Evaluation and Relevance of Indications for Primary Caesarean Section: A Five-Year Experience Report from Nevers Hospital Center

Context: The caesarean section rate continues to increase in our different health structures specially for women who have not had a scar in the uterus. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the key factors and main indications for primary caesarean sections and to find ways to reduce the increasing rates. Patients and Method: This is a longitudinal and retrospective study carried out from June 1, 2018 to July 31, 2022. The study included all patients who had a cesarean-section for the first time (primary caesarean). An anterior uterine scar was a non-inclusion criterion. Data were collected prospectively using Synfonievre and Agopra software via patients’ files and information collection sheet. Data were analyzed with SPSS 21 software, Mac version. Averages were calculated for quantitative data and percentages for qualitative data. The statistical tests used were the Pearson Chi2 test. The observed differences were considered significant when the p-value was less than 0.05. Results: During the study period, we recorded 8832 deliveries and 3148 caesarean sections (35.6%). Primary CS concerned 70% of overall C-section rate. The main indications were FHR Fetal Heart Rate abnormalities (FHRA) (27%), followed by the other indications (including preterm delivery, umbilical cord dystocia, malpresentation of fetus, foetal abnormalities, elective CS, triple gestation, mother abnormalities);dystocia or prolonged labor (18.7%), breech presentation in a twin pregnancy with 11.3% and 9.6% respectively. We recorded more vaginal deliveries with labor induction: 81.4% against 75.2%. An obstetrical audit led to better labor management and a reduction in the cesarean section rate. Conclusion: We need to focus on diagnosis of fetal distress, management of breech presentation during of a twin birth and a singleton. Induction of labor can be an effective alternative in certain indications. An obstetrical audit is needed to reverse the caesarean section rate.

Evolution of the Quality of the Partogram in 96 Health Care Facilities of 3 Provincial Health Divisions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The partogram is an accurate labor monitoring tool for reducing maternal and perinatal mortality due to prolonged labor and dystocia. The aim of this study is to assess how the quality of the partogram has evolved in health care institutions (HCI in short) that have benefited from the primary health care support project (ASSP in short) after formative supervision. This is a descriptive study by periodic clinical audit between 2020 and 2022, carried out in 96 HCI in 3 provincial health divisions (DPS in short) of DR Congo. Each photographed partogram page was sent to the project’s central level for review by a team of experts (3 obstetric gynecologists and 3 midwives). The compliance rate for completing partograms in the 96 health facilities of the 3 DPS was 86.8%. The rate of traceability of labor continuity was 88.2%, and that of traceability of acts, incidents and treatments during labor was 87.1%. Finally, the compliance rate for filling out partograms in the immediate post-partum period was 81%. A clear improvement was noted between the January 2020 and March 2022 assessments.