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Accuracy of Leopold Maneuvers in Screening for Malpresentation: A Prospective Study
Author(s) -
LydonRochelle Mona,
Albers Leah,
Gotwocia Julie,
Craig Ellen,
Qualls Clifford
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
birth
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.233
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1523-536X
pISSN - 0730-7659
DOI - 10.1111/j.1523-536x.1993.tb00437.x
Subject(s) - medicine , obstetrics , predictive value , population , ultrasound , gynecology , radiology , environmental health
This study describes the accuracy of Leopold maneuvers as a screening procedure for fetal malpresentation. The frequency of fetal malpresentation ranges from 15 percent at 32 weeks to 4 percent at term. We prospectively determined fetal presentation by performing Leopold maneuvers on 150 women, followed by a fetal ultrasound examination for comparison. Experienced certified nurse‐midwives performed the maneuvers with high sensitivity (88%), specificity (94%), positive predictive value (74%), and negative predictive value (97%) in a population with a 17 percent frequency of fetal malpresentation. We conclude that the maneuvers used by experienced clinicians can be effective as a screening tool for fetal malpresentation, particularly in settings where ultrasound may not be readily available. (BIRTH 20:3, September 1993)