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Published on: September 5, 2011
Shortened cervical length as a predictor of preterm delivery in twin gestations
Rachelle Schwartz1, José Prieto
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bayfront Medical Center, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701, USA. Raschwrtz1@aol.com
Objective:
To determine if a shortened screening cervical length measurement in twin gestations, measured between 16 and 24 weeks, is a predictor of preterm delivery.
Study Design:
A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who delivered twins at Bayfront Medical Center between January 1, 2006, and April 1, 2008.
Results:
One hundred eighty-three patient charts were reviewed. Ninety-seven patients had a screening cervical length and met inclusion criteria. A shortened cervical length was defined as < or = 25 mm. The sensitivity of a shortened cervical length in predicting preterm delivery at 28, 30 and 32 weeks was 100%, 60% and 43%, respectively. The negative predictive value for preterm delivery was > 95%. The gestational age at delivery was significantly earlier in the shortened cervical length group (33.25 vs. 35.97 weeks, p<0.001). Birth weight was notably lower in the shortened cervical length group (1,889 vs. 2,451 g, p<0.001).
Conclusion:
The greatest value of screening cervical length in twin gestations lies in its negative predictive value; however, screening twins may be helpful in identifying those women who will delivery prematurely.
