Pelvimetry for fetal cephalic presentations at term.
BACKGROUND
Pelvimetry assesses the size of a woman's pelvis by clinical examination, or by conventional X-rays, computerised tomography scanning, or magnetic resonance imaging.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of pelvimetry (performed antenatally, intrapartum or postpartum) on the method of delivery, and on perinatal mortality and morbidity, and on maternal morbidity.


METHODS
The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register was searched.


METHODS
Acceptably randomised comparisons of the use of pelvimetry in cephalic presentations.


METHODS
Trial quality was assessed and data were extracted by one author.


RESULTS
Four trials of over 1000 women were included. The trials were generally not of good quality. Women undergoing pelvimetry were more likely to be delivered by caesarean section (odds ratio 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.63 to 2.88). No significant impact was detected on perinatal outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
There is not enough evidence to support the use of X-ray pelvimetry in women whose fetuses have a cephalic presentation.
Pattinson
R C
RC
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kalafong Hospital and University of Pretoria, Private Bag X396, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa. rcpattin@kalafong.up.ac.za
D002585:Cesarean Section; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007746:Labor Presentation; D010387:Pelvimetry; D011247:Pregnancy