Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes after vacuum-assisted delivery: A population-based cohort study
by Ida Björk, Jenny Bolk, Gunilla Ajne, Ängla Mantel Background Vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD) is widely used in obstetric care, yet concerns remain regarding potential long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae in offspring, particularly after procedures performed at higher fetal head stations. Evidence on long-term outcomes after VAD remains limited. Given the safety concerns surrounding VAD, we…
A large-scale Swedish study of over 600,000 term singleton births between 1997 and 2014 found that mid and low vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD) procedures were linked to higher rates of neonatal complications, including intracranial hemorrhage, seizures, and subgaleal hematoma. However, when examining long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes through 2021, mid and low VAD did not show increased risks for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or intellectual disability compared to emergency cesarean delivery.
In contrast, outlet VAD, similar to spontaneous vaginal delivery, was associated with lower risks of both neonatal and long-term neurodevelopmental issues compared to ECD. The study's limitations include lack of information on intervention indications and timing of emergency cesarean deliveries. Overall, the research suggests VAD can be performed safely with appropriate clinical circumstances, providing reassurance about its long-term safety while acknowledging the need for caution in interpreting results due to differences in clinical circumstances between VAD and ECD delivery modes.
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