[Decision-to-deliver interval for forceps delivery and cesarean section: 137 extractions for abnormal fetal heart rhythm during labor].
OBJECTIVE
Comparison of the decision to delivery interval in cases of forceps delivery and in cases of cesarean sections.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed on 137 cases of forceps deliver (n = 63) and cesarean section (n = 74) indicated for abnormal fetal heart rhythm. All cases were observed in a level 3 maternity unit between October 2003 and August 2004.


RESULTS
The mean decision-to-delivery interval was significantly shorter in the forceps group (14.84 min +/- 6.54 versus 29.31 min +/- 11.79 p < 0.0001). Maternal and neonatal morbidity were comparable.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggest that once the fetal head is engaged, forceps delivery can significantly reduced the decision-to-delivery interval.
Dupuis
O
O
Service d'Obstétrique, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon. olivier.dupuis@chu-lyon.fr
Dubuisson
J
J
Moreau
R
R
Sayegh
I
I
Clément
H-J
HJ
Rudigoz
R-C
RC
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005316:Fetal Distress / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D009772:Obstetrical Forceps; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors