SYMPTOMATIC UTERINE RUPTURE – RISK FACTORS AND COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Background and objectives: To assess the incidence of uterine rupture during childbirth in a single tertiary referral centre as well as the significant risk factors, symptoms and peripartum complications.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective single - centre study involved all cases of uterine rupture at the Kaunas Perinatal Centre in 2004 – 2019. The outcome was calculated, divided cases into the  complete uterine ruptures and partial uterine ruptures (uterine scar dehiscence). The control group is represented by all births delivered in our department during the study period.

Results: 51525 deliveries occurred in Kaunas Perinatal Center during the 15 years of the study period. A total number of 35 symptomatic uterine ruptures were recorded: 22 complete and 13 partial, leading to an incidence rate of 6.8 per 10000 deliveries. The uterine rupture incidence rate after a single previous cesarean delivery is 44.4 per 10000 births. The most significant risk factors were uterine scar and augmentation or epidural anaesthesia in a previous cesarean delivery.

Conclusions:  The most important risk factors for uterine rupture in a subsequent pregnancy and delivery after cesarean section are augmentation and epidural anesthesia.