Rachelle Schwartz1, José Prieto. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bayfront Medical Center, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701, USA. Raschwrtz1@aol.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine if a shortened screening cervical length measurement in twin gestations, measured between 16 and 24 weeks, is a predictor of preterm delivery. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who delivered twins at Bayfront Medical Center between January 1, 2006, and April 1, 2008. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-three patient charts were reviewed. Ninety-seven patients had a screening cervical length and met inclusion criteria. A shortened cervical length was defined as < or = 25 mm. The sensitivity of a shortened cervical length in predicting preterm delivery at 28, 30 and 32 weeks was 100%, 60% and 43%, respectively. The negative predictive value for preterm delivery was > 95%. The gestational age at delivery was significantly earlier in the shortened cervical length group (33.25 vs. 35.97 weeks, p<0.001). Birth weight was notably lower in the shortened cervical length group (1,889 vs. 2,451 g, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The greatest value of screening cervical length in twin gestations lies in its negative predictive value; however, screening twins may be helpful in identifying those women who will delivery prematurely.
OBJECTIVE: To determine if a shortened screening cervical length measurement in twin gestations, measured between 16 and 24 weeks, is a predictor of preterm delivery. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who delivered twins at Bayfront Medical Center between January 1, 2006, and April 1, 2008. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-three patient charts were reviewed. Ninety-seven patients had a screening cervical length and met inclusion criteria. A shortened cervical length was defined as < or = 25 mm. The sensitivity of a shortened cervical length in predicting preterm delivery at 28, 30 and 32 weeks was 100%, 60% and 43%, respectively. The negative predictive value for preterm delivery was > 95%. The gestational age at delivery was significantly earlier in the shortened cervical length group (33.25 vs. 35.97 weeks, p<0.001). Birth weight was notably lower in the shortened cervical length group (1,889 vs. 2,451 g, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The greatest value of screening cervical length in twin gestations lies in its negative predictive value; however, screening twins may be helpful in identifying those women who will delivery prematurely.