Trial of Labour after Caesarean Section in Sub-Saharan Africa: A
systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Intrapartum decision-making for women with a previous
caesarean section (CS) is complex due to competing risks of trial of
labour after cesarean (TOLAC) and elective repeat CS (ERCS). Objective:
Determine rates of TOLAC and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) in
sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and estimate rates of adverse events associated
with TOLAC versus ERCS. Search Strategy: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE,
CAB, EMBASE, and African-specific databases. Selection Criteria: We
included studies with at least one previous CS conducted in SSA. Data
Collection and Analysis: We extracted data on study design, planned and
actual delivery mode, and maternal and perinatal outcomes. We calculated
median TOLAC and VBAC rates pooled mean uterine rupture rate and
compared uterine rupture rates and mortality between TOLAC and ERCS.
Main Results: From 51 included studies, the median TOLAC and VBAC rates,
weighted for sample size, were 75% (IQR: 40-100%) and 34% (IQR:
24-44%) , respectively; and the weighted mean uterine rupture rate was
1.3% (SD: 1.6%). The uterine rupture rate [1.2% vs 0.2%, OR 1.54
(95% CI 0.63-3.75)] and maternal mortality [0.3% vs
<0.1%, OR 0.77 (95% CI 0.30-1.98)] did not differ
significantly between TOLAC and ERCS groups, respectively, however
perinatal mortality was higher for the TOLAC group (5% vs 1%, OR 3.3 ;
95% CI 1.5-6.9) Conclusions: We found high rates of TOLAC and moderate
rates of VBAC across SSA, with a perinatal but no maternal benefit to
ERCS compared to TOLAC. Further research is needed to understand
delivery outcomes in this population of women.