Prediction of Preterm Delivery by Sonographic Estimation of Cervical Length

BACKGROUND: Identification of pregnant women presenting with threatened preterm labor who are destined to deliver prematurely would greatly assist planning their management. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the ultrasonographic measurement of cervical length as a prognostic factor for predicting preterm birth in cases of threatened preterm labor. METHODS: The study included 104 women with singleton pregnancies who presented with threatened preterm labor at 24-36 weeks of gestation. Cervical length at presentation was evaluated by transvaginal ultrasonography. Other potential prognostic factors, such as previous history of preterm labor, smoking, parity and administration of tocolytics were assessed. All women were observed for preterm delivery within 7 days of presentation. RESULTS: The only significant predictor of preterm delivery was cervical length assessed by ultrasound (p<0.000001, odds ratio 93.3, 95% Cl 10.4-837.1). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical length assessed by transvaginal ultrasonography in women presenting with threatened preterm labor is a powerful predictive tool for progression to preterm delivery.