External cephalic version: A safe procedure? a systematic review of version-related risks

Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica

Volumn 83, Issue 6, 2004, Pages 511-518

  Collaris, Ronald J ^a   Oei, S Guid ^a,b  

^a MÁXIMA MEDICAL CENTER   (Netherlands)

^b EINDHOVEN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY   (Netherlands)

Author keywords

Breech; External cephalic version; Fetal; Risks; Safety

Indexed keywords

BRADYCARDIA; BREECH PRESENTATION; CARDIOTOCOGRAPHY; CESAREAN SECTION; CONTROLLED STUDY; EMBASE; EMERGENCY SURGERY; EXTERNAL CEPHALIC VERSION; FETOMATERNAL TRANSFUSION; FETUS; HUMAN; INCIDENCE; MEDLINE; PERINATAL MORTALITY; PRIORITY JOURNAL; REVIEW; RISK; RISK ASSESSMENT; SOLUTIO PLACENTAE; TACHYCARDIA; VAGINA BLEEDING;

BREECH PRESENTATION; FEMALE; HUMANS; PREGNANCY; VERSION, FETAL;

EID: 2542556581     PISSN: 00016349     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1111/j.0001-6349.2004.00347.x     Document Type: Review

References (96)

1. Hannah ME, Hannah WJ, Hewson SA, Hodnett ED, Saigal S, Willan AR. Planned caesarean section versus planned vaginal birth for breech presentation at term: a randomised multicentre trial. Term Breech Trial Collaborative Group. Lancet 2000; 356: 1375-83.
2. Hannah ME, Hannah WJ, Hodnett ED, Chalmers B, Kung R, Willan A et al. Outcomes at 3 months after planned cesarean vs planned vaginal delivery for breech presentation at term. The International Randomized Term Breech Trial. J Am Med Assoc 2002; 287: 1822-31.
3. Hutton EK, Hannah ME, Barret J. Use of external cephalic version for breech pregnancy and mode of delivery for breech and twin pregnancy: a survey of Canadian practitioners. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2002; 24: 804-10.
4. Siddiqui D, Stiller RJ, Collins J, Laifer SA. Pregnancy outcome after successful external version. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999; 181: 1092-5.
5. James M, Hunt K, Burr R, Johanson R. A decision analytical cost analysis of offering ECV in a UK district general hospital. BMC Health Serv Res 2001; 1: 6.
6. Walker R, Turnbull D, Wilkinson C. Strategies to address global cesarean section rates: a review of the evidence. Birth 2002; 29: 28-39.
7. Halmesmäki E. Vaginal term breech delivery - a time for reappraisal? Acta Obstet Gynaecol Scand 2001; 80: 187-90.
8. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The management of breech presentation. Guideline No. 20. RCOG Clinical Green Top Guidelines, 2001.
9. Committee on Obstetric Practice. ACOG committee opinion. Mode of term singleton breech delivery. No. 265, December 2001. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2002; 77: 65-6.
10. Zhang J, Bowes WA, Fortney JA. Efficacy of external cephalic version: a review. Obstet Gynecol 1993; 82: 306-12.
11. Ben-Haroush A, Perri T, Bar J, Yogev Y, Bar-Hava I, Hod M et al. Mode of delivery following successful external cephalic version. Am J Perinatol 2002; 19: 355-60.
12. Guyer CH, Heard MJ. A prospective audit of external cephalic version at term: are ultrasound parameters predictive of outcome? J Obstet Gynaecol 2001; 21: 580-2.
13. Wong WM, Lao TT, Liu KL. Predicting the success of external cephalic version with a scoring system. A prospective, two-phase study. J Reprod Med 2000; 45: 201-6.
14. De Meeus JB, Ellia F, Magnin G. External cephalic version after previous cesarean section: a series of 38 cases. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1998; 81: 65-8.
15. Flamm BL, Fried MW, Lonky NM, Giles WS. External cephalic version after previous cesarean section. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1991; 165: 370-2.
16. Ben-Arie A, Kogan S, Schachter M, Hagay ZJ, Insler V. The impact of external cephalic version on the rate of vaginal and cesarean breech deliveries: a 3-year cumulative experience. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1995; 63: 125-9.
17. Green PM, Alfirevic Z. External cephalic version. Hosp Med 1999; 60: 860-2.
18. Lau TK, Lo KW, Leung TY, Fok WY, Rogers MS. Outcome of labour after successful cephalic version at term complicated by isolated transient fetal bradycardia. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 2000; 107: 401-5.
19. Weiner Z, Farmakides G, Hsieh H, Maulik D. Computerized analysis of fetal heart rate changes after antepartum external cephalic version. J Reprod Med 1996; 41: 680-4.
20. Fernandez CO, Bloom SL, Smulian JC, Ananth CV, Wendel GD Jr. A randomized placebo-controlled evaluation of terbutaline for external cephalic version. Obstet Gynecol 1997; 90: 775-9.
21. Karantis E, Alcock D, Phelan LK, Homer CSE, Davis GK. Introducing external cephalic version to clinical practice. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol Suppl 2001; 41: 395-7.
22. Mahomed K, Seeras R, Coulson R. External cephalic version at term. A randomized controlled trial using tocolysis. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1991; 98: 8-13.
23. Flock F, Stoz F, Paulus W, Scheurle B, Kreinberg R. Äußere Wendung aus Beckenendlage in Schädellage: Einflußfaktoren, Nutzen und Risiken. [External fetal version from breech presentation to cephalic presentation: modifying factors, reliability and risks.] (In German with English abstract.) Zentralbl Gynakol 1998; 120: 60-5.
24. Schmidt S, Wagner U, Vogt M, Schmolling J, Gembruch U, Hansmann M et al. Erfolgskriterien für die äußere Wendung des Feten aus Beckenendlage in Schädellage. [Criteria for successful outcome of external fetal version from breech presentation to cephalic presentation.] (In German with English abstract.) Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 1997; 201: 30-4.
25. Regalia AL, Curiel P, Natale N, Galluzzi A, Spinelli G, Ghezzi GV et al. Routine use of external cephalic version in three hospitals. Birth 2000; 27: 19-24.
26. Chan LYS, Lau TK, Chiu PY, Wing-KinWong G, Leung TN. Levels of cord blood thyroid stimulating hormone after external cephalic version. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 2001; 108: 1076-80.
27. Wax JR, Sutula BA, Lerer T, Steinfeld JD, Ingardia CJ. Labor and delivery following successful external cephalic version. Am J Perinatol 2000; 17: 183-6.
28. Ezra Y, Elram T, Plotkin V, Elchalal U. Significance of success rate of external cephalic versions and vaginal breech deliveries in counseling women with breech presentation at term. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2000; 90: 63-6.
29. Chanrachakul B, Jaovisidha A, Herabutya Y, Srimanoi M, Puttharuksa J. External cephalic version: first report from Thailand. J Med Assoc Thai 1999; 82: 224-8.
30. Aisenbrey GA, Catanzarite VA, Nelson C. External cephalic version: predictors of success. Obstet Gynecol 1999; 94: 783-6.
31. Norchi S, Tenore AC, Lovotti M, Merati R, Teatini A, Belloni C. Efficacy of external cephalic version performed at term. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1998; 76: 161-3.
32. Sobande AA, Zaki ZMS, Albar HM. Experience with selective external cephalic version at term in Saudi Arabia: a three year review. J Obstet Gynaecol 1998; 18: 439-41.
33. Hughes GW. The value of external cephalic version. Contemp Rev Obstet Gynaecol 1998; 10: 91-8.
34. Teoh TG. Effect of learning curve on the outcome of external cephalic version. Singapore Med J 1997; 38: 323-5.
35. Healey M, Porter R, Galimberti A. Introducing external cephalic version at 36 weeks or more in a district general hospital: a review and an audit. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1997; 104: 1073-9.
36. Nohe G, Hartmann W, Klapproth CE. Äußere Wendung des Feten als ambulanter Eingriff. [Fetal version as ambulatory intervention.] (In German with English abstract.) Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 1996; 56: 328-30.
37. Chung T, Neale E, Lau TK, Rogers M. A randomized, double blind, controlled trial of tocolysis to assist external cephalic version in late pregnancy. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1996; 75: 720-4.
38. Marquette GP, Boucher M, Theriault D, Rinfret D. Does the use of a tocolytic agent affect the success rate of external cephalic version? Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996; 175: 859-61.
39. Johnson RL, Elliot JP. Fetal acoustic stimulation, an adjunct to external cephalic version: a blinded, randomized crossover study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1995; 173: 1369-72.
40. Mashiach R, Hod M, Kaplan B, Friedman S, Ovadia J, Schoenfeld A. External cephalic version at term using broad criteria: effect on mode of delivery. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol 1995; 22: 279-84.
41. Megory E, Ohel G, Fisher O, Ruach M. Mode of delivery following external cephalic version and induction of labor at term. Am J Perinatol 1995; 12: 404-6.
42. Calhoun BC, Edgeworth D, Brehm W. External cephalic version at a military teaching hospital: predictors of success. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 1995; 35: 277-9.
43. Schachter M, Kogan S, Blickstein I. External cephalic version after previous cesarean section - a clinical dilemma. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 1994; 45: 17-20.
44. Bewley S, Robson SC, Smith M, Glover A, Spencer JA. The introduction of external cephalic version at term into routine clinical practice. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1993; 52: 89-93.
45. Goh JT, Johnson CM, Gregora MG. External cephalic version at term. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 1993; 33: 364-6.
46. Shalev E, Battino S, Giladi Y, Edelstein S. External cephalic version at term - using tocolysis. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1993; 72: 455-7.
47. Cook HA. Experience with external cephalic version and selective vaginal breech delivery in private practice. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1993; 168: 1886-90.
48. Stock A, Rogers M, Wong WM. External cephalic version - a cautionary tale. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 1992; 32: 378-9.
49. Thunedborg P, Fischer-Rasmussen W, Tollund L. The benefit of external cephalic version with tocolysis as a routine procedure in late pregnancy. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1991; 42: 23-7.
50. DeRosa J, Anderle LJ. External cephalic version of term singleton breech presentations with tocolysis: a retrospective study in a community hospital. J Am Osteopath Assoc 1991; 91: 355-7.
51. Van de Pavert R, Bennebroek Gravenhorst J, Keirse MJ. Het nut van uitwendige versie bij stuitligging à terme. [The benefit of external version full-term breech presentation.] (In Dutch with English abstract.) Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 1990; 134: 2245-8.
52. Donald WL, Barton JJ. Ultrasonography and external cephalic version at term. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1990; 162: 1542-7.
53. Hanss JW Jr. The efficacy of external cephalic version and its impact on the breech experience. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1990; 162: 1459-64.
54. Hellström AC, Nilsson B, Stånge L, Nylund L. When does external cephalic version succeed? Acta Obstet Gynaecol Scand 1990; 69: 281-5.
55. Saling E, de Almeida P, Schwarzenau E. Äußere Wendung des Feten aus Beckenendlage in Schädellage. Auswertung von 1000 Fällen. [External fetal version from breech to vertex presentation. Evaluation of 1000 cases.] (In German with English abstract.) Geburtshilfe Frauenhelikd 1993; 53: 597-602.
56. Schorr SJ, Speights SE, Ross EL, Bofill JA, Rust OA, Norman PF et al. A randomized trial of epidural anesthesia to improve external cephalic version success. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997; 177: 1133-7.
57. Dugoff L, Stamm CA, Jones OW 3rd, Mohling SI, Hawkins JL. The effect of spinal anesthesia on the success rate of external cephalic version; a randomized trial. Obstet Gynecol 1999; 93: 345-9.
58. Mancuso KM, Yancey MK, Murphy JA, Markenson GR. Epidural analgesia for cephalic version: a randomized trial. Obstet Gynecol 2000; 95: 648-51.
59. Birnbach DJ, Matut J, Stein DJ, Campagnuolo J, Drimbarean C, Grunebaum A et al. The effect of intrathecal analgesia on the success of external cephalic version. Anesth Analg 2001; 93: 410-13.
60. Cherayil G, Feinberg B, Robinson J, Tsen LC. Central neuraxial blockade promotes external cephalic version success after a failed attempt. Anesth Analg 2002; 94: 1589-92.
61. Myerscough P. The practice of external cephalic version. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1998; 105: 1043-5.
62. Hofmeyr GJ. Breech presentation and abnormal lie in late pregnancy. In: Chalmers I, Enkin M, Keirse MJ, eds. Effective care in pregnancy and childbirth, vol. 1: Pregnancy. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989: 653-65.
63. Jordan B. External cephalic version as an alternative to breech delivery and caesarean section. Soc Sci Med 1984; 18: 637-51.
64. Hofmeyr GJ. External cephalic version at term: how high are the stakes? Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1991; 98: 1-7.
65. Scorza WE. Intrapartum management of breech presentation. Clin Perinatol 1996; 23: 31-49.
66. Göttlicher S, Madjariæ J. Die lage der Menschlichen Frucht im Verlauf der Schwangerschaft und die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer spontanen Drehung in die Kopflage bei Erst- und Mehrgebärenden. [The position of the human fetus and the probability of a spontaneous change to vertex presentation in primiparae and multiparae.] (In German with English abstract.) Geburtshilfe Frauenheilk 1985; 45: 534-8.
67. Hofmeyr GJ. External cephalic version for breech presentation before term (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, Oxford: Update Software, 2002.
68. Hofmeyr GJ, Kulier R. External cephalic version for breech presentation at term (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, Oxford: Update Software, 2002.
69. Savona-Ventura C. The role of external cephalic version in modern obstetrics. Obstet Gynecol Surv 1986; 41: 393-400.
70. Schuitemaker N, van Roosmalen J, Dekker G, van Dongen P, van Geijn H, Bennebroek Gravenhorst J. Maternal mortality after cesarean section in the Netherlands. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Scand 1997; 76: 332-4.
71. Müller-Holve W. Causes of complications in external cephalic versions. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 1979; 39: 635-41.
72. Committee on Quality Assessment. Quality evaluation and improvement in practice antepartum external cephalic version. No. 30, January 1998. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 1998; 61: 91-2.
73. Hofmeyr GJ. Interventions to help external cephalic version for breech presentation at term (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, Oxford: Update Software, 2002.
74. Phelan JP, Stine LE, Mueller E, McCart D, Yeh S. Observations of fetal heart rate characteristics related to external cephalic version and tocolysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1984; 149: 658-61.
75. Hofmeyr GJ, Sonnendecker EW. Cardiotocographic changes after external cephalic version. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1983; 90: 914-18.
76. Lau TK, Leung TY, Lo KW, Kok WY, Rogers MS. Effect of external cephalic version at term on fetal circulation. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000; 182: 1239-42.
77. Rabinovici J, Barkai G, Shalev J, Mashiach S. Fetal heart rate changes following external cephalic version under tocolysis near term. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 1987; 25: 277-81.
78. Rasmussen S, Irgens LM, Bergsjø P, Dalaker K. The occurrence of placental abruption in Norway 1967-1991. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Scand 1996; 75: 222-8.
79. Nord E, Blaschke E, Green K, Thomassen P. 100 cases of external cephalic version, with special reference to fetomaternal transfusion. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Scand 1989; 68: 55-8.
80. Ghidini A, Korker V. Fetal complication after external cephalic version at term: case report and literature review. J Matern Fetal Med 1999; 8: 190-2.
81. Luyet F, Schmid J, Maroni E, Duc G. Massive feto-maternal transfusion during external cephalic version, with fatal outcome. Arch Gynakol 1976; 221: 273-5.
82. Franckx J, Sacre-Smits L. Severe neonatal anemia possibly caused by spontaneous cephalic version, with excellent outcome - a case report. J Perinat Med 1984; 12: 147-50.
83. Engel K, Gerke-Engel G, Gerhard I, Bastert G. Fetomaternale Makrotransfusion nach erfolgreicher innerer Wendung aus Beckenendlage durch Moxibustion. [Foetomaternal macrotransfusion after successful internal cephalic version from breech presentation by Moxibustion.] (In German with English abstract.) Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 1992; 52: 241-3.
84. Kainer F, Pertl B, Netzbandt P, Fast C. Der Einfluß der Ultraschalluntersuchung bei der äußeren Wendung der Beckenendlage. [Effect of ultrasound examination on fetal version of breech presentation.] (In German with English abstract.) Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 1994; 54: 108-10.
85. Larson JD, Rayburn WF, Crosby S, Thurnau GR. Multiple nuchal cord entanglements and intrapartum complications. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1995; 173: 1228-31.
86. David M, Ruhmland B. Zum Einfluß fetaler Nabelschnurumschlingungen auf den postnatalen Zustand des Neugeborenen. [The influence of twisted fetal umbilical cord on fetal outcome.] (In German with English abstract.) Zentralbl Gynakol 1995; 117: 144-7.
87. Mayank S, Kriplani A. Fetal demise following external cephalic version. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 1997; 56: 177-8.
88. Wiedersberg E, Wittstock G, Wiedersberg H. Pathologie der Nabelschnur in Abhängigkeit vom Gestationsalter. Befunde bei 4267 fetalen und neonatalen Autopsien. [Pathology of the umbilical cord in relation to gestational age: findings in 4267 fetal and neonatal autopsies.] (In German with English abstract.) Verh Dtsch Ges Pathol 2001; 85: 175-92.
89. Gimovsky M, Boyd C. Funic presentation as a complication of external cephalic version. A case report. J Reprod Med 1999; 44: 897-8.
90. Berghella V. Prolapsed cord after external cephalic version in a patient with premature rupture of membranes and transverse lie. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2001; 99: 274-5.
91. Impey LWM, Pandit M. Breech presentation in the new millennium. Curr Obstet Gynaecol 2001; 11: 272-8.
92. Smulian JC, Ananth CV, Vintzileos AM, Scorza WE, Knuppel RA. Fetal deaths in the United States: influence of high-risk conditions and implications for management. Obstet Gynecol 2002; 100: 1183-9.
93. Chapman GP, Weller RO, Normand IC, Gibbens D. Spinal cord transection in utero. Br Med J 1978; 2: 398.
94. Ang LT. Compound presentation following external version. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 1978; 18: 213-14.
95. DeVore GR. In-utero cerebral vascular accident prior to external cephalic version. J Clin Ultrasound 1991; 19: 227-9.
96. Rozenberg P, Goffinet F, de Spirlet M, Durand-Zaleski I, Blanié P, Fisher C et al. External cephalic version with epidural anaesthesia after failure of a first trial with beta-mimetics. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 2000; 107: 406-10.