Assessment of Cervical Length by Transvaginal Ultrasound in Pregnant Women Between 24-34 Weeks

• Main Authors: Salim Sezer, Alpaslan Kaban, Baki Erdem
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Galenos Yayinevi 2019-03-01
• Series: İstanbul Medical Journal
• Subjects: Cervical length; preterm birth; transvaginal ultrasound
• Online Access: http://imj.galenos.com.tr/archives/archive-detail/article-preview/assessment-of-cervical-length-by-transvaginal-ultr/21486
• ISSN: 2619-9793; 2148-094X

Introduction:The purpose of this study was to assess the role of cervical length measurement by transvaginal ultrasound for predicting preterm delivery.Methods:Cervical lengths were measured by transvaginal ultrasound in 73 pregnant women with 24-34 weeks of gestation. Cervical length measurements were analyzed for the predictability of preterm birth.Results:Of the 73 pregnant women, 19 (26%) had preterm labor (<37 weeks) and 54 (74%) had term labor. For predicting preterm birth, cut-off values were determined using the Receive Operating Characteristic Curve curves and corresponding values. The cut-off value of the cervical length was 31.5 millimeters and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 70.3%, 89.4%, 51.5% and 95%, respectively.Conclusion:According to the study, the evaluation of cervical length by transvaginal ultrasound in pregnant women with 24-34 weeks of gestation may be useful as a screening test for preterm birth prediction. The risk of premature birth in pregnant women with a cervical length more than 31 mm is minimal.