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Comparison of two methods of cervical stress testing
Author(s) -
Okitsu O.,
Niki H.,
Mimura T.
Publication year - 2001
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.1469-0705.2001.0180s1053.x
Subject(s) - medicine , valsalva maneuver , cervix , outpatient clinic , cervical dilatation , ultrasonography , cervical canal , blood pressure , obstetrics , surgery , radiology , cancer
Purpose: Cervical ultrasonography provides useful information on the prediction of preterm delivery. However, the cervix in natural state evaluated by sonography does not always show the predicting signs of preterm delivery. Some insist on the usefulness of the cervical stress testing like transfundal pressure or Valsalva maneuver, which provoke cervical shortening or funneling by increasing intrauterine pressure. Our object was to compare the efficiency of the transfundal pressure with that of the Valsalva maneuver as cervical stress testing. Methods: Normal pregnant women visiting our outpatient department for routine check up underwent transvaginal ultrasonography. Cervical length was measured and the shape of the internal os were evaluated. When the shape of internal os was flat or mildly depressed, these women were regarded as candidates for the stress testing. First, Valsalva maneuver, second, transfundal pressure were applied. Cervical shortening ratio was calculated in comparison with the natural state, and appearance of funneling was evaluated. Results: Twenty‐five examinations were performed on 20 pregnant women. The shortening ratio in transfundal pressure was 9.8%, which was greater than that in Valsalva maneuver, 6.5%. However, the number in which cervical length became 25 mm or less was same in each test. On the other hand, funneling was induced in two cases only by transfundal pressure. Conclusion: Although transfundal pressure seemed better testing than Valsalva maneuver, further examinations is required to conclude which test is superior.