A population study of face and brow presentation

Neonatal eyelid penetration from insertion of a fetal scalp electrode: a case report

Background

A fetal scalp electrode (FSE), first described by Edward Hon in 1967, is an intrapartum monitoring device embedded directly into the fetal scalp for an accurate measure of fetal heart rate. Though use of an FSE is generally safe, complications can occur from misplacement, including ophthalmic injury.

Case presentation

Patient was a 28-year-old G6P5006 who presented for induction of labor at 39 weeks due to asymptomatic bilateral pulmonary embolism. Concerning findings on external fetal monitoring led to placement of a fetal scalp electrode for close monitoring. Upon delivery, the neonate was noted to have the FSE embedded in the left upper eyelid. Ophthalmology was consulted and could not rule out ocular injury on external examination at the bedside. Examination under anesthesia in the operating room demonstrated no penetration of the ocular globe, and the eyelid laceration was sutured. The laceration was well-healing at one-week follow-up with no further complications.

Conclusion

Facial or brow presentation during delivery is rare but may increase the risk for misplacement of an FSE. Ultrasound verification of vertex position is warranted immediately prior to placing an FSE for patients at higher risk of facial or brow presentation. Periorbital edema of neonates may protect against damage to deeper structures. However, Ophthalmology should be consulted to rule out ocular injury if the FSE is placed in the periocular region.

Prognosis for deliveries in face presentation: a case-control study

PURPOSE

To estimate the maternal and fetal prognosis for attempted vaginal deliveries of fetuses in face compared with vertex presentations. To evaluate the factors associated with a cesarean during labor for fetuses in face presentation.

METHODS

This case-control study collected all the cases of face presentation in a university hospital level-3 maternity ward between 22 and 42 weeks of gestation over a 16-year period. For each case, we selected three control cases with vertex presentations delivered the same day. Cesareans before labor were excluded.

RESULTS

We compared 60 attempted vaginal deliveries of fetuses in face presentation with 174 of fetuses in vertex presentation. The cesarean rate during labor was more than three times higher for the face presentations (31.7 vs 9.2%, P < 0.0001). Arterial pH values and Apgar scores were similar in both sets of newborns. After logistic regression, the factors associated with a cesarean during labor were nulliparity and early diagnosis of the presentation (i.e., before 5 cm dilatation). The initial position (mentum-anterior vs. transverse or posterior) was not significantly associated with the mode of delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

In face presentations, attempted vaginal delivery triples the cesarean risk. Nonetheless, more than two-thirds of these women give birth vaginally without any impairment of neonatal condition.

Face presentation at term: a forgotten issue

AIM

To determine factors associated with face presentation of term fetuses delivered.

METHODS

Of 34,480 consecutive, term deliveries of uncomplicated pregnancies within a 3-year period, all live, singleton term fetuses with cephalic presentation in which no lethal anomalies occurred that were diagnosed with a face presentation were studied. Factors that may have contributed to the etiology of the presentation including age, parity and fetal size were evaluated. Ultrasonographic evaluation was recorded.

RESULTS

Fifty cases were diagnosed with an incidence of 0.14%. Parity was not associated with face presentation. Birthweight of 4000 g or more indicated an increased risk of approximately 2.9-fold, whereas fetuses weighing 3000-3499 g were found to have a relatively decreased risk of face presentation when compared with the general obstetrics group (P = 0.015 and 0.001, risk ratio = 2.948 and 0.450, respectively). With physical examination, only 70% were diagnosed correctly.

CONCLUSION

Face presentation is a rare event and birthweight more than 4000 g was found to be associated with face presentation. Parity is not an associated factor.