title: Nuchal cord entanglement and outcome of labour induction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess whether nuchal cord entanglement would affect the outcome of elective labour induction.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a group of pregnant women, the outcome of elective labour induction was evaluated in relation to a list of possibly related variables, including the presence of nuchal cord at delivery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall 184 women submitted to induction of labour were prospectively examined. Vaginal delivery was observed in 141 women (76.6%), with 105 of them (or 57%) having been delivered within 24 h from induction. At delivery, nuchal cord was detected in 59 out of 184 neonates (32%). Among the pre-induction and post-induction variables, only parity ≥ 1 (OR 3.44; 95% CI: 1.67-7.06) and a Bishop score ≥ 5 (OR 3.59; 95% CI: 1.93-6.70) appeared statistically associated with the success of induction. The chance of vaginal delivery within 24 hours from labour induction (31/59 or 53% vs 74/125 or 59%; OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.75-1.12) were comparable among the neonates with and without nuchal cord at birth.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In women undergoing cervical ripening, multiparity and a favourable cervical score seem the only factors that predict a successful induction. An entangled cord around the fetal neck does not seem to increase the risk of induction failure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna University Hospital of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Tullio
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ghi
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: D'Emidio
authors.forename: Raffaella
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Morandi
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Casadio
authors.forename: Gianluigi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pilu
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pelusi