[Cervical length in predicting preterm labor]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Preterm birth, occurring between 20-37 weeks gestation, accounts for a significant portion of neonatal mortality.
• Identifying prognostic factors for preterm birth is crucial for improving neonatal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate cervical length measurement as a prognostic factor in threatened preterm labor.
• To determine the diagnostic accuracy of cervicometry in predicting preterm delivery.

Main Methods:

• An observational, prospective, longitudinal study was conducted with 73 pregnant women diagnosed with preterm labor (22-36 weeks gestation).
• Cervical length was measured using a vaginal transducer, with < 25 mm considered high risk.
• Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated.

Main Results:

• Cervical length < 25 mm correctly predicted preterm delivery in 10.7% of cases (true positives).
• Cervical length > 25 mm correctly predicted non-preterm delivery in 79.5% of cases (true negatives).
• The study included patients with singleton gestations, excluding those with specific high-risk conditions.

Conclusions:

• Cervicometry demonstrated high sensitivity (71%) and specificity (98%) in predicting preterm delivery.
• The positive predictive value was 91% and the negative predictive value was 94%.
• Cervical length measurement is a useful tool for the management and monitoring of threatened preterm labor.