randomized study. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial conducted at a tertiary care obstetrical center. Overall, 70 women with a singleton breech presentation at term undergoing external cephalic version were randomly allocated into 2 groups: external cephalic version with an empty bladder and external cephalic version with a full bladder. The external cephalic version procedure was performed by experienced obstetricians under ultrasound guidance. The primary outcome was the success rate of the external cephalic version. RESULTS: The success rate of the external cephalic version was 67.56% (25/37) in the full bladder group and 54.54% (18/33) in the empty bladder group, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (P=.26). In addition, the relative risk of successful external cephalic version was 1.23 (95% confidence interval, 0.84-1.81), indicating no significant difference. CONCLUSION: This randomized controlled trial demonstrated that the presence of a full or empty urinary bladder does not significantly affect the success rate of the external cephalic version in women with singleton breech presentation at term. Our findings suggest that women undergoing an external cephalic version do not need to have a full bladder to improve the success rate of the procedure.

External Cephalic Version-A Chance for Vaginal Delivery at Breech Presentation.

Background and Objectives: In recent years, the rate of caesarean section (CS) has increased constantly. Although vaginal breech delivery has a long history, breech presentation has become the third most common indication for CS. This study aims to identify factors associated with the success of external cephalic version (ECV), underline the success rate of ECV for breech presentation and highlight the high rate of vaginal delivery after successful ECV. Material and Methods: This retrospective observational study included 113 patients with singleton fetuses in breech presentation, who underwent ECV from January 2016 to March 2021 in the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Diakonieklinikum Schwäbisch Hall, Germany. Maternal and fetal parameters and data related to procedure and delivery were collected. Possible predictors of successful ECV were evaluated. Results: The success rate of ECV was 54.9%. The overall rate of vaginal birth was 44.2%, regardless of ECV outcome. The vaginal birth rate after successful ECV was 80.6%. Overall, 79.0% of women with successful ECV delivered spontaneously without complications, 19.4% delivered through CS performed during labor by medical necessity, and 1.6% delivered through vacuum extraction. ECV was performed successfully in three of the four women with history of CS. Gravidity, parity, maternal age, gestational age, fetal weight, and amniotic fluid index (AFI) were significantly correlated with the outcome of ECV. Conclusions: ECV for breech presentation is a safe procedure with a good success rate, thus increasing the proportion of vaginal births. Maternal and fetal parameters can be used to estimate the chances of successful ECV.

A prospective study using an individualized nomogram to predict the success rate of external cephalic version.

To establish a clinical-based nomogram for predicting the success rate of external cephalic version (ECV) through a prospective study. This was a single-center prospective study that collected eligible breech pregnant women. 152 participants were enrolled in the training cohort, who received ECV procedures performed by a single operator. We used the training cohort to establish regression equations and prediction models. These variables include maternal factors (age, operation gestational age, pre-pregnancy BMI (Body Mass Index), operation BMI, BMI increase, multipara), ultrasound factors (fetal weight estimation, amniotic fluid index, placental location, type of breech presentation, spinal position), and anesthesia. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to screen the factors affecting the success of ECV. A nomogram scoring model was established based on these factors. And C-index, DCA (Decision Curve Analysis) and calibration curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to verify the prediction effect of the model. Finally, 33 participants were enrolled in the testing cohort who received ECV with an unrestricted operator. We used C-index, DCA (decision curve analysis), and Hosmer-Lemeshow to verify the application value of the prediction model. The calibration curves and ROC curves of both the training cohort and testing cohort are plotted for internal and external validation of the model. The ECV success rate of the training cohort was 62.5%. Univariate analysis showed that the predictors related to the success rate of ECV were age, BMI increase value, AFI (amniotic fluid index), breech type, placental location, spinal position, anesthesia, and multipara. The prediction thresholds of the corresponding indexes were calculated according to the Youden index. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BMI increase ≥ 3.85 kg/m2, AFI ≥ 10.6 cm, anesthesia, multipara, and non-anterior placenta were independent predictors of ECV success. Through the internal and external validation, it is confirmed that the model has a good calibration and prediction ability. Our nomogram has a good ability to predict the success rate of ECV.

Use of external cephalic version for breech presentation at term: A national survey of Norwegian birth units.

INTRODUCTION: International guidelines recommend that external cephalic version (ECV) be offered to all women with single fetuses in breech presentation at term. In Norway, ECV is not offered routinely; the national clinical guidelines advice that birth units capable of offering ECV for breech pregnancies make their own practice decisions. This study was performed to determine the extent to which Norwegian birth units offer ECV to pregnant women with fetuses in breech presentations at term, and to identify factors that might influence the use of ECV. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey of all 39 obstetric birth units providing ECV in Norway was conducted using a self-reporting questionnaire about ECV availability, attitudes, clinical procedures, perceived competence, and outcome expectations. RESULTS: Chief obstetricians from all birth units responded. Twenty-six (67%) respondents reported that their units offered ECV for breech presentation at term to a large degree. Thirty-one (80%) respondents reported a large degree of competence in performing ECV. Thirty-three (85%) units followed local ECV procedures. Nineteen (49%) units provided standardized information about the procedure to pregnant women. The respondents had different views about who should be offered ECV, and varying knowledge about ECV outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of Norwegian birth units offer ECV to pregnant women with fetuses in breech position to a large extent. However, the survey results reveal challenges related to ECV information provision to pregnant women, determination of women's eligibility for ECV attempts, and familiarity and agreement with the knowledge base regarding ECV.

Effect of nitrous oxide use on external cephalic version success rate; a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Several adjuvant interventions have been evaluated for improving the success rate of the external cephalic version (ECV) and reducing the rate of cesarean delivery (CD). Evidence regarding the effect of Nitrous oxide is limited to a small number of participants with inconsistent results on pain score and success rate. This study aims to examine the effect of inhaled nitrous oxide on the success rate and pain score for women undergoing ECV. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Survey on ECV reports from inception till June 2020 were made from MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Ovid Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholars. Peer-review studies that examined the success rate of ECV from the application of nitrous oxide during ECV attempts compared with or without the use of other analgesic agents were obtained. The study population comprising women with singleton pregnancies having a non-vertex presentation at least 36 weeks, were categorized into one of two treatment groups: ECV attempt with nitrous oxide (nitrous oxide group) and ECV attempt with or without another analgesia (control group). The primary outcome was the ECV success rate, defined by conversion to vertex-presentation following the procedure. The secondary outcomes were pain scores during ECV attempt and CD rate. The study quality scores were evaluated as a source of heterogeneity by fitting meta-regression models to the individual study effect sizes. RESULTS: Of the 26 records identified, two randomized trials and one prospective cohort study (720 women; 434 in the nitrous oxide group and 286 controls) were deemed adequate for meta-analysis. ECV success rate did not differ significantly between the nitrous oxide group and the control group (p = .825; OR 1.036; 95% CI, 0.756, 1.419). In addition, the use of nitrous oxide did not affect pain scores during ECV attempt (p = .457; OR 0.759; 95% CI, -1.240, 2.759) and there was no difference in the incidence of CD as well (p = .943; OR 1.013; 95% CI, 0.703, 1.46). CONCLUSION: The use of nitrous oxide during ECV attempts was not associated with an increase in ECV success rate and does not affect pain scores. PROSPERO Registration No. CRD42020197933.

External cephalic version: Success rates with and without nitrous oxide.

BACKGROUND: External cephalic version (ECV) is a technique used to reduce the incidence of cesarean deliveries due to malpresentation. Nitrous oxide is an inhaled analgesic that may be used for pain relief for women undergoing external cephalic version. OBJECTIVE: To compare the conversion rate of non-cephalic to cephalic presentation in ECV with and without nitrous oxide. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed including all singleton, term gestation ECVs between January 2016 and June 2017 at a single institution. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare women who had ECV with nitrous oxide versus ECV without nitrous oxide. The primary outcome was successful rate of conversion to cephalic presentation and the secondary outcome was the rate of vaginal delivery. RESULTS: During the study period, 167 women underwent ECV: 77 with nitrous oxide and 90 without nitrous oxide. Of the 77 women who used nitrous oxide, 25 (32.5%) were successful and 17 of these women delivered vaginally (68%). Of the women who underwent ECV without nitrous oxide, 29 (32.2%) successfully converted and 21 of these delivered vaginally (72%). After controlling for confounders, the use of nitrous oxide had no clinically or statistically significant difference on ECV success rates (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.52-2.23). CONCLUSION: Nitrous oxide does not seem to affect conversion rate to cephalic presentation in ECV. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of nitrous oxide on women's decision to undergo ECV and on patient satisfaction and tolerability.

Ritodrine versus salbutamol for external cephalic version.

BACKGROUND: Treatment with beta-agonist tocolytics preceding external cephalic version (ECV) attempt increases success rates. Most studies have focused on intravenously and orally administered beta-agonists, while other administration routes including intramuscularly (IM) and subcutaneously (SC) are understudied. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of IM ritodrine to SC salbutamol given prior to ECV. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients who underwent ECV between 1/2012 and 12/2019 at two medical centers. We compared patients undergoing ECV following IM ritodrine versus SC salbutamol. We matched the two groups by parity and placental location. Maternal, pregnancy, ECV procedure and neonatal characteristics were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 601 women were included in each group. Median maternal age and amniotic fluid index (AFI) were lower in the Ritodrine group (27 vs. 32 years, P<0.001, 11 vs. 15 AFI cm, P<0.001, respectively). The median gestational age at ECV was higher in the Ritodrine group (380/7 vs. 370/7 weeks gestation). Success rate was higher in the Ritodrine group (71.7% vs. 63.8%, P=0.003). Vaginal delivery rate was higher in the Ritodrine group (70.7% vs. 60.1%, P<0.001). The number needed to treat to benefit was 10. In a multivariate analysis, Ritodrine was independently associated with higher ECV success rates as compared with Salbutamol (aOR 2.1, 95%CI 1.52-2.89). CONCLUSIONS: Intramuscular ritodrine significantly improved the success rate of ECV compared to SC salbutamol, and both drugs were safe and acceptable before ECV.

Manipulative Reduction for Abnormal Uterine Inclination in Vaginal Delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the manipulative reduction in abnormal uterine inclination in vaginal delivery. METHODS: With the independently developed uterine inclination surveyor, 40 primiparas with abnormal uterine inclination were randomly divided into two groups: treatment group (Group A, 20 cases) and control group (Group B, 20 cases). The general condition of the primipara, the labor stages, the changes in uterine inclination after treatment, postpartum hemorrhage at 2 hours, and the general condition of fetuses were observed to study the therapeutic value of manual reduction in abnormal uterine inclination. RESULT: In the control group, one uterine inclination was not corrected with the change in labor process, and the pregnancy was terminated due to stagnation of the active phase. In the first stage of labor, the time spent in the treatment group (393.4 ± 31.3 mins) was significantly lower than that in the control group (440.7 ± 34.9 mins) (P = 0.001). Compared with the control group (49.8 ± 6.5 mins), the treatment group (42.6 ± 7.2 mins) also exhibited a significantly shortened second stage of labor (P = 0.02). Sixteen cases (16/20) in the treatment group returned to normal after manual reduction, and 9 cases (9/20) in the control group returned to normal with the progression of natural labor. Manual reduction could be used as an option to treat abnormal uterine inclination (P = 0.01). There was no significant difference in the third stage of labor (P = 0.2), 2-hour postpartum hemorrhage (P = 0.35), Apgar score (P = 0.64), or body weight (P = 0.76) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Manual reduction in the treatment of abnormal uterine inclination has obvious effects, shortens the birth process, and is safe for the fetus.

Rebozo and External Cephalic Version in breech presentation (RECEIVE): A randomised controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if a hospital-initiated home-based rebozo intervention performed by the pregnant woman and her partner before external cephalic version (ECV) would increase the rate of cephalic presentations at birth. DESIGN: A multicentre randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Three university hospitals in Copenhagen, Denmark. POPULATION: Pregnant women with a breech or transverse presentation at 35 weeks or more of gestation eligible for ECV. METHODS: We compared rebozo before ECV with ECV alone. The randomisation was computer-generated in blocks and stratified by parity. The woman and her partner were instructed in the technique by a project midwife and performed the technique at home three times daily for 3-5 days before the scheduled ECV. Analyses were by intention-to-treat. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The number of cephalic presentations at the time of birth. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 372 women were randomly assigned (1:1) to either rebozo intervention (n = 187) or control (n = 185). At birth, 95 (51%) in the intervention group versus 112 (62%) in the control group had a fetus in cephalic presentation (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.40-0.95). No adverse events were observed in relation to the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: In breech or transverse presentation, home-based rebozo exercise before ECV lowered the overall rate of cephalic presentation at birth. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Home-based rebozo for breech presentation before external version reduces the rate of cephalic presentation at birth.

A comparison of technicques to disimpact the fetal head on a second stage caesearean simulator.

BACKGROUND: The rate of second stage caesarean section (CS) is rising with associated increases in maternal and neonatal morbidity, which may be related to impaction of the fetal head in the maternal pelvis. In the last 10 years, two devices have been developed to aid disimpaction and reduce these risks: the Fetal Pillow (FP) and the Tydeman Tube (TT). The aim of this study was to determine the distance of upward fetal head elevation achieved on a simulator for second stage CS using these two devices, compared to the established technique of per vaginum digital disimpaction by an assistant. METHODS: We measured elevation of the fetal head achieved with the two devices (TT and FP), compared to digital elevation, on a second stage Caesearean simulator (Desperate Debra ™ set at three levels of severity. Elevation was measured by both a single operator experienced with use of the TT and FP and also multiple assistants with no previous experience of using either device. All measurements were blinded RESULTS: The trained user achieved greater elevation of the fetal head at both moderate and high levels of severity with the TT (moderate: 30mm vs 12.5mm p<0.001; most severe: 25mm vs 10mm p<0.001) compared to digital elevation. The FP provided comparable elevation to digital at both settings (moderate: 10 vs 12.5mm p=0.149; severe 10 vs 10mm p=0.44). With untrained users, elevation was also significantly greater with the TT compared to digital elevation (20mm vs 10mm p<0.01). However digital disimpaction was significantly greater than the FP (10mm vs 0mm p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: On a simulator, with trained operators, the TT provided greater fetal head elevation than digital elevation and the FP. The FP achieved similar elevation to the digital technique, especially when the user was trained in the procedure.

Use of external cephalic version in Portuguese public hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of external cephalic version (ECV) in Portuguese public hospitals with maternity services, as well as exploring the main motives for not offering the technique. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving an online survey with 34 questions, accessed via an email addressed to all Heads of Department of Portuguese state-owned hospitals with maternity services. In centers where the technique was performed, information was requested on success rates, contraindications for the procedure, and practical aspects related to its use. In centers where ECV was not offered, the underlying reasons for this were queried. RESULTS: Answers were received from 41 out of the 43 state hospitals with maternity services (95.3%). Sixteen hospitals perform the technique (39%), with reported annual numbers ranging from 3 to 51, and success rates ranging from 25% to 85% (12 respondents). The main reasons for not offering the technique were lack of experience and lack of conditions to perform it safely. Most centers (87.8%) reported that they would welcome hands-on training in ECV. CONCLUSION: ECV is used in a minority of Portuguese state-owned hospitals. Efforts are needed to achieve a wider implementation of the technique, with a particular focus on simulation-based training.

Cephalic version by postural management in the lateral position without the knee-chest position for primiparous breech presentation: A retrospective cohort study.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of postural management in the lateral position for primiparous breech presentation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single institution from January 2020 through December 2020. Participants were singleton primiparous pregnant women diagnosed with breech presentation between 28 + 0 and 29 + 6 weeks of gestation. The exclusion criteria were scheduled cesarean delivery, uterine malformation, transverse position, and scheduled delivery at another hospital. A doctor instructed the women in the intervention group to lie on their right sides several times a day if the fetal back was on the left side or lie on their left sides if the fetal back was on the right side. The knee-chest position and other methods were not recommended. The control group received expectant management care. The primary endpoint was the percentage of fetuses in a cephalic presentation 2 weeks later. RESULTS: Of the 56 women included in the study, 17 women were instructed to lie in the lateral position, and 39 women received expectant management care only. After 2 weeks, women who were instructed to lie in lateral position had a higher rate of fetal cephalic version than the control group (82.4% [14/17] vs. 43.6% [17/39], p = 0.017). No study participants experienced adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Two weeks of postural management in the lateral position without the knee-chest position significantly reduced the rate of primiparous breech presentation in the third trimester of pregnancy.