Mode of delivery among women with maternal cardiac disease

ObjectiveTo determine if maternal cardiac disease affects delivery mode and to investigate maternal morbidity.Study designRetrospective cohort study performed using electronic medical record data. Primary outcome was mode of delivery; secondary outcomes included indication for cesarean delivery, and rates of severe maternal morbidity.ResultsAmong 14,160 deliveries meeting inclusion criteria, 218 (1.5%) had maternal cardiac disease. Cesarean delivery was more common in women with maternal cardiac disease (adjusted odds ratio 1.63 [95% confidence interval 1.18-2.25]). Patients delivered by cesarean delivery in the setting of maternal cardiac disease had significantly higher rates of severe maternal morbidity, with a 24.38-fold higher adjusted odds of severe maternal morbidity (95% confidence interval: 10.56-54.3).ConclusionWhile maternal cardiac disease was associated with increased risk of cesarean delivery, most were for obstetric indications. Additionally, cesarean delivery in the setting of maternal cardiac disease is associated with high rates of severe maternal morbidity.

Automated summary

A retrospective cohort study showed that pregnant women with cardiac disease are more likely to undergo cesarean delivery, which is associated with a higher rate of severe maternal morbidity.