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F88The value of cervical length measurement in the prediction of preterm delivery prior to 34 weeks gestation in women presenting with threatened preterm labour
Author(s) -
Mavrides E.,
Georgakopoulou A.,
Tekay A.,
Thilaganathan B.
Publication year - 2000
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 - 10.1046/j.1469-0705.2000.00015-1-87.x
Subject(s) - medicine , gestation , obstetrics , preterm labour , chorioamnionitis , pregnancy , preterm delivery , cervical cerclage , vaginal bleeding , gestational age , gynecology , genetics , biology
Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate whether cervical length and morphology assessed by transvaginal ultrasound in women admitted in threatened labour, can predict preterm delivery prior to 34 weeks gestation. Method Over a six‐month period, 25 women presenting with threatened preterm labour were prospectively recruited into the study. Women with ruptured membranes, chorioamnionitis or heavy vaginal bleeding requiring delivery were excluded. Transvaginal sonography for cervical length and morphology was performed shortly after admission. Demographic data, medical observations and interventions were recorded. Pregnancy outcomes were collected after delivery. Results The mean gestation at recruitment was 27 +4 weeks (range 21 + °−32 +6 weeks). 16% (4/25) of patients delivered before 34 weeks gestation. In the latter cases, the cervical lengths were all ≤ 25 mm and the interval between presentation and delivery was < 2 weeks. All pregnancies with a cervical length > 25 mm delivered after 34 weeks gestation. Conclusion Transvaginal ultrasound assessment of cervical length in women presenting with threatened preterm labour is useful in predicting the likelihood of preterm delivery. This investigation may be useful in optimising the management of these women and reducing the risks of unnecessary tocolysis in women that are unlikely to deliver preterm.