Authors

Beatriz Espinilla Sanz1, Laura Albillos Alonso1, Inés González Nicolás1, Susana Marcos Peña1,Ester Sadornil Vicario1, Beatriz Fernandez Pernía1

Position

1Enfermera Especialista en Enfermería Obstétrico-Ginecológica (Matrona). Unidad de Paritorio. Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia. Hospital Universitario de Burgos

Contact address

Laura Albillos Alonso. Avda. de los Reyes Católicos, 10-3º E. 09006 Burgos

Contact email: lalbillosalonso@gmail.com

Abstract

Objective: to describe the incidence of C-sections at the Hospital Universitario de Burgos (HUBU) from 2004 to 2014; as well as to explore the influence of advanced maternal age, considering two cut-off ages (35 and 40 years) for said incidence.
Material and methods: a descriptive longitudinal retrospective study (2004-2014) on the 24,521 labours conducted at the HUBU. The computerized record of labours was used. The primary variable of the study was C-section, and the independent variable was maternal age, considering two cut-off ages (>40-year-old vs. ≤40 year-old; >35-year old vs. ≤35-year-old). The z-test was used for hypothesis contrast, and a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated.
Results: the study included a population of 24,426 labours. The difference in the incidence of C-sections between >40-year old and ≤40-year-old was 11% (CI 95%: 8%-14%; p< 0.001), showing a higher incidence in >40-year-old women. Regarding the cut-off age of 35 years, the difference was 5% (CI 95%: 3.8%-6.2%; p< 0.001), and in the same direction previously mentioned. There was an overall cumulative incidence of C-sections of 22.5% (CI 95%: 21.98%-23.02%).
Conclusion: there are differences in the incidence of C-sections based on age, regardless of the cut-off age of 35 or 40 years, showing a higher incidence in older mothers. It is worth considering the effect of assisted reproduction techniques, and the potential increase in elective C-sections.

Keywords:

maternal age; C-section; pregnant women; research; descriptive longitudinal study

Versión en Español

Título:

Influencia de la edad materna avanzada en la incidencia de cesárea