Face and brow presentation in northern Jordan, over a decade of experience.

Zayed F, Amarin Z, Obeidat B, Obeidat N, Alchalabi H, Lataifeh I

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King Abdullah University Hospital, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2008 Nov;278(5):427-30. doi: 10.1007/s00404-008-0600-0. Epub 2008 Feb 19.

BACKGROUND

Malpresentation is a deviation from the normal presentation, which occurs in approximately 5% of labours (Seeds and Cefalo in Clin Obstet Gynaecol 25:145-156, 1982). The commonest form of malpresentation at delivery is breech presentation followed by face and brow presentation.

OBJECTIVES

To review the incidence and management of face and brow presentation in north of Jordan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective review of the experience of face and brow presentation deliveries in the two main civil hospitals in north of Jordan between 1995 and 2005.

RESULTS

The incidence of face and brow presentation was 1 in 813 and 1 in 1,689 deliveries, respectively. There was no significant increase in the incidence of prematurity nor very low birth weight and no higher incidence of postmaturity among those delivered by face or brow in the same period. All the foetuses presenting by the brow and by face (mentoposterior) and only 16.7 % of foetuses presenting by face (mentoanterior) were delivered by caesarian section.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of face and brow presentation was 1 in 813 and 1 in 1,689 deliveries, respectively. All the babies presenting by brow presentation did undergo caesarean section. The management of face and brow presentation is heading towards a safe delivery and not merely to accomplish vaginal delivery.