The influence of uterine fibroids on adverse outcomes in pregnant women: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the meta-analysis was to determine the influence of uterine fibroids on adverse outcomes, with specific emphasis on multiple or large (≥ 5 cm in diameter) fibroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and SinoMed databases for eligible studies that investigated the influence of uterine fibroids on adverse outcomes in pregnancy. The pooled risk ratio (RR) of the variables was estimated with fixed effect or random effect models. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies with 237 509 participants were included. The pooled results showed that fibroids elevated the risk of adverse outcomes, including preterm birth, cesarean delivery, placenta previa, miscarriage, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), placental abruption, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), fetal distress, malposition, intrauterine fetal death, low birth weight, breech presentation, and preeclampsia. However, after adjusting for the potential factors, negative effects were only seen for preterm birth, cesarean delivery, placenta previa, placental abruption, PPH, intrauterine fetal death, breech presentation, and preeclampsia. Subgroup analysis showed an association between larger fibroids and significantly elevated risks of breech presentation, PPH, and placenta previa in comparison with small fibroids. Multiple fibroids did not increase the risk of breech presentation, placental abruption, cesarean delivery, PPH, placenta previa, PPROM, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction. Meta-regression analyses indicated that maternal age only affected the relationship between uterine fibroids and preterm birth, and BMI influenced the relationship between uterine fibroids and intrauterine fetal death. Other potential confounding factors had no impact on malposition, fetal distress, PPROM, miscarriage, placenta previa, placental abruption, and PPH. CONCLUSION: The presence of uterine fibroids poses increased risks of adverse pregnancy and obstetric outcomes. Fibroid size influenced the risk of breech presentation, PPH, and placenta previa, while fibroid numbers had no impact on the risk of these outcomes.

Caesarean section delivery rates and associated factors in a faith-based referral hospital in Ghana: A retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The global incidence of caesarean section (CS) deliveries has exceeded the recommended threshold set by the World Health Organization. This development is a matter of public health concern due to the cost involved and the potential health risk to the mother and the neonate. We sought to investigate the prevalence, indications, maternal and neonatal outcomes and determinants of CS in private health facilities in Ghana. METHOD: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from women who delivered at the Holy Family Hospital from January to February 2020 using descriptive and inferential statistics, with a significance level set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of CS was 28.70%. The primary indications of C/S include previous C/S, foetal distress, breech presentation, pathological CTG and failed induction. Significant associations were found between CS and breech presentation (AOR = 4.60; 95%CI: 1.22-17.38) p<0.024, previous CS history (AOR = 51.72, 95% CI: 11.59-230.70) p<0.00, and neonates referred to NICU (AOR = 3.67, 95% CI: 2.10-6.42) p<0.00. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of caesarean section (CS) deliveries was higher than the WHO-recommended threshold. Major indications for CS included previous CS, fetal distress, and failed induction. Significant risk factors for CS were previous CS history, breech presentation, and neonates referred to NICU.

Maternal outcomes of planned mode of delivery for term breech in nulliparous women.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate short- and long-term maternal complications in relation to planned mode of term breech delivery in first pregnancy. DESIGN: Register-based cohort study. SETTING: Denmark. POPULATION: Nulliparous women with singleton breech delivery at term between 1991 and 2018 (n = 30,778). METHODS: We used data from the Danish national health registries to identify nulliparous women with singleton breech presentation at term and their subsequent pregnancies. We performed logistic regression to compare the risks of maternal complications by planned mode of delivery. All data were proceeded and statistical analyses were performed in SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc. Cary, NC, USA). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postpartum hemorrhage, operative complications, puerperal infections in first pregnancy and uterine rupture, placenta previa, post-partum hemorrhage, hysterectomy and stillbirth in the subsequent two pregnancies. RESULTS: We identified 19,187 with planned cesarean and 9,681 with planned vaginal breech delivery of which 2,970 (30.7%) delivered vaginally. Planned cesarean significantly reduced the risk of postoperative infections (2.4% vs 3.9% adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.54 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44-0.66) and surgical organ lesions (0.06% vs 0.1%; (aOR): 0.29 95% CI 0.11-0.76) compared to planned vaginal breech delivery. Planned cesarean delivery in the first pregnancy was associated with a significantly higher risk of uterine rupture in the subsequent pregnancies but not with risk of postpartum hemorrhage, placenta previa, hysterectomy, or stillbirth. CONCLUSION: Compared to planned vaginal breech delivery at term, nulliparous women with planned cesarean breech delivery have a significantly reduced risk of postoperative complications but a higher risk of uterine rupture in their subsequent pregnancies.

An unusual case of severe asphyxia with the fetal position unexpectedly inverted in a malformed uterus: a case report.

BACKGROUND: We present a severe neonatal consequence due to the unexpected and crucial inversion of the fetal position after sudden termination of tocolysis during early labor of a woman with congenital uterine anomaly. It has been reported that congenital uterine anomalies latently affect the fetal position. The clinical pitfalls in childbirth with uterine anomalies are discussed here on the basis of clinical evidence. CASE PRESENTATION: At a perinatal medical center in Japan, a 29-year-old Japanese mother who had a history of bicornuate uterus, received tocolysis to prolong her pregnancy for 5 days during the late preterm period after preterm-premature rupture of the membrane. She gave birth to a 2304 g male neonate of the gestational age of 35 weeks and 5 days with severe asphyxia by means of crash cesarean section for fetal sustained bradycardia after sudden termination of tocolysis. We found the fetal position to reverse from cephalic to breech position during early labor. He ended up having severe cerebral palsy after brain cooling against hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy for 3 days. The mechanism of inversion from cephalic to breech position without amnionic fluid remains unclear, although women with a known diagnosis of a uterine anomaly have higher risk of adverse outcomes such as malpresentation. CONCLUSIONS: When considering the clinical course of this case on the basis of the medical reports, we suspected that uterine anomalies and changes in intrauterine pressure could cause fetal malpresentation and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Women's experiences with planned singleton upright breech birth - A phenomenological study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the experience of primi- and multiparous women with planned singleton upright breech births. METHOD: We conducted face-to-face, in-depth interviews with five primiparous and five multiparous women who underwent a physiological breech birth at one hospital in Norway and analyzed the data using Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological method. RESULTS: The phenomenon of women's experiences with physiological breech birth yielded four main constituents: "Mental preparedness and control", "The importance of shared decision-making and sufficient information", "Trust and the many 'faces' of birthing staff", and "'I actually did it!': Coping and control in the upright breech position". The significance of readiness, the influence of previous experiences and information, and the establishment of trust in midwives and gynecologists emerge as dominant themes. The sense of co-determination, control, and mastery is also highlighted. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the pivotal role of personal attributes in fostering mental preparedness when confronted with unforeseen aspects of childbirth. Notably, women's experiences with upright breech birth vary; while some perceive it as an ideal birth, others find it more challenging. Factors such as unpreparedness, lack of information, diminished co-determination, and loss of control negatively impact birth experiences. This study's findings underscore the significance of tailoring maternity care to individual needs and improving information sharing. These measures are paramount for optimizing women's experience during upright breech births.

Association of a low chest-to-head circumference ratio with breech or transverse lie: the Japan Environment and Children's Study.

OBJECTIVE: We examined whether the chest-to-head circumference ratio at birth was associated with breech presentation and transverse lie. We also described the obstetric management of such pregnancies in the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional evaluation of data collected between January 2011 and March 2014 in a nationwide prospective birth cohort study, the JECS. We analyzed 83,822 non-anomalous singletons born at 34-41 weeks' gestation to mothers with no history of previous cesareans or uterine surgery. We defined low, normal (reference group), and high chest-to-head circumference ratios as <10th percentile, 10th to 90th percentiles, and >90th percentile, respectively. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for breech presentation and transverse lie. The timing and mode of delivery of such pregnancies were examined. RESULTS: Breech presentation was recorded in 2.6% and transverse lie in 0.2%. A low chest-to-head circumference ratio was associated with increased rate of breech presentation (5.2%; adjusted OR 2.36, 95% CI: 2.10-2.65) and transverse lie (0.3%; adjusted OR 2.33, 95% CI: 1.50-3.60), whereas a high ratio was linked to reduced breech presentation (1.1%; adjusted OR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.39-0.66). Subgroup analysis of children delivered by cesarean (n = 7971) showed a similar association, albeit with slightly reduced strength for breech presentation. Eighty-three percent of breech births and 46.3% of transverse lie births occurred at 37-38 weeks' gestation. Cesarean section was performed in 96.8% of breech presentations and 63.4% of transverse-lie ones. CONCLUSIONS: These findings imply that the fetal chest-to-head circumference ratio may influence presentation at birth.

Consensus-based recommendations for the care of women with a breech presenting fetus.

OBJECTIVE: To establish consensus related to aspects of breech presentation and care. DESIGN: A multinational, three round e-Delphi study. PARTICIPANTS: A panel of 15 midwives, four obstetricians and an academic with knowledge and/or experience of caring for women with a breech presenting fetus. METHODS: An initial survey of 45 open-ended questions. Answers were coded and amalgamated to form 448 statements in the second round and three additional statements in the third round. Panellists were asked to provide their level of agreement for each statement using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was deemed met if 70% of panellists responded with strongly agree to somewhat agree, or strongly disagree to somewhat disagree after the second round. FINDINGS: Results led to the development of a consensus-based care pathway for women with a breech presenting fetus and a skills development framework for clinicians. KEY CONCLUSIONS: A cultural shift is beginning to occur through the provision of physiological breech workshops offered by various organisations and may result in greater access to skilled and experienced clinicians for women desiring a vaginal breech birth, ultimately improving the safety of breech birth. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICES: The care pathway and skills development framework can be used by services wishing to make changes to their current practices related to breech presentation and increase the level of skill in their workforce.

Sonographic examination at the beginning of the second stage of labor predicts birth outcome in vaginally intended breech deliveries: a blinded prospective study.

PURPOSE: In order to spread competence in vaginal breech deliveries, it is necessary to develop new and easily applicable tools for birth progression and safety evaluation. Ultrasound is a useful and ubiquitously available tool with already documented value for birth progression observation. In deliveries out of breech presentation, an established ultrasound examination is missing. We determined the descent of the fetal buttocks in relation to the maternal pelvic inlet using intrapartum ultrasound. We evaluated these results in comparison to the clinical vaginal examination with the aim to establish an easily applicable method for birth outcome prediction. Therefore, we analyzed the predictive value of our examinations on birth outcome parameters, such as cesarean section rate, as well as fetal and maternal outcome parameters. METHODS: We performed a prospective blinded study on 106 mothers with vaginally intended breech delivery. At beginning of stage two in labor, the descent of the fetal buttocks into the mother's pelvic inlet was detected with transabdominal ultrasound and vaginal examination by different observers. PRIMARY OUTCOME VARIABLE: Cesarean section rate. Secondary outcome variables: rate of manual assistance in vaginal deliveries, birth duration, 5' APGAR score, umbilical arterial pH, maternal blood loss, and perineal injury. For non-parametric values, Wilcoxon's χ2 test was performed. In order to analyze the predictive value of our examination, lack-of-fit analysis was conducted. Reliability evaluation of the sonographic examination was done with a matched-pair analysis. RESULTS: Women with positive intrapartum ultrasound breech engagement sign (+ IPUBES) had a significantly lower rate of cesarean section in comparison with those with negative IPUBES (5/67; 7.5% vs. 18/39; 46.2%; p < 0.0001). The area under the ROC curve for the prediction of CS for negative IPUBES was 0.765 with a sensitivity of 78.3% and a specificity of 74.7%. Sonographic examination showed an excellent reliability in a matched-pair analysis comparing vaginal and sonographic examinations with a mean difference of 0.012 (SD ± 0.027, 95% CI - 0.014 to 0.065). Mean birth duration was significantly longer in deliveries with negative IPUBES (533 min vs. 440 min; p = 0.0011). Fetal and maternal outcome parameters were not significantly different between deliveries with positive and negative IPUBES. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographic evaluation of the fetal descent in relation to the mother's pelvic inlet screens reliably for emergency cesarean section. This newly presented method for birth progression observation might be a powerful tool for distribution of expertise in vaginal breech delivery and is able to give reference for clinical vaginal examination by obstetricians in training. TRAIL REGISTRY: Clinical trial. Date of registration: 13.03.2019; Date of initial participant enrollment: 20.03.2019; DRKS00016885; https://www.drks.de ; German clinical trials register.

The risk of DDH between breech and cephalic-delivered neonates using Graf ultrasonography.

PURPOSE: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorder in infants. The most significant risk factors include female gender, breech presentation, left hip and family history. In this study, we utilized the Graf method at different time intervals to evaluate both breech-delivered and cephalic-born newborns. The objectives were to compare the incidence of DDH in cephalic and breech-delivered neonates and investigate whether the hip joints of neonates delivered in the breech position exhibit a distinct maturation pattern. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied prospectively 618 hip joints (309 newborns). Each hip joint was examined with the Graf method in four time periods as follows: Phase #1 (0-1 weeks), Phase #2 (1-4 weeks), Phase #3 (4-7 weeks), and Phase #4 (7-10 weeks). The α and ß angles for each hip joint were measured, and the hips were classified according to Graf classification. With our statistical analysis within the different phases, we were able to investigate potential variations in the maturation patterns between newborns delivered in the breech and cephalic delivery positions. RESULTS: A significant difference (at the 5% level) was observed in Phase 1 between breech and cephalic-delivered neonates (35.6-8.6%). This difference tended to decrease in next phases (13.6-1% in Phase 2, 2.5-0% in Phase 3 and 1.7-0% in Phase 4). A significant difference (at the 5% level) for cephalic-delivered neonates was also observed between Phase 1 and Phase 4 (8.5-0%), but the percentages were low. Additionally, the breech-delivered had extreme difference in incidence of DDH from Phase 1 to Phase 4 (35.6-11.9%, 2.5%, and 1.7%, respectively). CONCLUSION: It appears that there is an actual difference in the incidence of DDH between breech-delivered and cephalic-delivered neonates, although the difference may be less significant than previously considered. The majority of the breech-delivered neonates that were initially considered as pathological (Phase 1) are, in fact, healthy. This is ascertained in subsequent ultrasound examinations conducted in later phases (Phases 2-4), when the incidence of pathological cases decreases. This could be attributed to potential different maturation pattern between these groups.

Real-time ultrasound to assist during a vaginal breech delivery.

We report a novel application of intrapartum sonography, herein used to assist the internal podalic version and the vaginal delivery of a transverse-lying second twin. Following the vaginal delivery of the first cephalic twin, the internal podalic version was performed under continuous ultrasound vision, leading to the uncomplicated breech delivery of a healthy neonate.

Does Screening Ultrasound Timing in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Need to be Adjusted for Moderate Preterm and Near-term Infants: A Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: An initial screening ultrasound is essential for patients at higher risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) due to breech presentation or a family history of DDH. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening ultrasounds to be performed after 6 weeks of age to reduce the rate of false positives. However, there is limited evidence regarding whether these screening ultrasounds need to be adjusted for gestational age in prematurity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of moderate preterm and near-term births on screening hip ultrasounds for high-risk DDH populations. METHODS: We identified all prospectively enrolled patients in a single-center database referred for screening hip ultrasound for DDH. We included those hips referred for risk factors of DDH, including breech presentation, family history of DDH, or hip click, and excluded those with known dysplasia or referral for hip instability. Each ultrasound was measured by a pediatric radiologist to determine the alpha angle and femoral head coverage. Patients were classified as "premature" if born at <37 weeks gestation or "full term" if born at ≥37 weeks gestation. All patients underwent screening hip ultrasound between 5 and 8 weeks of age. Sonographic markers of dysplasia and the incidences of abnormal ultrasound and Pavlik harness treatment were compared between cohorts. Significance was set at P <0.05. RESULTS: A total of 244 hips in 122 patients were included, 58 hips in the premature cohort and 186 hips in the full-term cohort. The premature cohort had a significantly decreased gestational age compared with the full-term cohort (35.4 ± 1.1 vs 38.5 ± 1.1 wk, respectively, P < 0.001). However, there was no difference between premature and full-term cohorts in sex distribution (69% vs 75%, females, P = 0.39), unadjusted age at the time of ultrasound (6.6 ± 0.7 vs 6.8±0.7 wk, respectively, P = 0.07), or referral reason ( P = 0.14). On hip ultrasound, there was no difference between premature and full-term cohorts with respect to alpha angle (62.6 ± 3.3 vs 62.2 ± 5.3 degrees, P = 0.41), femoral head coverage (54.9 ± 6.3 vs 55.1 ± 10.6, P = 0.19), rate of abnormal ultrasound (18.3% vs 20.7%, respectively, P = 0.68), or the rate of Pavlik harness treatment (0% vs 5.3%, respectively, P = 0.12). DISCUSSION: There was no significant difference in alpha angle or femoral head coverage between premature and full-term patients at 5 to 8 weeks of unadjusted age. This preliminary data suggests that screening ultrasounds can be performed without adjusting for prematurity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prognostic study.

Environmental factors associated with incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Established associated factors for DDH include female sex, breech presentation, family history, congenital malformations, oligohydramnios, and maternal hyperthyroidism. However, evidence for environmental factors that may contribute to DDH is limited and inconsistent. METHODS: A systematic review of medical literature was conducted to collect data on environmental factors, including latitude, longitude, average yearly precipitation, average yearly temperature, minimum monthly temperature, and maximum monthly temperature, from all institutions that published articles on DDH. Univariate linear regression analysis was used to examine the correlation between environmental factors and DDH incidence, while multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify significant associated factors for DDH incidence. RESULTS: Data from a total of 93 unique manuscripts were analyzed, revealing a significant negative correlation between DDH incidence and temperature, including average yearly temperature (r = -0.27, p = 0.008), minimum monthly temperature (r = -0.28, p = 0.006), and maximum monthly temperature (r = -0.23, p = 0.029). Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between DDH incidence and latitude (r = 0.27, p = 0.009), and a significant negative correlation between DDH incidence and average yearly precipitation (r = -0.29, p = 0.004). In the final multiple regression analysis, temperature, including average yearly temperature, minimum monthly temperature, and maximum monthly temperature, were identified as significant associated factors for DDH incidence. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest an association between cold weather and DDH incidence. Further research should explore the link between cold weather and DDH incidence, offering insights into potential interventions for cold climates.

CESAREAN SECTION IN CASES OF STRESS-COMPROMISED PREGNANCY IN WOMEN WITH UNDIFFERENTIATED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DYSPLASIA.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: Assessment of abdominal delivery by cesarean section in preterm pregnancies in women with undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Analyzed were 3,371 cases of cesarean section deliveries in preterm pregnancies complicated by undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (UCTD). Based on a scoring assessment of external and visceral UCTD markers, three groups were identified: Group 1 included 466 patients with no signs of UCTD, Group 2 consisted of 798 patients with mild UCTD, and Group 3 comprised 2,107 patients with moderate to severe UCTD. The severity of connective tissue dysplasia manifestations was assessed based on external and internal signs of connective tissue dysplasia, as well as gynecological and obstetric history, indications for abdominal delivery in preterm pregnancies, and maternal and perinatal outcomes of the deliveries. RESULTS: Results: It has been established that in 71.4% of patients with stress-compromised pregnancies resulting in preterm birth and delivered by cesarean section, the most common indications were: inability of the uterine scar in 23.8%, breech presentation of the fetus in 19.1%, and detachment of the normally placed placenta in 4.9%. An unfavorable factor was moderate to severe connective tissue dysplasia, which led to a 5-fold increase in the likelihood of requiring a cesarean section. In addition, severe hypoxia in newborns was significantly more frequently observed in the first minutes of life in cases of moderate and severe UCTD. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The conducted studies have shown that cesarean sections in cases of stress-compromised pregnancies resulting in preterm birth are performed significantly more often in cases of moderate to severe undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (UCTD). Moderate and severe UCTD have a substantial impact on obstetric and perinatal outcomes of deliveries, both at present and in the future.

OptiBreech collaborative care versus standard care for women with a breech-presenting fetus at term: A pilot parallel group randomised trial to evaluate the feasibility of a randomised trial nested within a cohort.

OptiBreech collaborative care is a multi-disciplinary care pathway for breech presentation at term, with continuity from a breech specialist midwife, including where chosen, for vaginal breech birth (VBB). Pilot randomised trial using unblinded 1:1 parallel group allocation to OptiBreech versus standard care, within a cohort. Participants were women with a breech-presenting fetus > 33 weeks, at four sites in England, January-June 2022. A two-stage consent process was used. Participants consented to undergo random selection to be offered a 'new care process', with a choice to accept it, or not. Primary objectives were to identify recruitment, acceptance, and attrition rates. Randomisation procedures and potential primary outcomes for a substantive study were also feasibility-tested. 68 women were randomised between January-June 2022. The consent process was acceptable to participants, but randomisation was unacceptable to women who specifically sought OptiBreech care. Two women withdrew due to concerns about sharing personal information. More women planned a VBB when randomised to OptiBreech Care (23.5% vs 0, p = .002, 95% CI = 9.3%,37.8%). Women randomised to OptiBreech care had: lower rates of cephalic presentation at birth (38.2% vs 54.5%), higher rates of vaginal birth (32.4% vs 24.2%), lower rates of in-labour caesarean birth (20.6% vs 36.4%), lower rates of neonatal intensive care (5.9% vs 9.1%), and lower rates of severe neonatal morbidity (2.9% vs 9.1%). Randomisation was stopped on the advice of the steering committee before the planned sample of 104, as lack of access to VBB within standard care prohibited comparison of outcomes. Demand for VBB is sufficient for a cohort study, but comparison of outcomes by 1:1 randomisation is not feasible. OptiBreech care would be best evaluated using stepped wedge cluster randomisation. Funded by the United Kingdom National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR300582). Clinical trial registration: ISRCTN 14521381.

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.