Pregnancy prolongation in women with preterm cervical dilatation utilizing out-patient preterm labor services

OBJECTIVE: To identify the impact of cervical dilatation on pregnancy prolongation in women with hospital evaluation of preterm labor (PTL) symptoms. METHODS: The study population was identified from a database comprising women receiving out-patient perinatal services. Women diagnosed with PTL, having a singleton gestation, with cervical dilatation of > or =2 cm, intact membranes, and at 22.0-34.9 weeks when hospitalized for evaluation of PTL symptoms were included. Data were analyzed by cervical dilatation at hospital evaluation. The primary study outcome was gestational gain from PTL diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 1435 patients were analyzed; mean cervical dilatation at hospitalization was 2.6 +/- 0.7 cm at a mean of 32.4 +/- 2.1 weeks' gestation. Following hospitalization, patients gained a mean of 26.0 +/- 17.2 days. Eighty-seven per cent resumed out-patient services. Approximately 15% delivered within 1 week of PTL evaluation. CONCLUSION: Even women with advanced cervical dilatation can achieve significant gestational gain. The degree of cervical dilatation has significant impact on latency to delivery in women evaluated for PTL.