The labour scale--assessment of the validity of a novel labour chart: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Labour dystocia is the most common indication for caesarean section (CS). This study assessed the validity of the labour scale (WHO partograph modification) as an intrapartum management tool to minimise over-diagnosis of labour dystocia.


METHODS
The study included 77 women in the early active phase of labour using the scale. This scale covers the same titles as the partograph with the cervico-graph modified using National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommendations that adjust interference according to clinical circumstances. Labour progress was plotted on the labour scale then on the partograph to compare outcomes. Maternal and fetal outcomes were compared with international and local reports.


RESULTS
Only 21 (27.3%) women crossed the 'membrane line', which promotes amniotomy, and 35 women (45.5%) crossed the 'augmentation line' and received oxytocin. Four women were delivered by CS for failure to progress. When the same data were re-plotted on the partograph, twenty-eight women were diagnosed with failure to progress. The outcome difference between the 'labour scale' and the partograph was significant (P < 0.0001). Maternal and neonatal outcomes were excellent.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that the 'labour scale' is a promising tool for labour management that minimises labour dystocia without additional maternal or fetal risk.
Woman's Health Center, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
Sherif A M
SA
Shazly
Lamiaa H O
LH
Embaby
Shymaa S
SS
Ali
D000328:Adult; D000650:Amnion / Q000601:surgery; D002585:Cesarean Section; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004420:Dystocia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D055815:Young Adult
D010120:Oxytocics; D010121:Oxytocin
Bishop bar; caesarean section; cervical graph; dystocia; partograph