Learning curve for ultrasound-guided external cephalic version without anesthesia in full-term and near-term pregnancies / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effects of physician skills on the success rate of the external cephalic version (ECV) and investigate the learning curve for ECV.Methods:A retrospective study of 97 pregnant women who underwent ECV at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from March 2019 to August 2021 was performed. Patients were divided into multipara and primipara groups. The success rate of ECV and morbidity were compared between the two groups, and the learning curve for ECV was evaluated using cumulative sum analysis (CUSUM).Results:(1) Patients in the multipara group were older than those in the primipara group [(33.0±3.4) vs (29.2±3.0) years, t=－5.57, P<0.001]. No significant difference was found in other baseline data between the two groups. (2) The overall ECV success rate was 61.9% (60/97), and a higher success rate was observed in the multipara group [93.3% (28/30) vs 47.8% (32/67), χ 2=18.24, P<0.001]. Fetal heart rate deceleration (5.2%, 5/97), vaginal bleeding (1.0%, 1/97), premature rupture of membranes (1.0%, 1/97), and fetal distress (1.0%, 1/97) were the main complications. (3) The CUSUM analysis showed that it needed 53 primiparas for a physician to obtain a 50% consistent success rate ( R2=0.91, H=－3.27, Y=52.16) and seven multiparas to achieve a 70% consistent success rate ( R2=0.99, H=－1.635, Y=6.60). Conclusions:Parity and operator skills have a significant influence on the success of ECV. A physician with standardized training will manage non-anesthesia ECV skillfully in full-term and near-term pregnancies after practice on 50 primiparae or approximately ten multiparae. It is recommended to start with the multiparae for learning ECV to build up confidence and promote the implementation of ECV.

Pregnancy outcome of external cephalic version in singleton pregnancy with breech presentation at term

Background: Breech delivery is associated with poor perinatal outcomes irrespective of the route of delivery. External cephalic version can be a useful tool in management of breech presentation at term by converting it to a cephalic presentation. A study was conducted to evaluate maternal and neonatal outcome of external cephalic version in singleton pregnancies with breech presentation in third trimester.Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital over a period of 2 years. This study included a total of 65 uncomplicated cases of breech presentation who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. External cephalic version was carried out after 36 weeks of period of gestation in primigravida and after 37 weeks in multigravida women. These patients were followed up till delivery and data was collected and analysed regarding the mode of delivery, maternal and fetal outcome.Results: External cephalic version was successful in 41 patients with a success rate of 63%. Out of them, vaginal delivery could be achieved in 31 cases (75.6%) and LSCS was done for rest of the 10 cases. The success rate was higher in multigravida ladies compared to primigravida ladies. No major procedure related adverse event was noticed in our study.Conclusions: External cephalic version is a very safe and easy procedure which can reduce the rate of cesarean delivery in singleton pregnancies with breech presentation. The results of this study are in favor of wider practice of this procedure in selected cases.

Height of elevated fetal buttock for prediction of successful external cephalic version

14 cm, and HOB >7.8 cm were 10.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57–74.94), 5.26 (95% CI, 1.06–26.19), and 10.50 (95% CI, 1.03–107.12), respectively. Areas under the curve (AUCs) for AFI, HOB, and parity were 0.66 (95% CI, 0.54–0.78), 0.74 (95% CI, 0.64–0.85), and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.62–0.76), respectively. HOB had the largest AUC, but there were no significant differences among the AUCs of other factors. The cut-off value of HOB was 6 cm.CONCLUSION: This study showed that the AUC of HOB was greater than that of parity and AFI, although it was not statistically significant. As HOB is a noninvasive and comprehensive marker to predict successful ECV, consideration of HOB would be helpful before conducting ECV. Further studies are needed.

Breech presentation at term: outcomes and mode of delivery in a tertiary care teaching hospital In South India

The aim of this study was to study the outcomes of all patients who presented with breech presentation at term (≥37 weeks), to assess what percentage of patients were offered External cephalic version (ECV), the rates of success of the procedure and the rates of vaginal delivery following successful ECV. It was a retrospective study of 669 patients diagnosed with breech at term, their clinical records were retrieved and data like age, BMI, parity, type of breech and scan findings noted. ECV was done in 256 patients and was successful in 35.5% of women with 51.1% being multigravidas and 26.8% in primigravidas. 76.9% of women with successful ECV delivered vaginally.  There was no significant fetal or maternal morbidity documented as a result of ECV in this study.

Reviving external cephalic version: a review of its efficacy, safety, and technical aspects

Currently, the rate of cesarean sections being performed in Korea is approximately 40%, with Korea ranking 4th among the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries with respect to cesarean deliveries. Breech presentation at term is an important indication for cesarean section among other factors, including medicolegal concerns and pregnancies in women of advanced maternal age. Term breech presentation is associated with a higher fetal mortality rate than that associated with a cephalic presentation. Therefore, in Korea, most of these women deliver by cesarean section to avoid the complications of vaginal breech delivery. However, cesarean section is itself associated with considerable obstetric morbidity and sometimes, mortality. External cephalic version (ECV) is a useful method to reduce the cesarean section rate in women with breech presentation and therefore to reduce the incidence of breech presentation at delivery. Studies have shown that routine use of ECV reduces the cesarean section rate by approximately two-thirds in term pregnancies with breech presentation. ECV is accepted as a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective method and is recommended by both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in all pregnancies with term breech presentation, if not contraindicated. In Korea, although most clinicians are aware of the option of ECV, their relative lack of experience in performing the procedure and fear of complications render them hesitant to perform ECV. This review is aimed at guiding obstetricians by describing the efficacy, safety concerns, and technical aspects of this procedure.

Applying the newman-peacock prognostic system to a portuguese obstetrical population - A useful tool? / Utilização do modelo de prognóstico Newman-Peacock numa população obstétrica portuguesa - uma ferramenta útil?

Abstract Background External cephalic version (ECV) is a maneuver that enables the rotation of the non-cephalic fetus to a cephalic presentation. The Newman-Peacock (NP) index, which was proposed by Newman et al. in a study published in 1993, was described as a prediction tool of the success of this procedure; it was validated in a North-American population, and three prognostic groups were identified. Purpose To evaluate the value of the NP score for the prediction of a successful ECV in a Portuguese obstetrical population, and to evaluate maternal and fetal safety. Methods We present an observational study conducted from 1997-2016 with pregnant women at 36-38 weeks of pregnancy who were candidates for external cephalic version in our department. Demographic and obstetrical data were collected, including the parameters included in the NP index (parity, cervical dilatation, estimated fetal weight, placental location and fetal station). The calculation of the NP score was performed, and the percentages of success were compared among the three prognostic groups and with the original study by Newman et al. The performance of the score was determined using the Student t-test, the Chi-squared test, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results In total, 337 women were included. The overall success rate was of 43.6%. The univariate analysis revealed that multiparity, posterior placentation and a less engaged fetus were factors that favored a successful maneuver (p < 0.05). Moreover, a higher amniotic fluid index was also a relevant predictive factor (p < 0.05). The Newman-Peacock score had a poorer performance in our population compared with that of the sample of the original study, but we still found a positive relationship between higher scores and higher prediction of success (p < 0.001). No fetal or maternal morbidities were registered. Conclusions The Newman-Peacock score had a poorer performance among our population compared to its performance in the original study, but the results suggest that this score is still a useful tool to guide our clinical practice and counsel the candidate regarding ECV.

Resumo Âmbito A versão cefálica externa (VCE) é uma manobra que permite a obtenção de uma apresentação cefálica em fetos não-cefálicos. O índice de Newman-Peacock (NP), proposto por Newman et al em um estudo publicado em 1993, foi descrito como preditivo do sucesso desta manobra; ele foi validado numa população norte-americana, e três grupos de prognóstico diferentes foram identificados. Objectivo Avaliação do valor preditivo do índice de NP para o sucesso da VCE numa população obstétrica portuguesa, bem como da segurança materno-fetal. Métodos Foi realizado no nosso departamento umestudo observacional entre 1997- 2016 em grávidas candidatas a VCE entre as 36 e as 38 semanas de gravidez. Foram colhidos dados demográficos e obstétricos, incluindo os parâmetros incluídos no índice de NP (a paridade, a dilatação cervical, a estimativa do peso fetal, a localização placentária e a altura da apresentação fetal). A pontuação das candidatas de acordo como índice de NP e a percentagemde sucesso da VCE foramcomparadas entre os três grupos de prognóstico, e também com o estudo original de Newman et al. O desempenho deste índice foi avaliado recorrendo aos testes t de Student, qui-quadrado e curva receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Resultados Foram incluídas 337 mulheres. A taxa de sucesso da manobra foi de 43,6%. A análise univariada mostrou que a multiparidade, a placentação posterior e uma apresentação não encravada foram favoráveis para o sucesso do procedimento (p < 0,05). Adicionalmente, um maior índice de líquido amniótico revelou-se também como um fator preditivo significativo (p < 0,05). O índice de Newman-Peacock apresentou um desempenho inferior na nossa população comparativamente à sua descrição original, porém continuou a verificar-se uma relação positiva entre pontuações mais elevadas e uma maior percentagem de sucesso (p < 0,001). Conclusão No nosso trabalho, o índice de Newman-Peacock apresentou um valor preditivo inferior comparativamente ao estudo original, porém os resultados mostram que se mantém uma ferramenta com utilidade para a prática clínica e para o aconselhamento das candidatas a versão cefálica externa.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of 80 Pregnant Women after External Cephalic Version / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

[Objective] To investigate the safety and associated factor of external cephalic version (ECV) in third trimester,and to enrich clinical experience to improve the successful rate and lower cesarean section (CS) rate.[Methods] 80 pregnant women conducting ECV in third trimester in the third affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from September 2015 to July 2017 were enrolled in our study.Divided to successful group and failing group,we compared the clinical characters and pregnancy outcomes.[Results] Of the 80 pregnancy,48 women (60.0％) succeed with cephalic presentation.Compared to the failing group,the successful group is statistically different in parity,BMI and amniotic fluid depth.In the failing group,all women underwent CS with 3/48 in successful group.No women conducted ECV complicated fetal distress and emergency CS,premature rupture of membranes complicated in 11 (13.8％) cases in all women.[Conclusions] ECV is safe for mother and fetus.Encouraging the suitable pregnancy women to conduct ECV and enhancing clinical skills can improve ECV success rate.

External cephalic version experiences in Korea

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate obstetric outcomes of external cephalic version (ECV) performed at or near term. METHODS: Single pregnant woman with breech presentation at or near term (n=145), who experienced ECV by one obstetrician from November 2009 to July 2014 in our institution were included in the study. Maternal baseline characteristic and fetal ultrasonographic variables were checked before the procedure. After ECV, the delivery outcomes of the women were gathered. Variables affecting the success or failure of ECV were evaluated. RESULTS: Success rate of ECV was 71.0% (n=103). Four variables (parity, amniotic fluid index, fetal spine position and rotational direction) were observed to be in correlation with success or failure of ECV. In contactable 83 individuals experienced successful ECV, cesarean delivery rates were 18.1%, 28.9%, and 5.3% in total, nulliparas, and multiparas, respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, ECV is proposed to be safe for both mother and her fetus. In addition, it is a valuable procedure that increases probability of vaginal delivery for women with breech presentation.

Evaluation of the Success Rate Following Amnioinfusion in Pregnant Women Undergoing External Cephalic Version after Initial Failure

PURPOSE: To evaluate the success rate following amnioinfusion in pregnant women undergoing external cephalic version (ECV) after initial failure. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 17 consecutive pregnant women from October 2013 to May 2015. ECV was performed with amnioinfusion after initial failure. The success rates of ECV and vaginal delivery, including pregnancy outcomes, were analyzed. RESULTS: ECV was performed at an average of 37.3±0.6 weeks of gestational age. Eight of seventeen patients were nulliparous. The estimated fetal weight was 2,688±279 g, and the amniotic fluid index was 6.4±2.6 cm. The overall success rate of ECV was 70.6% (12/17), and the success rates in nulliparous and multiparous women were 75.0% (6/8) and 66.7% (6/9), respectively. The rate of emergent cesarean section within 24 hours was 11.8% (2/17). Excluding one women who were lost to follow-up, the rate of normal vaginal delivery was 81.8% (9/11) among the women who had successful ECV. We did not observe any complications such as uterine rupture, placental abruption, or intrauterine fetal death. CONCLUSION: Although ECV with amnioinfusion after initial failure might help increase the success rate of ECV, it needs to be further evaluated in larger studies.

Early Versus Late ECV In Primigravidae With Breech Presentation: A Pilot Study

This was a pilot study comparing the success between early versus late external cephalic version (ECV) involving primigravidae with singleton breech pregnancy. They were randomised into early (34–36 weeks) and late (37-40 weeks) ECV groups. A total of 44 women were initially randomised into 22 women for each group. The overall ECV success rate was acceptable in both groups although insignificantly higher in the late ECV group (55.6% versus 46.7%, p= 0.732.) Caesarean section in the early ECV group was higher (80% versus 72.2%). Early ECV group had women with higher BMI (29.5 versus 26.8 kg/m2, p=0.107), anterior placentation (60% versus 38.9%) and extended breech presentation (55.6% versus 44.4%; p= 0.296). In conclusion, early ECV in primigravidae showed no better success rate than late ECV. Maternal obesity, anterior placentation and extended breech presentation should alert to failure risk.

A Randomized Trial of External Cephalic Version in Late Pregnancy.

To assess the role of external cephalic version (ECV) in late pregnancy. A prospective randomized controlled trial of external cephalic version after 37 weeks gestation. All women, in whom routine ultrasound examination during the 37th week of pregnancy had shown a single breech presentation were eligible for recruitment. Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar. 60 women with breech presentation at term were recruited after satisfying eligibility criteria. There were 30 women in study group and 30 in the control group. Intervention - ECV was attempted in study group in dorsal position with left lateral tilt over a maximum period of 5 minutes. Main outcome measures - Success rate in terms of presentation during labour, need for caesarean section and various variables related to foetal outcome.ECV was successful in 24 out of 30 patients (80%). Breech presentation at delivery occurred in 93.3% of the control group and in 20% of the ECV group. The caesarean section rates were 73.3% and 20% respectively. There were no troublesome complications from the procedure.

External Cephalic Version Attempted under Epidural Anesthesia : Case reports

Recently, the external cephalic version procedure has attracted attention as an alternative for the operative or vaginal delivery of a breech-presenting fetus. Although this procedure has many benefits, including its comparative safety and economical efficiency, it is not free from complications. We report two cases of external versions attempted under epidural anesthesia. These cases demonstrate that the use of a neuraxial blockade during a version attempt can provide the appropriate conditions necessary for this procedure, as well as the ability to deal with complications in a timely and safe manner.