title: Identifying risk factors for uterine rupture.
abstract: Uterine rupture, whether in the setting of a prior uterine incision or in an unscarred uterus, is an obstetric emergency with potentially catastrophic consequences for both mother and child. Numerous studies have been published regarding various risk factors associated with uterine rupture. Despite the mounting data regarding both antepartum and intrapartum factors, it currently is impossible to predict in whom a uterine rupture will occur. This article reviews the data regarding these antepartum and intrapartum predictors for uterine rupture. The author hopes that the information presented in this article will help clinicians assess an individual's risk for uterine rupture.
authors.affiliation: Section on Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. jgsmith@wfubmc.edu
authors.forename: Jennifer G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Heather L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Mertz
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Merrill
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects; D017604:Cesarean Section, Repeat / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000209:etiology; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D014219:Trial of Labor; D014597:Uterine Rupture / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014599:Uterus / Q000601:surgery; D016064:Vaginal Birth after Cesarean / Q000009:adverse effects