EVALUATING THE 30-MINUTE INTERVAL IN EMERGENCY CESAREAN-SECTIONS

BACKGROUND: This study was done to evaluate what percent of emergency cesarean sections are begun within the 30 minute interval between deci sion and incision time and to evaluate morbidity associated with this time interval. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective patient-control study of records from 75 patients undergoing emergency cesarean sections and tw o different control groups was undertaken. RESULTS: Sixty-three percen t of emergency cesarean sections were begun in less than 30 minutes. A significantly greater number of infants in the group that delivered i n less than 30 minutes experienced five minute Apgar scores less than six. There was no significant differences in maternal morbidity associ ated with emergency cesarean sections. CONCLUSIONS: The 30 minute inte rval is obtainable in a large number of patients but did not have a be neficial effect on neonatal morbidity. There was no significant morbid ity seen in the patients who underwent emergency cesarean section. Oth er measurements of emergency preparedness should be considered other t han the 30 minute rule.