Can sonographic measurements and changes in cervical length during pregnancy predict preterm labour in an asymptomatic low-risk population?. (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weitzner, Omer; Biron-Shental, Tal; Daykan, Yair; Ezra, Osnat; Markovitch, Ofer
• Is Part Of: Journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine. Volume 32:Number 13(2019)
• Page Start: 2107
• Page End: 2112
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Cervical length measurement -- preterm labour -- cervical length change -- low-risk pregnant women; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Perinatology -- Periodicals; Infants (Newborn) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2018.1425990
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-7058

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study measured cervical length (CL) at 14–16 and 21–24 weeks of gestation and assessed whether the difference between the measurements is predictive of preterm delivery (PTD). Methods: This retrospective, cohort study included patients with two consecutive CL measured with transvaginal sonography at 14–16 weeks of gestation (CL1 ) and 21–24 weeks (CL2 ). Electronic medical records were reviewed for demographic, medical and obstetric history; complications during the current pregnancy and delivery data. CL1, CL2 and the change between scans were evaluated and correlated to PTD prediction. Results: Among the 216 patients, 196 (90.7%) delivered at term (≥37 weeks) and 20 (9.3%) preterm (<37 weeks). CL1 was not a good predictor of PTD ( p = .70). CL2 was significantly shorter in the PTD group ( p < .05). The correlation between CL change and PTD was not significant ( p = .55). Perinatal outcomes between term and preterm deliveries were similar. Conclusions: Sonographic measurement of CL at 14- to 16-week gestation and the difference between CL in the first and second scans are not reliable predictors of PTD. However, cervical length at 21–24 weeks in low-risk women is predictive of this complication.