Respiratory outcome in neonates born by elective cesarean section

Abstract

Elective caesarean section effect is increasing in recent years. A parallel increase of respiratory morbidity in term infants is found. Objectives : We aims to evaluate the risk of the neonatal respiratory morbidity in elective caesarean section in Bizerta maternity center. Population and Methods : This is an analytical and retrospective case-control study, achieved at the Regional Maternity Hospital of Bizerta from 1st January 2009 to 31 December 2010. Results : During the study period, 300 newborns were born by ECS. The frequency of respiratory morbidity is 11% in the case group versus 2% in the control group, so ECS exposes for a higher risk of respiratory morbidity with an OR = 6.05; 95%IC [2.78-16.87], P<10-3. After 39 WG, elective caesarean doesn't expose the newborn to a particular risk of respiratory morbidity. Conclusion : ECS should be based strictly on obstetrical and medical decisions because it predisposes to a significant risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity. When the caesarean is necessary, it must be programmed after 39 WG.