Ability of cervical length to predict spontaneous preterm delivery in twin pregnancies using the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis and an a priori cut-off value. (4th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pasquini, Lucia; Sisti, Giovanni; Nasioudis, Dimitrios; Kanninen, Tomi; Sorbi, Flavia; Fambrini, Massimiliano; Turrini, Irene; Seravalli, Viola; Di Tommaso, Mariarosaria
• Is Part Of: Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology. Volume 37:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 562
• Page End: 565
• Publication Date: 2017-07-04
• Subjects: Cervical length -- preterm birth -- twin pregnancy; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2016.1258046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-3615

Abstract

Abstract: In this retrospective study based on cervical length (CL) measurements between 20 and 24 + 6 weeks, we examined the ability of CL to predict spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) in 222 twin pregnancies using the receiver-operating curve (ROC) analysis and an a priori cut-off. CL predicted SPTB before 34 weeks. Using the ROC the selected cut-off was 37.5 mm. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) regarding SPTB before 34 weeks for 37.5 mm were 15.7% and 5.3% respectively. Using the 5th percentile, PPV and NPV regarding SPTB before 34 weeks for 24 mm were 41.7% and 91.4%, respectively. The 5th centile of CL measurements should be employed in clinical practice. CL measurement is an adequate screening tool for SPTB since it has a high NPV. Studies on CL measurement and SPTB should explain which methodology they adopted to obtain a cut-off value and the rationale of their choice.