The Fetuses at Risk Approach in Obstetrics
Author Information
Author(s): Joseph K S
Primary Institution: Dalhousie University
Hypothesis
Can the fetuses at risk approach provide a coherent framework for justifying medically indicated early delivery in obstetrics?
Conclusion
The fetuses at risk approach reconciles the paradox of modern obstetrics by providing a theoretical justification for medically indicated early delivery.
Supporting Evidence
- Between 1995-96 and 1999-2000, rates of labor induction/cesarean delivery increased by 45.1 per 1,000.
- Perinatal mortality decreased by 0.31 per 1,000 total births during the same period.
- The marginal number needed to treat was calculated to be 145 to prevent one perinatal death.
Takeaway
This study explains that delivering babies early when there are risks can actually help save lives, even though it seems like it would cause more problems.
Methodology
The study analyzes trends in labor induction and cesarean delivery rates alongside perinatal mortality data from the United States.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from changes in maternal characteristics over time that could affect outcomes.
Limitations
The study relies on historical data and assumptions about the relationship between obstetric interventions and outcomes.
Participant Demographics
The study focuses on singleton pregnancies and includes data from various gestational ages.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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