Anesthesia facilitation of external cephalic version: A meta-analysis

Alison J. MacArthur*, Sophie Gagnon, Luminita M. Tureanu, Kristi N. Downey

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives This study was undertaken to systematically review the medical literature to determine whether anesthesia facilitates the external cephalic version maneuver (ECV) for breech presentations. Study design A meta-analytic review of medical databases for randomized clinical trials comparing anesthesia with no anesthesia given for ECV attempts. The primary outcome was the immediate success of the ECV attempt. Results The literature search revealed only 4 articles that met inclusion criteria. Four hundred eighty women participated in the studies and the use of anesthesia increased the success of ECV attempts (119/238 with anesthesia; 82/242 without anesthesia). The relative risk for this beneficial effect was 1.5 (95% CI 1.12-1.98) and number needed to treat was 7 (95% CI 4-14). Conclusion Further study is required to assess maternal and neonatal safety with anesthesia administered for ECV maneuvers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1219-1224
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume191
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2004

Keywords

  • Breech presentation
  • Facilitation of external cephalic version
  • Obstetric anesthesia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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