Preventing the Primary Cesarean: Adherence to SMFM/ACOG Guidelines by Use of Intrauterine Pressure Catheter [29P

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In order to reduce the primary Cesarean delivery (CD) rate, SMFM and ACOG offer guidelines for diagnosing arrest of dilation (AOD) and failed induction of labor (FIOL). At our institution, adherence to these guidelines is low, at 28%, but there is limited understanding of contributing factors. The intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC) is a recognized, helpful component of labor induction protocols, but few studies have examined whether its use is related to CD rates and adherence to labor guidelines. The objective of this study is to evaluate IUPC utilization and its relationship to SMFM/ACOG guideline adherence rates. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted at our institution of all singleton primary CDs performed for AOD or FIOL between March 1st 2014 and July 3rd 2018. Cases were defined as being adherent or non-adherent to published guidelines. A chi square test was used to compare the association of guideline adherence to IUPC use. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between adherent and non-adherent groups. For CDs that were non-adherent to ACOG guidelines, IUPCs were utilized in 208/767 cases (27.1%). For CDs that were adherent to ACOG guidelines, IUPCs were utilized in 123/295 cases (41.7%) (P less than 0.001). CONCLUSION: We observed a significantly greater rate of IUPC use in CDs that were adherent to SMFM/ACOG guidelines. Overall, adherent physicians performed fewer CDs. This finding suggests that IUPC utilization may be a helpful adjunct for improving labor management and lowering primary CD rates. Interventions around physician education are needed to increase appropriate IUPC use.