Premium
Short cervix: is a follow‐up measurement useful?
Author(s) -
Fox N. S.,
JeanPierre C.,
Predanic M.,
Chasen S. T.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1002/uog.3902
Subject(s) - medicine , cervix , gestational age , obstetrics , medical record , singleton , predictive value , retrospective cohort study , preterm delivery , gestation , gynecology , pregnancy , surgery , cancer , biology , genetics
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 © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.