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

• Published in: Istanbul medical journal Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 98 - 100
• Main Authors: Sezer, Salim, Kaban, Alpaslan, Erdem, Baki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Istanbul Galenos Publishing House 01.03.2019; Galenos Yayinevi
• Subjects: Cervical length; Human papillomavirus; Mortality; Pregnancy; Premature birth; preterm birth; transvaginal ultrasound; Womens health
• ISSN: 2619-9793; 1304-8503; 2148-094X
• DOI: 10.4274/imj.galenos.2018.84755

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.