Head entrapment and neonatal outcome by mode of delivery in breech deliveries from 28 to 36 weeks of gestation

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We attempted to determine whether there are differences in the incidence of head entrapment and adverse neonatal outcome by mode of delivery in breech deliveries from 28 to 36 weeks of gestation. STUDY DESIGN: Computerized data and charts of 321 viable consecutive singleton breech deliveries from 28 to 36 weeks' gestation were reviewed. Statistical methods used included χ 2, logistic regression, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Head entrapment occurred in 4 of 52 (7.7%) neonates delivered vaginally and 14 of 269 (5.2%) neonates delivered by cesarean section ( p = 0.48). There were no statistically significant associations between head entrapment and adverse neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the incidence of head entrapment by mode of delivery for breech infants at 28 to 36 weeks' gestation, nor was there an association with adverse neonatal outcomes after entrapment. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996;174:1742-9.)