PERINATAL TRIALS REPORT

PT0372

The early external cephalic version (ECV) trial: A RCT of ECV beginning at 34 weeks versus 37 weeks gestation for selected breech pregnancies.

Plain Language Summary:      There is good research evidence to support delayed ECV beginning at 37 weeks gestation. However the success rate of delayed ECV is poor among nulliparous women and those with a frank breech presentation, particularly in North America and Europe. This multi-centre RCT will recruit 232 women to determine if, for selected women with a fetus in breech presentation, an early ECV beginning at 34-36 weeks gestation will decrease the likelihood of non cephalic presentation at birth when compared to delayed ECV that is not initiated until 37-38 weeks gestation.

Trial status:                        Follow up complete

Date of accrual completion: February 2002

Trial Objective:

For selected women with a foetus in breech presentation, does early ECV beginning at 34 - 36 weeks gestation decrease the likelihood of noncephalic presentation at birth when compared to delayed ECV that is not initiated until 37 - 38 weeks' gestation?

Type of administration:      Multi-centre International

Principal Investigator/s:     Dr Mary Hannah

                                       Ph 416 351 3772

                                       Email: mary.hannah@utoronto.ca 

Contact Person/s:              Sue Pollock

                                        Ph 416 351 2530

                                        Email: sue.pollock@swchsc.on.ca 

© IMPACT/PSANZ 2001