Elective repeat cesarean delivery compared with spontaneous trial of labor after a prior cesarean delivery: a propensity score analysis.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine outcomes, after the use of propensity score techniques, to create balanced groups according to whether a woman undergoes elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD) or trial of labor (TOL).

Methods: Women who were eligible for a TOL with 1 previous low transverse incision were categorized according to whether they underwent an ERCD or TOL. A propensity score technique was used to develop ERCD and TOL groups with comparable baseline characteristics. Outcomes were assessed with conditional logistic regression.

Results: The rates of endometritis, operative injury, respiratory distress syndrome, and newborn infant infection were lower and the rates of hysterectomy and wound complication were higher in the ERCD group.

Conclusions: Propensity score techniques can be used to generate comparable ERCD and TOL groups. Some types of maternal morbidity (such as hysterectomy) are higher; other types (such as operative injury) are lower in the ERCD group. Although the absolute risk is low, neonatal morbidity appears to be lower in the ERCD group.