Long-term neurological sequelae following vacuum extractor delivery

Abstract

Two hundred and ninety-five children delivered by vacuum extractor (VE) 10 years ago were studied to determine if they had an increased incidence of neurological abnormality; 302 children delivered spontaneously in the same hospital looked after by the same doctors in the same year matched for maternal age, gestational age and birthweight were used as controls. Fine- and gross-motor control, perceptual integration and behavioural maturity were screened by 4 tasks selected from the Quick Neurological Screening Test. Intelligence assessment was based on scholastic performance, speech ability and ability of self-care as commented by teachers and parents. Similar scorings were found between the 2 groups. Mental subnormality or severe neurological abnormality was found in 3 children delivered by VE and in 3 children delivered spontaneously and there was no evidence that it was birth-related.