Evaluating the factors influencing perinatal outcome in breech presentation

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to analyse the current obstetric practice regarding breech presentation, document the incidence, perinatal outcome and the factors influencing perinatal outcome in breech deliveries.Methods: It was a retrospective observational study including 252 cases of breech presentation during January 2018 to December 2019 in a tertiary teaching institute in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.Results: Total number of breech deliveries 252 (incidence is 2.5%). Caesarean section for breech presentation 95 (37.6%). With vaginal deliveries the Apgar score at 5 min below 7 were among 48 out of 157 breech deliveries whereas with LSCS it was only amongst 7 out of 95 deliveries. The maximum percentage of perinatal mortality is seen with birth weight below 2000 gm. Maximum mortality is seen prior to 32 weeks and in babies who delivered by vaginal route. Respiratory distress with prematurity and severe birth asphyxia are the common causes of perinatal deaths. Total 32 (12.69%) babies were transferred to NICU. 20.38% of the total vaginal breech deliveries and 5.26% of the total LSCS were transferred to NICU. Out of total 32 NICU admissions 22 are for the preterm babies and babies with birth weight below 2000 gm.Conclusions: The perinatal outcome does not depend only on the mode of delivery, it is also affected by the weight of the baby, its maturity, associated congenital anomalies, equipped neonatal intensive care unit and also substantially on the expertise of the obstetrician and the neonatologist.