OBJECTIVE: To reinforce the risk of feto-maternal haemorrhage associated with external cephalic version for breech presentation. METHOD: A single case report with a literature review. RESULTS: Our case report was associated with the largest feto-maternal haemorrhage following external cephalic version reported so far. The perinatal outcome in this case was favourable despite a significant amount of fetal haemorrhage. The literature review did include cases with unfavourable outcomes. No reliable method of monitoring fetuses with feto-maternal haemorrhage has been reported, although middle cerebral artery Doppler studies appear to show promise. CONCLUSION: External cephalic version is useful in the management of breech presentations at term, but it is not without risks and clinicians need to be aware of this. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel
OBJECTIVE: To reinforce the risk of feto-maternal haemorrhage associated with external cephalic version for breech presentation. METHOD: A single case report with a literature review. RESULTS: Our case report was associated with the largest feto-maternal haemorrhage following external cephalic version reported so far. The perinatal outcome in this case was favourable despite a significant amount of fetal haemorrhage. The literature review did include cases with unfavourable outcomes. No reliable method of monitoring fetuses with feto-maternal haemorrhage has been reported, although middle cerebral artery Doppler studies appear to show promise. CONCLUSION: External cephalic version is useful in the management of breech presentations at term, but it is not without risks and clinicians need to be aware of this. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel