Breech deliveries in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria: A 10-year review

Abstract

Background: Breech delivery is a major issue in obstetric practice mainly because of the high perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with it. The aims of the study are to determine the prevalence management and perinatal outcome of singleton breech deliveries in our center. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study involving 395 singleton breech deliveries out of 24,160 deliveries conducted at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Sokoto, over a 10-year (2001-2010) period. Results: The prevalence rate of singleton breech delivery was 1.7%. Breech deliveries occurred more in the primigravidae. Most babies (69.1%) had vaginal delivery. There was a high caesarean section (CS) rate of 30.9%. Babies delivered by CS had better Apgar scores than those delivered through the vagina (P < 0.05). The perinatal mortality rate in breech deliveries (410/1000) was significantly higher than that (101.5/10000) in their cephalic counterparts (P < 0.05). Similarly, perinatal deaths were more common in unbooked than in booked patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Breech delivery was frequent in the study population. Singleton breech delivered by CS had better outcome than those who were delivered through the vagina.