Head injuries related to birth trauma among low birthweight neonates during vacuum extraction: a retrospective cohort study

Objective: : Prematurity [gestational age (GA)<34w] is a relative contraindication to vacuum extraction (VE). Current data do not discriminate clearly between prematurity and low-birthweight (LBW). We aimed to evaluate the impact of non-metal vacuum cup extraction on neonatal head injuries related to birth-trauma (HI), among newborns with LBW (<2,500g). Design: A retrospective cohort. Population: 3,335 singleton pregnancies, delivered by VE from 2014 to 2019. All were >34w GA. Methods: : We compared 207 (6.2%) neonates with LBW 3,500g). Main outcome measures: HI and other neonatal complications. Results: : The lowest rates of subgaleal hematoma occurred in neonates 3,500g groups, respectively; p=0.001). Fewer cephalohematomas occurred among LBW neonates (0.5% in 3,500g groups, respectively, p=0.026). Logistic regression found increasing birthweight as a significant risk-factor for head injuries during VE, with adjusted odds ratios of 8.874, 10.624, 13.980 for 2,500-2,999g, 3,000-3,499g, and >3,500g, respectively (p=0.015). NICU hospitalization rates were highest among neonates weighing 3,500g respectively, p=0.000). Conclusions: : VE of neonates weighing <2500g at 34w and beyond seems as a safe mode of delivery when indicated, with lower rates of HI, compared to neonates with higher BW. Funding: none.