Publication:

Transvaginal ultrasonographic assessment of cervical length in prediction of preterm labour in high risk asymptomatic women

Background Preterm birth is an important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality and has long term health implications. Aim of this study was to predict preterm labour by Transvaginal ultrasonographic cervical length measurement in high risk asymptomatic women which may help in decision making in managing these women.

Methods This study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahathma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital, Trichy from August 2016 to September 2017 in 130 antenatal women with high risk factors such as prior spontaneous preterm birth, miscarriage. Transvaginal cervical length was measured and Gestational age at which delivery occurred was correlated and results were analyzed.

Results In present study, sensitivity of transvaginal cervical length measurement (cut off cervical length <25 mm) was 70.9% and specificity was 63% in prediction of preterm labour in high risk asymptomatic women. Positive and negative predictive value of cervical length in predicting preterm labour were 63.7 %and 70% respectively.

Conclusions Transvaginal cervical length measurement can be combined with anomaly scan in high risk women to predict preterm labor and is objective, reproducible and cost effective.