Second stage expedite delivery of low birth weight neonates: Emergent cesarean delivery versus vacuum assisted delivery.

OBJECTIVE

To determine maternal and neonatal outcomes among women undergoing second stage emergent cesarean delivery (ECD) versus vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD) of low birthweight neonates.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study from two tertiary medical centers. We included women who underwent either ECD or VAD during the second stage of labor, and delivered neonates with a birthweight of <2500 g during 2011-2019. Characteristics and outcomes were compared between the groups. The primary outcome was the rate of a composite adverse neonatal outcome, defined as the presence of ≥1 of the following: Apgar 5 min < 7, respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation and intrapartum fetal death.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 611 patients, of whom 46 had ECD and 565 had VAD. Baseline characteristics did not differ between the groups. The rate of Apgar score < 7 at 1 min was higher among the ECD group]10 (22%) vs. 29 (5%), OR (95% CI) 5.1 (2.3-11.3), p < 0.001[. Other neonatal and maternal outcomes were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Neonatal and maternal outcomes do not differ substantially between ECD and VAD of neonates weighing <2500 g. This information may be useful when contemplating the preferred mode of delivery in this setting.