[Can we reduce the decision-to-delivery interval in case of emergency cesarean sections by optimizing the premises' architecture?]

Objective: To study the influence of architectural premises' improvements on decision-to-delivery interval (DDI) in case of emergency cesarean sections.

Methods: A retrospective observational Before-After study conducted in a type III maternity, first from 2004 to 2009 (Period 1, P1) then after moving our unit to new premises from 2009 to 2013 (P2). DDI, maternal and neonatal outcomes of every emergency cesarean section were studied.

Results: The mean DDI of extremely urgent cesarean significantly decreased from 21.3±10.3minutes during P1 (n=294) to 14.9±7.14minutes during P2 (n=165). During P2 there was an increase in the proportion of extreme emergency cesarean sections done in less than 30minutes (85.1% versus 93.5%, P=0.003) as according to the ACOG recommendations, and also an increase of DDI of less than 15minutes (25.8% versus 61.1%, P<0.001). Also during P2 if there was a reduction of umbilical cord pHs, which were correlated to DDI, we observed a reduction of neonatal hospitalizations (42.2% versus 35.7%, P<0.001). Apgar score was correlated to umbilical cord pH and birth weight, but not to DDI.

Conclusion: The space optimization has allowed our level III maternity to improve the rate of extreme emergency cesarean sections performed with DDI of less than 30 and even 15minutes, according to international recommendations. These results were obtained by reducing the transfer time to the operating room. Despite a positive correlation between DDI and umbilical cord pH, there was an improvement in neonatal outcomes associated with a decrease of neonatal hospitalizations.