Publication:

Transvaginal sonographic evaluation of cervical length in the second trimester as a risk factor for preterm delivery

Background Preterm delivery continues to be a significant obstetric problem in view of prematurity complications that an immature new born develops. Cervical length is considered to be one of the important predictors of the risk of preterm delivery. There are only a few studies evaluating cervical length as risk factor for preterm delivery in the Indian population. The present study is undertaken to estimate the risk of preterm delivery in women with cervical length 2.5 cm (n=101). The cervical length of 2.5cm. The history of previous preterm delivery was found to be statistically significant (p value=<0.001) for preterm labour in future pregnancies. The relative risk for preterm delivery in patients with previous history of preterm labour was 3 times when compared to patients with previous term delivery. Patients with history of UTI (urinary tract infection) had 2.3 times risk for preterm delivery and relative risk for preterm delivery in patient with vaginitis was 6.8 times. The cervical length of <2.5 cm and vaginitis are independent risk factor for preterm delivery.

Conclusions Short cervix (cervical length <2.5 cm) at 18-24 weeks of gestation is a risk factor for preterm delivery. A cervical length <2.5 cm has a relative risk of 3 for preterm delivery. Previous history of preterm birth has 3 times increased risk of preterm delivery in future pregnancies. History of urinary tract infection and vaginitis also increases risk of preterm delivery. The cervical length at 18-24 weeks, history of vaginitis and UTI were found to be independent risk factors for preterm delivery.