Cesarean section rate and perinatal mortality rate at Siriraj Hospital during 1980-1990.

ABSTRACT

Cesarean section rates have increased markedly in many centers all over the world in the past 20 years. A retrospective analysis was made using the obstetrics data from one teaching hospital in Bangkok in order to see trends in cesarean section and perinatal mortality during the years 1980-1990. We analysed the annual cesarean section rate, the perinatal mortality rate, and the major indications for cesarean section. Z-test was used to investigate statistical significance. There was a significant increase in the primary cesarean section rate, the repeated cesarean section rate and the total cesarean section rate in the year 1980-1987. After 1987, the rates reached a plateau until December, 1990. Cephalo-pelvic disproportion, breech presentation and fetal distress were the three leading causes of cesarean section in this study. There were significant increase in cephalopelvic disproportion and fetal distress in the second half of the decade compared with the first half. Breech presentation at the time of delivery slightly increased during this time without statistical significance. Perinatal mortality rate decreased significantly from an average of 13.53 between 1980-1984 to 11.12 between 1985-1990. Increasing vaginal birth after cesarean section may be an important means to reduce the cesarean section rate by decreasing the repeated cesarean section rate. This practice has been reposted to lower cesarean section rates in many centers.