N S Fox1, C Jean-Pierre1, M Predanic1, S T Chasen1. 1. Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To study if a repeat cervical length (CL) measurement in the patient already diagnosed with a short cervix has any additional value in the prediction of preterm delivery. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of singleton pregnancies with cervical lengths 1-25 mm at a gestational age of 16-28 weeks seen in our institution between 2002 and 2005. Patients who were managed expectantly and had a follow-up CL measurement within 3 weeks were included. Delivery data were obtained from the patients' computerized medical records. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. 37% of the patients had a shorter CL on the second measurement. These patients delivered at an earlier gestational age (36+4 vs. 38+2 weeks, P=0.031) and were more likely to deliver at <37 weeks (60% vs. 26%, P=0.009). The change in the CL correlated with earlier gestational age at delivery and delivery at <37 weeks. CONCLUSION: In patients diagnosed with a short cervix, follow-up CL measurement is a strong predictor of preterm delivery. Greater change in the CL correlates with an earlier gestational age at delivery. In the patient diagnosed with a short cervix, a repeat measurement of CL gives additional predictive value. Copyright (c) 2006 ISUOG.
OBJECTIVE: To study if a repeat cervical length (CL) measurement in the patient already diagnosed with a short cervix has any additional value in the prediction of preterm delivery. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of singleton pregnancies with cervical lengths 1-25 mm at a gestational age of 16-28 weeks seen in our institution between 2002 and 2005. Patients who were managed expectantly and had a follow-up CL measurement within 3 weeks were included. Delivery data were obtained from the patients' computerized medical records. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. 37% of the patients had a shorter CL on the second measurement. These patients delivered at an earlier gestational age (36+4 vs. 38+2 weeks, P=0.031) and were more likely to deliver at <37 weeks (60% vs. 26%, P=0.009). The change in the CL correlated with earlier gestational age at delivery and delivery at <37 weeks. CONCLUSION: In patients diagnosed with a short cervix, follow-up CL measurement is a strong predictor of preterm delivery. Greater change in the CL correlates with an earlier gestational age at delivery. In the patient diagnosed with a short cervix, a repeat measurement of CL gives additional predictive value. Copyright (c) 2006 ISUOG.
Authors: P Wagner; J Sonek; M Heidemeyer; M Schmid; H Abele; M Hoopmann; K O Kagan Journal: Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd Date: 2016-07 Impact factor: 2.915