[Frequency of cesarean sections in Austria].
OBJECTIVE
While there exist detailed reports on the frequency of cesarean sections in many European countries, there are only selective data of single centers available in Austria. Thus this study aims at evaluating the present frequency of cesarean sections in Austria.


METHODS
To achieve this aim, we analyzed all births during the years 1996 (n = 89,208), 1997 (n = 84,408) and 1998 (n = 81,568). Along with the general mean rate of sections, we also describe the influences of the duration of pregnancy, of the birth weight, and of the number of paturitions. The data were statistically evaluated by chi-square test.


RESULTS
During the study period, the frequence of sections rose from 13.08% (1996) to 14.0% (1997) and to 14.55% (1998). This rise proved to be statistically significant (p = 0.0001). 47% of premature births (< or = 35th week of gestation) are delivered by cesarean section. This rate drops to only 13.24% after the 35th week of gestation. Yet, more than half of pregnancies with dystrophic children (<2,000 g) are delivered by cesarean section even after the 35th week of gestation. Primigravidae have to expect section in 17% of the cases (1998); the section rate diminishes continuously, however, with increasing number of pregnancies.


CONCLUSIONS
Following the general trend, the frequency of cesarean sections is continuously rising in Austria too. The present study can serve as a basis for international comparisons as well as for measures of intradepartmental quality control.
Klein
M
M
Geburtshilflich-Gynäkologische Abteilung, Hanusch-Krankenhaus, Wien, Osterreich.
Waldhör
T
T
Vutuc
C
C
Beck
A
A
D001317:Austria / Q000453:epidemiology; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000453:epidemiology; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors