Managing shoulder dystocia

[Severe shoulder dystocia: study of 14 cases treated by Jacquemier's maneuver]

OBJECTIVE

Shoulder dystocia is a dreadful complication of vaginal deliveries since it can be responsible of brachial plexus palsies and even neonatal deaths. Unlike most studies, we defined shoulder dystocia as the enclosing of fetal shoulders above the superior strait (cavity station of 1cm) and situations being resolved only by delivery of the posterior arm (Jacquemier's maneuver). The purpose of this study was to analyze cases of shoulder dystocia in terms of maternal and neonatal complications and to compare risk factors with those identified in the literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 14 cases of severe shoulder dystocia (SSD) which occurred at our hospital between January 1995 and January 2007. TSD was diagnosed in the absence of engagement of both fetal shoulders requiring recourse to Jacquemier's maneuver for delivery. Any gestational diabetes, abnormal progression of labour, suspicion or existence of fetal macrosomia, instrumental delivery, and neonatal complications were noted.

RESULTS

The incidence of SSD was around 1 per thousand. Multiparity, weight gain greater than 15kg and gestational diabetes were moderately present in our study group. Only 20% of neonates were macrosomic and 50% had a birth-weight of less than 4000g. In 80% of cases, an instrumental extraction was practised. Brachial plexus injuries affected 20% of neonates, no fracture was observed, one child died following an unresolved SSD.

CONCLUSION

This series shows that the incidence of SSD is rare and difficultly predictable even though identified risk factors exist. However, an instrumental extraction seems frequently associated with SSD and any extraction should take into account the presence of known risk factors. In spite of the severity of our cases of shoulder dystocia, complications found seemed to be similar to those observed in the literature.

Shoulder dystocia and injuries: prevention and management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency that is often unpredictable and unanticipated. Despite the identification of various clinical risk factors, our ability to predict and prevent shoulder dystocia is very limited. Effective and timely clinical management is essential to offer the best chance of a satisfactory outcome.

RECENT FINDINGS

Upon diagnosis of the condition, a team working in tandem to resolve the problem is very effective. Use of the McRoberts maneuver, application of suprapubic pressure, with an adequate episiotomy allow resolution of over 50% of cases, with a low risk of fetal injury. Secondary maneuvers include rotation of the shoulders and delivery of the posterior shoulder. These are technically more challenging and may be associated with a higher risk of fetal injury. More drastic action may be considered in dire cases where even secondary maneuvers fail. These include the Zavanelli maneuver, symphysiotomy or iatrogenic clavicular fracture. These techniques, while seldom required, may be lifesaving in extremely severe cases.

SUMMARY

Upon resolution of the clinical event, it is essential to document the entire event, and to discuss the clinical problem and management with the parents. These actions will reduce the risk of medical litigation, and improve patient satisfaction with clinical care.

Maternal morbidity associated with obstetrical maneuvers in shoulder dystocia

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether shoulder dystocia and obstetrical maneuvers used for its relief have detrimental effects on perineum or immediate postpartum outcome.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

SETTING

Tertiary maternity ward in Marseille, France.

POPULATION

A total 140 cases with shoulder dystocia and 280 controls without shoulder dystocia were enrolled by reviewing charts for the period between January 1999 and December 2004.

METHODS

Demographic data including obstetrical history, age, height, weight before pregnancy and at the time of delivery, and respective body mass index (BMI) and obstetrical data including analgesic technique, duration of first and second stage of labor were compared in function of outcome and of the type and number of maneuvers used to relieve shoulder dystocia.

RESULTS

Resolving shoulder dystocia required one obstetrical maneuver in 41 cases (29.3%) and two obstetrical maneuvers in 48 cases (34.3%). Third-degree tears occurred in one patient in the case group versus five in the control group. No correlation was found between the number of obstetrical maneuvers needed to relieve shoulder dystocia and risk for third-degree tear (OR: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.1-7.6). Mean hemoglobin values were 96.1 g/l in the case group and 96.0 g/l in the control group (p=0.95). There was no difference between the two groups regarding duration of postpartum hospitalization. The incidence of urinary incontinence was similar in the group that underwent obstetrical maneuvers: 4.7% (6/127) and in the control group: 3.7% (13/352). Only two patients reported de novo anal symptoms, both in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Shoulder dystocia and obstetrical techniques used for its relief did not result in adverse maternal outcome.