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Zhuang Y, Li H, Na Q, Yin S, Li N. Prevention of Preterm Birth by Cervical Pessary Combined with Vaginal Progesterone: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis. Reprod Sci 2022; 30:93-110. [PMID: 35352330 PMCID: PMC9810688 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00926-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This study was to assess the effectiveness of cervical pessary combined with vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth (PTB). Ten studies about singleton [five randomized controlled trials (RCTs), vs vaginal progesterone; four cohorts, vs vaginal progesterone; two cohorts, vs cervical cerclage + vaginal progesterone] and two cohort studies about multiple pregnancies (vs vaginal progesterone) were included after searching electronic databases. For singleton pregnancies, the meta-analysis of three non-RCTs [relative risk (RR) = 0.41, p = 0.001] or total trials in non-Asian country (RR = 0.56, p = 0.03) revealed that compared with vaginal progesterone alone, cervical pessary + vaginal progesterone treatment had significant effectiveness on preventing PTB < 34 weeks, but not for five RCTs; meta-analysis of two trials showed that cervical pessary + vaginal progesterone had no significant prevention effects of PTB compared with cervical cerclage + vaginal progesterone. For multiple pregnancies, meta-analysis of two trials showed that compared with vaginal progesterone, cervical pessary + vaginal progesterone treatment increased neonatal birth weight (standardized mean difference = 0.50, p = 0.01). Trial sequential analysis implied additional studies were required. Four studies vs other controls (pessary, three-combined, tocolysis, conservative or no treatment; one study, each) were selected for systematic review. In conclusion, cervical pessary combined with vaginal progesterone may be safe and effective to prevent PTB in singleton pregnancies and increase neonatal birth weight in the multiple pregnancies compared with vaginal progesterone alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Zhuang
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Shenyang, 110004 China
| | - Huan Li
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Shenyang, 110004 China
| | - Quan Na
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Shenyang, 110004 China
| | - Shaowei Yin
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Shenyang, 110004 China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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Seravalli V, Strambi N, D’Arienzo A, Magni F, Bernardi L, Morucchio A, Di Tommaso M. Patient’s experience with the Arabin cervical pessary during pregnancy: A questionnaire survey. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261830. [PMID: 35020768 PMCID: PMC8754293 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
The cervical pessary is used in women with precocious cervical ripening to prevent preterm birth. Up to now however, there have been no systematic studies on compliance and tolerance, which vary among different study cohorts.
Material and methods
A questionnaire was administered to 166 women treated with the Arabin cervical pessary in one center. Data were analysed about the patient’s experience before insertion (adequacy of information received), during treatment (follow-up, impact on daily life, perceived discomfort, side effects) and at the time of removal (pain, if the patient’s expectations had been met regarding the treatment).
Results
Information received before the insertion of the Arabin cervical pessary was considered adequate in 163/166 (98.2%) women. An increase in vaginal discharge was experienced by 70/166 (42.2%) women. Discomfort or other side effects were reported in 13.8% and 16.3% of cases, respectively. Overall, 77% of women reported an improved quality of life and 94% considered the follow-up during pregnancy adequate. Removal was moderately painful for 58/166 (35%) of women. Patient’s expectations regarding the treatment were exceeded in the majority of cases (75.3%). In a final step, we compared our results to previous studies regarding the use of the pessary in singleton and twin pregnancies.
Conclusion
Although some trials report high rates of non-compliant patients, this could not be confirmed by our study. In contrast, most women reported having a positive experience and that they were motivated to continue the treatment when they were continuously followed by experienced clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Seravalli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Noemi Strambi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Magni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ludovico Bernardi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Morucchio
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Gulersen M, Divon MY, Krantz D, Chervenak FA, Bornstein E. The risk of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic women with a short cervix (≤25 mm) at 23-28 weeks' gestation. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2019; 2:100059. [PMID: 33345952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2019.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asymptomatic short cervical length is an independent risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth. However, most studies have focused on the associated risk of a short cervical length when encountered between 16 and 23 weeks' gestation. The relationship between cervical length and risk of spontaneous preterm birth after 23 weeks is not well known. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the risk of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic women with a short cervix (≤25 mm) at 23-28 weeks' gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study of women with asymptomatic short cervix (cervical length ≤25 mm) at extreme prematurity, defined as 23-28 weeks' gestation, was performed at a single center from January 2015 to March 2018. Women with symptoms of preterm labor, multiple gestations, fetal or uterine anomalies, cervical cerclage, or those with incomplete data were excluded from the study. Demographic information as well as data on risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth were collected. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on the cervical length measurement (≤10 mm, 11-15 mm, 16-20 mm, and 21-25 mm). The primary outcome was time interval from enrollment to delivery. Secondary outcomes included delivery within 1 and 2 weeks of enrollment, gestational age at delivery, and delivery prior to 32, 34, and 37 weeks, respectively. Continuous variables were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test, whereas categorical variables were compared using the χ2 or Fisher exact test as appropriate. The Wilcoxon test for difference in survival time was used to compare gestational age at delivery among the 4 cervical length groups, with data stratified based on gestational age at enrollment. RESULTS Of the 126 pregnancies that met inclusion criteria, 22 (17.4%) had a cervical length of ≤10 mm, 23 (18.3%) had a cervical length of 11-15 mm, 37 (29.4%) had a cervical length of 16-20 mm, and 44 (34.9%) had a cervical length of 21-25 mm. Baseline characteristics were similar among all 4 groups. The shorter cervical length group was associated with a shorter time interval from enrollment to delivery (cervical length ≤10 mm, 10 weeks; cervical length 11-15 mm, 12.7 weeks; cervical length of 16-20 mm, 13 weeks; cervical length of 21-25 mm, 13.2 weeks; P = .006). Regardless of the cervical length measurement, delivery within 2 weeks was extremely uncommon (1 patient; 0.8%). The prevalence of spontaneous preterm birth at <32 weeks or <34 weeks was higher in women with a cervical length of ≤10 mm compared to those with a longer cervical length (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The risk of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic women with a sonographic short cervix increases as cervical length decreases. The risk is substantially higher in women with a cervical length of ≤10 mm. Women with a cervical length of ≤10 mm also had the shortest time interval to delivery. Nevertheless, delivery within 1 or 2 weeks is highly unlikely, regardless of the cervical length at the time of enrollment. Therefore, based on our data, we suggest that management decisions such as timing of administration of antenatal corticosteroids in asymptomatic patients with a cervical length of ≤25 mm at 23-28 weeks' gestation may be delayed until additional indications are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moti Gulersen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital-Northwell Health, New York, NY.
| | - Michael Y Divon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital-Northwell Health, New York, NY
| | | | - Frank A Chervenak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital-Northwell Health, New York, NY
| | - Eran Bornstein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital-Northwell Health, New York, NY
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Liu J, Song G, Meng T, Zhao G. Vaginal progesterone combined with cervical pessary in preventing preterm birth: a meta-analysis. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 34:3050-3056. [PMID: 31619103 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1677596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vaginal progesterone and cervical pessary are both shown to be effective in preventing preterm. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate whether the combination of these two interventions has any additional benefit in preventing preterm birth and improving perinatal outcomes in asymptomatic women with a singleton gestation who had a midtrimester sonographic short cervix compared with vaginal progesterone alone. METHODS Five databases were searched from their inception to 21 February 2019. We estimated relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous outcomes. The primary outcome was preterm birth <34 weeks, and second outcomes included low birth weight (LBW) delivery, perinatal death, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. RESULTS Three RCTs with a total of 820 participants were identified. Cervical pessary had no significant prevention effect of preterm birth when combined with vaginal progesterone compared to the control group with vaginal progesterone alone (RR = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.47-1.77). No significant difference has been revealed between groups in LBW delivery (RR = 1.13; 95% CI, 0.86-1.48), perinatal death (RR = 1.27; 95% CI, 0.58-2.78) and NICU admission (RR = 1.24; 95% CI, 0.84-1.85). CONCLUSIONS Comparing with vaginal progesterone alone, cervical pessary plus vaginal progesterone did not reduce the rates of preterm birth at <34 weeks of gestation. There was no difference in LBW delivery, perinatal death, and NICU admission. We need more evidence to balance the benefit and side effects on the combination of vaginal progesterone and cervical pessary for preventing preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guang Song
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tao Meng
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ge Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Feltovich H. Labour and delivery: a clinician's perspective on a biomechanics problem. Interface Focus 2019; 9:20190032. [PMID: 31485317 PMCID: PMC6710663 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2019.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Predicting how and when a pregnant woman will deliver her fetus has always been a problem for the clinician, and, consequently, there has been little progress made in preventing poor outcomes from pregnancies that deliver too soon or too late. In the opinion of the author, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, rethinking labour within a biomechanical framework and studying it like an engineering problem could be a promising approach to unlocking the mysteries of labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Feltovich
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, Intermountain Health Care, Salt Lake City, UT 84111-1453, USA
- Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin Madison, 1003 WIMR, 1111 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Shor S, Zimerman A, Maymon R, Kovo M, Wolf M, Wiener I, Bar J, Melcer Y. Combined therapy with vaginal progesterone, Arabin cervical pessary and cervical cerclage to prevent preterm delivery in high-risk women. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 34:2154-2158. [PMID: 31438741 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1659771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Vaginal progesterone cervical cerclage and Arabin cervical pessary are considered as preventive treatments in women at risk for preterm birth. However, there is less evidence as to which of these interventions is the preferred management. The current study aims was to compare the outcome of pregnancy in women with a short cervical length managed with 4 different treatment protocols: therapy with vaginal progesterone, cervical cerclage and an Arabin cervical pessary (group A), Arabin cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone (group B), cervical cerclage and vaginal progesterone (group C), or vaginal progesterone alone (group D). METHODS A retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies managed in three tertiary medical centers between September 2011 and December 2017. RESULTS In the study period, 286 pregnant women underwent vaginal ultrasonography between 15 and 29 weeks gestation. They all had a short cervical length (≤25 mm). Of these, 18 (6.3%), 120 (41.9%), 38 (13.3%) and 110 (38.5%) patients received treatment classifying them into groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. A significantly higher rate of patients in group A had either a history of cervical incompetence (44.4 versus 9.2 versus 7.9 and 0.9%, respectively, p = .0001) or a cervical procedure (61.1 versus 37.5 versus 28.9 and 27.3%, respectively, p = .027) compared to patients in group B, C, and D. Despite having a shorter cervical length at recruitment in group A (median (range); 14.5 (0-25) versus 15 (0-25) versus 15.5 (0-25) and 19 (2-25) mm, respectively, p = .002) the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery <37-week gestation was similar across groups (44.4 versus 32.5 versus 36.8 versus 32.7%, respectively, p = .665). CONCLUSION A combined rescue therapy involving vaginal progesterone, cervical cerclage, and Arabin cervical pessary emerges as a promising management strategy in pregnant women who have a short cervical length and a high background risk for preterm delivery. This combination may prolong their pregnancy and safely bring them near term. Additional studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimrit Shor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center, formerly Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Ariel Zimerman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center, formerly Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Ron Maymon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center, formerly Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Michal Kovo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel, both affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Maya Wolf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Nahariya, affiliated with the Bar Ilan University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ifat Wiener
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center, formerly Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Jacob Bar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel, both affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yaakov Melcer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center, formerly Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
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Melcer Y, Kovo M, Maymon R, Bar J, Wiener I, Neeman O, Pekar-Zlotin M, Zimerman A. Arabin cervical pessary with vaginal progesterone versus vaginal progesterone for preventing preterm delivery. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 33:3439-3444. [PMID: 30669913 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1573894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To compare the rate of preterm delivery in pregnant women with a short cervical length managed with Arabin cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone versus vaginal progesterone alone.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of singletons pregnancies managed in two tertiary medical centers between September 2011 and May 2017. One center utilized the combined treatment of Arabin cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone (study group) and the second utilized vaginal progesterone approach (control group).Results: During the study period, a total of 202 pregnant women who underwent vaginal ultrasonography between 15 and 29 weeks gestation. They all had short cervical length (≤25 mm). Among them, 94 (46.5%) and 108 (53.5%) patients were in the study and control group, respectively. A significantly higher rate of patients in the study group had either a history of cervical incompetence (9.6 vs. 0.9%, respectively, p = 0.006) or cervical surgery (7.9 vs. 0%, respectively, p = .003). Despite having shorter cervical length at recruitment (14.3 ± 5.9 vs. 16.9 ± 5.7, respectively, p = .002) the rate of spontaneous delivery < 34-week gestation was lower in the study group (7.4 vs. 17.6%, respectively, p = .036) and they delivered 1-week later compared to the control group (37.2 ± 2.1 vs. 36.2 ± 3.7, respectively, p = 0.02).Conclusion: We found that for pregnant women with singletons and who had a short cervical length, the combined treatment of Arabin cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone had lower rate of preterm delivery < 34 weeks of gestation and prolonged gestation compared to those women who were treated with vaginal progesterone alone. Our preliminary findings warrant randomized control studies in order to further illuminate our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaakov Melcer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center (formerly Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin, Israel
| | - Michal Kovo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel (both affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel)
| | - Ron Maymon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center (formerly Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin, Israel
| | - Jacob Bar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel (both affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel)
| | - Ifat Wiener
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center (formerly Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin, Israel
| | - Ortal Neeman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assuta Hospital, Ashdod, Israel (affiliated to University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Ben-Gurion, Israel)
| | - Marina Pekar-Zlotin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center (formerly Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin, Israel
| | - Ariel Zimerman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center (formerly Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin, Israel
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Conde-Agudelo A, Romero R, Da Fonseca E, O'Brien JM, Cetingoz E, Creasy GW, Hassan SS, Erez O, Pacora P, Nicolaides KH. Vaginal progesterone is as effective as cervical cerclage to prevent preterm birth in women with a singleton gestation, previous spontaneous preterm birth, and a short cervix: updated indirect comparison meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 219:10-25. [PMID: 29630885 PMCID: PMC6449041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An indirect comparison meta-analysis published in 2013 reported that both vaginal progesterone and cerclage are equally efficacious for preventing preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcomes in women with a singleton gestation, previous spontaneous preterm birth, and a sonographic short cervix. The efficacy of vaginal progesterone has been challenged after publication of the OPPTIMUM study. However, this has been resolved by an individual patient-data meta-analysis (Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018;218:161-180). OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of vaginal progesterone and cerclage in preventing preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcomes in women with a singleton gestation, previous spontaneous preterm birth, and a midtrimester sonographic short cervix. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and CINAHL (from their inception to March 2018); Cochrane databases, bibliographies, and conference proceedings. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials comparing vaginal progesterone to placebo/no treatment or cerclage to no cerclage in women with a singleton gestation, previous spontaneous preterm birth, and a sonographic cervical length <25 mm. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS Updated systematic review and adjusted indirect comparison meta-analysis of vaginal progesterone vs cerclage using placebo/no cerclage as the common comparator. The primary outcomes were preterm birth <35 weeks of gestation and perinatal mortality. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS Five trials comparing vaginal progesterone vs placebo (265 women) and 5 comparing cerclage vs no cerclage (504 women) were included. Vaginal progesterone, compared to placebo, significantly reduced the risk of preterm birth <35 and <32 weeks of gestation, composite perinatal morbidity/mortality, neonatal sepsis, composite neonatal morbidity, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (RRs from 0.29 to 0.68). Cerclage, compared to no cerclage, significantly decreased the risk of preterm birth <37, <35, <32, and <28 weeks of gestation, composite perinatal morbidity/mortality, and birthweight <1500 g (RRs from 0.64 to 0.70). Adjusted indirect comparison meta-analyses did not show statistically significant differences between vaginal progesterone and cerclage in the reduction of preterm birth or adverse perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSION Vaginal progesterone and cerclage are equally effective for preventing preterm birth and improving perinatal outcomes in women with a singleton gestation, previous spontaneous preterm birth, and a midtrimester sonographic short cervix. The choice of treatment will depend on adverse events and cost-effectiveness of interventions and patient/physician's preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Conde-Agudelo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
| | - Eduardo Da Fonseca
- Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital do Servidor Publico Estadual "Francisco Morato de Oliveira" and School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - John M O'Brien
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Elcin Cetingoz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turkish Red Crescent Altintepe Medical Center, Maltepe, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - George W Creasy
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Offer Erez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Percy Pacora
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Kypros H Nicolaides
- Harris Birthright Research Center for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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9
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Romero R, Conde-Agudelo A, Da Fonseca E, O'Brien JM, Cetingoz E, Creasy GW, Hassan SS, Nicolaides KH. Vaginal progesterone for preventing preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcomes in singleton gestations with a short cervix: a meta-analysis of individual patient data. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 218:161-180. [PMID: 29157866 PMCID: PMC5987201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.11.576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of vaginal progesterone for preventing preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcomes in singleton gestations with a short cervix has been questioned after publication of the OPPTIMUM study. OBJECTIVE To determine whether vaginal progesterone prevents preterm birth and improves perinatal outcomes in asymptomatic women with a singleton gestation and a midtrimester sonographic short cervix. STUDY DESIGN We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and CINAHL (from their inception to September 2017); Cochrane databases; bibliographies; and conference proceedings for randomized controlled trials comparing vaginal progesterone vs placebo/no treatment in women with a singleton gestation and a midtrimester sonographic cervical length ≤25 mm. This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data. The primary outcome was preterm birth <33 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes included adverse perinatal outcomes and neurodevelopmental and health outcomes at 2 years of age. Individual patient data were analyzed using a 2-stage approach. Pooled relative risks with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE methodology. RESULTS Data were available from 974 women (498 allocated to vaginal progesterone, 476 allocated to placebo) with a cervical length ≤25 mm participating in 5 high-quality trials. Vaginal progesterone was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of preterm birth <33 weeks of gestation (relative risk, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.81; P = .0006; high-quality evidence). Moreover, vaginal progesterone significantly decreased the risk of preterm birth <36, <35, <34, <32, <30, and <28 weeks of gestation; spontaneous preterm birth <33 and <34 weeks of gestation; respiratory distress syndrome; composite neonatal morbidity and mortality; birthweight <1500 and <2500 g; and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (relative risks from 0.47-0.82; high-quality evidence for all). There were 7 (1.4%) neonatal deaths in the vaginal progesterone group and 15 (3.2%) in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-1.07; P = .07; low-quality evidence). Maternal adverse events, congenital anomalies, and adverse neurodevelopmental and health outcomes at 2 years of age did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION Vaginal progesterone decreases the risk of preterm birth and improves perinatal outcomes in singleton gestations with a midtrimester sonographic short cervix, without any demonstrable deleterious effects on childhood neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
| | - Agustin Conde-Agudelo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Eduardo Da Fonseca
- Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital do Servidor Publico Estadual "Francisco Morato de Oliveira" and School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - John M O'Brien
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Elcin Cetingoz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turkish Red Crescent Altintepe Medical Center, Maltepe, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - George W Creasy
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Kypros H Nicolaides
- Harris Birthright Research Center for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Zheng L, Dong J, Dai Y, Zhang Y, Shi L, Wei M, Jin X, Li C, Zhang S. Cervical pessaries for the prevention of preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2017; 32:1654-1663. [PMID: 29212400 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1414795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cervical pessaries for the prevention of preterm birth. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and other sources from inception to July 2016. This analysis referred to pregnant women with singleton/multiple viable fetus/fetuses, with or without cervical pessary placement. RESULTS Six randomized control trials and five cohort studies involving 3911 participants were included. Overall, cervical pessary placement was slightly associated with the decrease of spontaneous delivery less than 34 weeks (relative risk 0.65 [95% CI: 0.44-0.96]) and increased gestational age at delivery (weighted mean difference 1.03 weeks [95% CI: 0.37-1.70]) in multiple pregnancies, but not with poor perinatal outcomes. Pessary placement in singleton pregnancies did not show any difference. A planned subgroup analysis showed multiple pregnancies with shorter cervical length (≤25 mm) had a longer prolongation of pregnancy (weighted mean difference 2.08 weeks [95% CI: 1.35-2.82]). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis suggested pessary placement could slightly reduce the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery before 34 weeks, and increase gestational age at delivery in multiple pregnancies, but not in singleton pregnancies. More studies of high quality with detailed records are urgent to confirm the efficacy of this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Zheng
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University , Jianggan District, Hangzhou , China
| | - Jun Dong
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University , Jianggan District, Hangzhou , China
| | - Yongdong Dai
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University , Jianggan District, Hangzhou , China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University , Jianggan District, Hangzhou , China
| | - Libing Shi
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University , Jianggan District, Hangzhou , China
| | - Minling Wei
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University , Jianggan District, Hangzhou , China
| | - Xiaoying Jin
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University , Jianggan District, Hangzhou , China
| | - Chao Li
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University , Jianggan District, Hangzhou , China
| | - Songying Zhang
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University , Jianggan District, Hangzhou , China
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Farghali M, Abdelazim I, Abdelrazek K. Delayed second twin delivery: benefits and risks. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2017; 32:1626-1632. [PMID: 29198155 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1413547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of reports describe the delayed second twin delivery for days, or weeks with good results in the majority of the cases, and different survival rate between centers, without reported randomized controlled trials (RCTs). OBJECTIVES This study was designed to evaluate the suggested management of the delayed second twin delivery in the Sabah Maternity Hospital regarding its outcome, possible risks, and benefits. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-seven twin pregnancies with preterm labor (PTL) of the first fetus between 20-30 weeks, and delayed delivery of the second twin were included in this study. Studied women signed informed consent about the possible risks of keeping the live fetus in the hostile intrauterine environment, and benefits of the prolonged gestation for the second twin. Throughout the conservative treatment of the second twin, the studied women were hospitalized with regular follow up for infections, consumptive coagulopathy parameters, and wellbeing of the second twin. RESULTS There was significant difference in the gestational age at delivery between the first and second twin (22.6 ± 3.4 versus 34.3 ± 2.5 weeks; respectively, p = .01). There was significant difference in the birth weight between the first and second twin (435 ± 91.2 versus 1472 ± 61.5 g; respectively, p = .004). The rate of the cesarean delivery was significantly high during delivery of the second twin compared with the first twin (23.4% (11/47) versus 0% (0/47); respectively, p = .0001) with high survival rate for the second twin (85.1% (40/47)) after the delayed second twin delivery. CONCLUSIONS The birth weight, the gestational age, and the survival rate of the studied second twin significantly increased after the suggested management of the delayed second twin delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Farghali
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Abdelazim
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Khaled Abdelrazek
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University , Cairo , Egypt
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12
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Romero R, Conde‐Agudelo A, El‐Refaie W, Rode L, Brizot ML, Cetingoz E, Serra V, Da Fonseca E, Abdelhafez MS, Tabor A, Perales A, Hassan SS, Nicolaides KH. Vaginal progesterone decreases preterm birth and neonatal morbidity and mortality in women with a twin gestation and a short cervix: an updated meta-analysis of individual patient data. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2017; 49:303-314. [PMID: 28067007 PMCID: PMC5396280 DOI: 10.1002/uog.17397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth and neonatal morbidity and mortality in asymptomatic women with a twin gestation and a sonographic short cervix (cervical length ≤ 25 mm) in the mid-trimester. METHODS This was an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data (IPD) from randomized controlled trials comparing vaginal progesterone with placebo/no treatment in women with a twin gestation and a mid-trimester sonographic cervical length ≤ 25 mm. MEDLINE, EMBASE, POPLINE, CINAHL and LILACS (all from inception to 31 December 2016), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Research Registers of ongoing trials, Google Scholar, conference proceedings and reference lists of identified studies were searched. The primary outcome measure was preterm birth < 33 weeks' gestation. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed the risk of bias and extracted the data. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS IPD were available for 303 women (159 assigned to vaginal progesterone and 144 assigned to placebo/no treatment) and their 606 fetuses/infants from six randomized controlled trials. One study, which included women with a cervical length between 20 and 25 mm, provided 74% of the total sample size of the IPD meta-analysis. Vaginal progesterone, compared with placebo/no treatment, was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of preterm birth < 33 weeks' gestation (31.4% vs 43.1%; RR, 0.69 (95% CI, 0.51-0.93); moderate-quality evidence). Moreover, vaginal progesterone administration was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of preterm birth < 35, < 34, < 32 and < 30 weeks' gestation (RRs ranging from 0.47 to 0.83), neonatal death (RR, 0.53 (95% CI, 0.35-0.81)), respiratory distress syndrome (RR, 0.70 (95% CI, 0.56-0.89)), composite neonatal morbidity and mortality (RR, 0.61 (95% CI, 0.34-0.98)), use of mechanical ventilation (RR, 0.54 (95% CI, 0.36-0.81)) and birth weight < 1500 g (RR, 0.53 (95% CI, 0.35-0.80)) (all moderate-quality evidence). There were no significant differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes at 4-5 years of age between the vaginal progesterone and placebo groups. CONCLUSION Administration of vaginal progesterone to asymptomatic women with a twin gestation and a sonographic short cervix in the mid-trimester reduces the risk of preterm birth occurring at < 30 to < 35 gestational weeks, neonatal mortality and some measures of neonatal morbidity, without any demonstrable deleterious effects on childhood neurodevelopment. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentNational Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human ServicesBethesda, MD and DetroitMIUSA
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and GeneticsWayne State UniversityDetroitMIUSA
| | - A. Conde‐Agudelo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentNational Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human ServicesBethesda, MD and DetroitMIUSA
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
| | - W. El‐Refaie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mansoura University HospitalsMansoura UniversityMansouraEgypt
| | - L. Rode
- Center of Fetal Medicine and Pregnancy, Department of ObstetricsCopenhagen University HospitalRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Clinical BiochemistryHerlev and Gentofte HospitalHerlevDenmark
| | - M. L. Brizot
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySão Paulo University Medical SchoolSão PauloBrazil
| | - E. Cetingoz
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyZeynep Kamil Women and Children Diseases Education and Research HospitalUskudarIstanbulTurkey
| | - V. Serra
- Maternal‐Fetal Medicine Unit, Instituto Valenciano de InfertilidadUniversity of ValenciaValenciaSpain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - E. Da Fonseca
- Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital do Servidor Publico Estadual ‘Francisco Morato de Oliveira’ and School of MedicineUniversity of São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - M. S. Abdelhafez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mansoura University HospitalsMansoura UniversityMansouraEgypt
| | - A. Tabor
- Center of Fetal Medicine and Pregnancy, Department of ObstetricsCopenhagen University HospitalRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
- University of CopenhagenFaculty of Health SciencesCopenhagenDenmark
| | - A. Perales
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of ValenciaValenciaSpain
- Department of ObstetricsUniversity Hospital La FeValenciaSpain
| | - S. S. Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentNational Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human ServicesBethesda, MD and DetroitMIUSA
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
| | - K. H. Nicolaides
- Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal MedicineKing's College HospitalLondonUK
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13
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Melamed N, Pittini A, Hiersch L, Yogev Y, Korzeniewski SJ, Romero R, Barrett J. Do serial measurements of cervical length improve the prediction of preterm birth in asymptomatic women with twin gestations? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 215:616.e1-616.e14. [PMID: 27365003 PMCID: PMC5086275 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical length at midtrimester is a powerful predictor of preterm birth in twin gestations. However, given the fact that, in some cases, cervical shortening may become evident only later during the second trimester, it seems reasonable that serial monitoring of cervical length may improve the detection of preterm birth in women with twins. However, data in support of such a practice are limited and conflicting. The contradictory results may be related to the fact that in most of these studies, the analysis of the predictive value of serial measurements of cervical length was limited to data derived from only two sequential measurements of cervical length, while data on the predictive value of multiple (>2) measurements are scarce. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether serial measurements of cervical length can improve the prediction of preterm birth in asymptomatic women with twin gestations compared with a single measurement of cervical length at midgestation. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study of women with twin pregnancies followed up in a tertiary medical center from 2012 through 2014. All participants underwent routine measurement of cervical length at midgestation and every 2-3 weeks thereafter until 28-32 weeks. For each patient, cervical length was determined at the following time periods: 18+0 to 21+6 weeks (period 1, routine exam), 22+0 to 24+6 weeks (period 2), 25+0 to 27+6 weeks (period 3), and 28+0 to 32+0 weeks (period 4). Measurements of cervical length at periods 2-4 were analyzed in the form of either absolute length (in millimeters) or percent shortening relative to cervical length at period 1. The performance of a stepwise algorithm that incorporated serial measurements of cervical length for the prediction of preterm birth was compared to that achieved with a single measurement of cervical length at period 1. RESULTS Overall, 441 women with twin pregnancies who were eligible for the study underwent a total of 2374 cervical length measurements. The association of a short cervix (<10th percentile) with preterm birth at <32 weeks persisted in each of the 4 periods of gestation [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 7.2 (3.1-16.5), 15.3 (6.4-36.7), 10.3 (4.4-24.3), and 23.1(8.3-64.1), respectively]. Compared with a single measurement of cervical length at midgestation (period 1), a stepwise algorithm integrating serial cervical length measurements from all 4 successive gestational age periods resulted in a significant increase in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.917 vs 0.613, P < .001). Similarly, when a target false-positive rate of 5% was used, the same stepwise algorithm was associated with a higher detection rate (69% vs 28%, P < .001), higher positive likelihood ratio (14.54 vs 5.12), and lower negative likelihood ratio (0.32 vs 0.76) for preterm birth at <32 weeks compared with a single measurement of cervical length at period 1. CONCLUSION Integration of serial measurements of cervical length using a stepwise algorithm in asymptomatic women with twin gestations can improve the detection of women at risk of preterm birth. Prospective studies are needed to validate these findings, and to investigate whether improved risk assessment performance is sufficient to offset the additional costs associated with serial cervical length measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Melamed
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Alex Pittini
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liran Hiersch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Hospital for Women, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yariv Yogev
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Hospital for Women, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Steven J Korzeniewski
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jon Barrett
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Melamed N, Pittini A, Hiersch L, Yogev Y, Korzeniewski SS, Romero R, Barrett J. Serial cervical length determination in twin pregnancies reveals 4 distinct patterns with prognostic significance for preterm birth. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 215:476.e1-476.e11. [PMID: 27207277 PMCID: PMC5045791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with a twin gestation are at increased risk for preterm birth (PTB), and sonographic cervical length (CL) is a powerful predictor for spontaneous PTB. Obstetricians frequently monitor CL in multiple gestations; yet, the optimal method to integrate and interpret the results of serial sonographic CL has not been determined. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether there are different patterns of cervical shortening in twin gestations, and whether such patterns are related to the risk of PTB. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective study of all women with twins followed up in a single tertiary referral center during 2012 through 2014. All women underwent serial measurements of CL every 2-3 weeks starting from 14-18 weeks and until 28-32 weeks of gestation. Changes in CL were analyzed and classified into distinct patterns that were initially identified by visual inspection of all individual cases. Each pattern was then characterized by several parameters including information about when cervical shortening began, the rate of shortening, and whether a plateau was observed. Locally weighted regression mean profiles were generated to describe each pattern of CL over time. The association of these patterns with spontaneous PTB was determined. The specific characteristics of each pattern that further determined the risk of PTB were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS We studied 441 women who had a total of 2826 measurements of CL done. Overall, 4 main patterns of change in CL were identified: pattern I, stable cervix (n = 196); pattern II, early and rapid shortening (n = 18); pattern III, late shortening (n = 109); and pattern IV, early shortening with a plateau (n = 118). The rate of PTB at <34 weeks was lowest in cases of pattern I (11.7%), followed by pattern IV (14.4%) and pattern III (20.2%), and was highest for women with pattern II (44.4%) (P < .001). In cases with pattern III (late shortening), the most important factors affecting the risk of PTB were the shortening rate, the gestational age at the onset of cervical shortening, and the initial plateau of CL. In the case of pattern IV (early shortening with a plateau), it was only the new plateau at which cervical shortening stopped that was associated with the risk of PTB. CONCLUSION Changes in sonographic CL over time in twin gestations can be classified into 4 patterns, each associated with a different risk of PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Melamed
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Alex Pittini
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liran Hiersch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yariv Yogev
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Steven S Korzeniewski
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jon Barrett
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Abstract
Preterm birth is a major concern in modern obstetrics, and an important source of morbidity and mortality in newborns. Among twin pregnancies, especially, preterm birth is highly prevalent, and it accounts for almost 50% of the complications observed in this obstetrical population. In this article, we review the existing literature regarding the prediction and prevention of preterm birth in both symptomatic and asymptomatic twin pregnancies. In asymptomatic twin pregnancies, the best two predictive tests were cervical length (CL) measurement and cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing. A single measurement of transvaginal CL at 20-24 weeks of gestation <20 mm or <25 mm is a good predictor of spontaneous preterm birth at <28, <32, and <34 weeks of gestation. A CL beyond 25 mm is associated with a 2% risk for birth before 28 weeks and with a 65% chance for a term pregnancy. Cervicovaginal fFN may be slightly less accurate than CL; however, it has a high negative predictive value in women presenting with threatened preterm labor, as <2% of these women will deliver within one week if the fFN is negative. In symptomatic twin pregnancies, no tests have proven accurate in predicting the risk of preterm birth. For the prevention of preterm birth in asymptomatic twins, regardless of CL, no treatment including bed rest, limitation of home activities, prophylactic tocolysis, progesterone, or cerclage has been shown to reduce the rate of preterm birth. Cervical pessaries might be of interest in cases where there is a short cervix (<25 mm and <38 mm, respectively) but these results need to confirmed in future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fuchs
- Departement de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France; INSERM, CESP Centre de recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations, U1018, Reproduction et Développement de l'enfant, Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, UMRS 1018, Villejuif, France
| | - M-V Senat
- Departement de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France; INSERM, CESP Centre de recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations, U1018, Reproduction et Développement de l'enfant, Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, UMRS 1018, Villejuif, France.
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16
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Conde-Agudelo A, Romero R. Predictive accuracy of changes in transvaginal sonographic cervical length over time for preterm birth: a systematic review and metaanalysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 213:789-801. [PMID: 26070703 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the accuracy of changes in transvaginal sonographic cervical length over time in predicting preterm birth in women with singleton and twin gestations. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase, Cinahl, Lilacs, and Medion (all from inception to June 30, 2015), bibliographies, Google scholar, and conference proceedings. Cohort or cross-sectional studies reporting on the predictive accuracy for preterm birth of changes in cervical length over time. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted the data. Summary receiver-operating characteristic curves, pooled sensitivities and specificities, and summary likelihood ratios were generated. RESULTS Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 7 provided data on singleton gestations (3374 women) and 8 on twin gestations (1024 women). Among women with singleton gestations, the shortening of cervical length over time had a low predictive accuracy for preterm birth at <37 and <35 weeks of gestation with pooled sensitivities and specificities, and summary positive and negative likelihood ratios ranging from 49% to 74%, 44% to 85%, 1.3 to 4.1, and 0.3 to 0.7, respectively. In women with twin gestations, the shortening of cervical length over time had a low to moderate predictive accuracy for preterm birth at <34, <32, <30, and <28 weeks of gestation with pooled sensitivities and specificities, and summary positive and negative likelihood ratios ranging from 47% to 73%, 84% to 89%, 3.8 to 5.3, and 0.3 to 0.6, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the predictive accuracies for preterm birth of cervical length shortening over time and the single initial and/or final cervical length measurement in 8 of 11 studies that provided data for making these comparisons. In the largest and highest-quality study, a single measurement of cervical length obtained at 24 or 28 weeks of gestation was significantly more predictive of preterm birth than any decrease in cervical length between these gestational ages. CONCLUSIONS Change in transvaginal sonographic cervical length over time is not a clinically useful test to predict preterm birth in women with singleton or twin gestations. A single cervical length measurement obtained between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation appears to be a better test to predict preterm birth than changes in cervical length over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Conde-Agudelo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development/National Institutes of Health/Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development/National Institutes of Health/Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; Department of Molecular Obstetrics and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
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17
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Kindinger LM, Poon LC, Cacciatore S, MacIntyre DA, Fox NS, Schuit E, Mol BW, Liem S, Lim AC, Serra V, Perales A, Hermans F, Darzi A, Bennett P, Nicolaides KH, Teoh TG. The effect of gestational age and cervical length measurements in the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth in twin pregnancies: an individual patient level meta-analysis. BJOG 2015; 123:877-84. [PMID: 26333191 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.13575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of gestational age (GA) and cervical length (CL) measurements at transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) in the prediction of preterm birth in twin pregnancy. DESIGN Individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis. SETTING International multicentre study. POPULATION Asymptomatic twin pregnancy. METHODS MEDLINE and EMBASE searches were performed and IPD obtained from authors of relevant studies. Multinomial logistic regression analysis determined probabilities for birth at ≤28(+0) , 28(+1) to 32(+0) , 32(+1) to 36(+0) , and ≥36(+1) weeks as a function of GA at screening and CL measurements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Predicted probabilities for preterm birth at ≤28(+0) , 28(+1) to 32(+0) , and 32(+1) to 36(+0) . RESULTS A total of 6188 CL measurements were performed on 4409 twin pregnancies in 12 studies. Both GA at screening and CL had a significant and non-linear effect on GA at birth. The best prediction of birth at ≤28(+0) weeks was provided by screening at ≤18(+0) weeks (P < 0.001), whereas the best prediction of birth between 28(+1) and 36(+0) weeks was provided by screening at ≥24(+0) weeks (P < 0.001). Negative prediction value of 100% for birth at ≤28(+0) weeks is achieved at CL 65 mm and 43 mm at ultrasound GA at ≤18(+0) weeks and at 22(+1) to 24(+0) weeks, respectively. CONCLUSION In twin pregnancies, prediction of preterm birth depends on both CL and the GA at screening. When CL is <30 mm, screening at ≤18(+0) weeks is most predictive for birth at ≤28(+0) weeks. Later screening at >22(+0) weeks is most predictive of delivery at 28(+1) to 36(+0) weeks. In twins, we recommend CL screening in twins to commence from ≤18(+0) weeks. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT An individual patient meta-analysis assessing gestation and CL in the prediction of preterm birth in twins.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Kindinger
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Fetal Medicine Unit, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - L C Poon
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, Kings College Hospital, London, UK
| | - S Cacciatore
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - D A MacIntyre
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - N S Fox
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates, PLLC, New York, NY, USA
| | - E Schuit
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - B W Mol
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - S Liem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A C Lim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - V Serra
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - A Perales
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, La FE, University and Polytechnic Hospital, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - F Hermans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A Darzi
- Department of Academic Surgery, St Marys Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - P Bennett
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - K H Nicolaides
- Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, Kings College Hospital, London, UK
| | - T G Teoh
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Precocious cervical ripening as a screening target to predict spontaneous preterm delivery among asymptomatic singleton pregnancies: a systematic review. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 212:145-56. [PMID: 25017411 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Revised: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Routine second-trimester transvaginal ultrasonographic (TVU) screening for short cervical length (CL) predicts spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD), albeit with limited sensitivity (35-40%) and a moderate positive likelihood ratio of 4-6. However, CL describes one of the multidimensional changes that are associated with precocious cervical ripening (PCCR) and that also include cervical softening, cervical funneling (CF), and dilation. PCCR, a precursor and a strong predictor for SPTD, was proposed as a potential screening target. We hypothesized that screening for composite measures of PCCR (eg, CL, CF, cervical consistency, and dilation) with the use of either digital examination or TVU would improve the prediction of SPTD compared with screening for short CL alone. We searched PubMed and EMBASE electronic databases for observational cohort studies to evaluate cervical screening in asymptomatic obstetric populations. Multidimensional composite cervical measures were assessed in 10 datasets (n = 22,050 pregnancies) and 12 publications. Appreciable heterogeneity in cervical measurements, data quality, and outcomes across studies prevented quantitative metaanalysis. Only one study reported intra- and interobserver reliability of cervical measurements. The prevalence of CF ranged from 0.7-9.1%. Five studies compared composite measures of PCCR (ie, CL and CF) with short CL alone and consistently reported improved screening performance. Among 3 TVU studies, gains in sensitivity ranged from 5-27%, and increases in positive likelihood ratio ranged from 3-16. Our findings suggest that composite measures of PCCR might serve as valuable screening targets. High-quality interdisciplinary studies that integrate epidemiologic approaches are needed to test this hypothesis and to accelerate the translation of advances in cervical pathophysiology into effective preventive interventions.
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Conde-Agudelo A, Romero R. Prediction of preterm birth in twin gestations using biophysical and biochemical tests. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2014; 211:583-95. [PMID: 25072736 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2014.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the performance of biophysical and biochemical tests for the prediction of preterm birth in both asymptomatic and symptomatic women with twin gestations. We identified a total of 19 tests proposed to predict preterm birth, mainly in asymptomatic women. In these women, a single measurement of cervical length with transvaginal ultrasound before 25 weeks of gestation appears to be a good test to predict preterm birth. Its clinical potential is enhanced by the evidence that vaginal progesterone administration in asymptomatic women with twin gestations and a short cervix reduces neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with spontaneous preterm delivery. Other tests proposed for the early identification of asymptomatic women at increased risk of preterm birth showed minimal to moderate predictive accuracy. None of the tests evaluated in this review meet the criteria to be considered clinically useful to predict preterm birth among patients with an episode of preterm labor. However, a negative cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin test could be useful in identifying women who are not at risk for delivering within the next week, which could avoid unnecessary hospitalization and treatment. This review underscores the need to develop accurate tests for predicting preterm birth in twin gestations. Moreover, the use of interventions in these patients based on test results should be associated with the improvement of perinatal outcomes.
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20
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Arabin B, Alfirevic Z. Cervical pessaries for prevention of spontaneous preterm birth: past, present and future. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2013; 42:390-9. [PMID: 23775862 PMCID: PMC4282542 DOI: 10.1002/uog.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Revised: 05/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This Review describes the rationale for the use of cervical pessaries to prevent spontaneous preterm birth and their gradual introduction into clinical practice, discusses technical aspects of the more commonly used designs and provides guidance for their use and future evaluation. Possible advantages of cervical pessaries include the easy, 'one-off' application, good side-effect profile, good patient tolerance and relatively low cost compared with current alternatives. Use of transvaginal sonography to assess cervical length in the second trimester allows much better selection of patients who may benefit from the use of a cervical pessary, but future clinical trials are needed to establish clearly the role of pessaries as a preterm birth prevention strategy worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Arabin
- Centre for Mother and Child of the Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Clara Angela Foundation, Witten, Germany
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Lim AC, Hegeman MA, Huis In 'T Veld MA, Opmeer BC, Bruinse HW, Mol BWJ. Cervical length measurement for the prediction of preterm birth in multiple pregnancies: a systematic review and bivariate meta-analysis. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2011; 38:10-17. [PMID: 21465606 DOI: 10.1002/uog.9013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review the literature on cervical length as a predictor of preterm birth in asymptomatic women with a multiple pregnancy. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase and reference lists of included articles to identify all studies that reported on the accuracy of cervical length for predicting preterm birth in asymptomatic women with a multiple pregnancy. We scored study characteristics and study quality, and extracted data in order to construct two-by-two tables cross-classifying cervical length and preterm delivery. Meta-analysis using a bivariate model was performed. Summary receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves were generated for various test characteristics and outcome definitions. RESULTS We found 21 studies reporting on 2757 women. There was a large variation in gestational age at measurement, cut-off point for cervical length and definition of preterm birth. The summary ROC curve indicated a good predictive capacity of short cervical length for preterm birth. Summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity for preterm birth before 34 weeks' gestation were 78% and 66%, respectively, for 35 mm, 41% and 87% for 30 mm, 36% and 94% for 25 mm and 30% and 94% for 20 mm. CONCLUSIONS In women with a multiple pregnancy, second-trimester cervical length is a strong predictor of preterm birth. In the absence of effective preventive strategies, there is currently no place in clinical practice for cervical length measurement in this population. However, future studies should evaluate preventive interventions in women with multiple pregnancies and a short cervix, and cervical length should be measured in any trial studying preventive strategies in multiple pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Lim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Conde-Agudelo A, Romero R, Hassan SS, Yeo L. Transvaginal sonographic cervical length for the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth in twin pregnancies: a systematic review and metaanalysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2010; 203:128.e1-12. [PMID: 20576253 PMCID: PMC3147231 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.02.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2009] [Revised: 12/24/2009] [Accepted: 02/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the accuracy of transvaginal sonographic cervical length (CL) in predicting spontaneous preterm birth in women with twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review and metaanalysis of predictive test accuracy. RESULTS Twenty-one studies (16 in asymptomatic women and 5 in symptomatic women) with a total of 3523 women met the inclusion criteria. Among asymptomatic women, a CL CONCLUSION Transvaginal sonographic CL at 20-24 weeks' gestation is a good predictor of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic women with twin pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Conde-Agudelo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development/National Institutes of Health/Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
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24
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Prévention de la prématurité spontanée chez les grossesses gémellaires asymptomatiques. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 38:S61-75. [DOI: 10.1016/s0368-2315(09)73562-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Meijer-Hoogeveen M, Roos C, Arabin B, Stoutenbeek P, Visser GHA. Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length in the supine and upright positions versus Bishop score in predicting successful induction of labor at term. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2009; 33:213-220. [PMID: 19173229 DOI: 10.1002/uog.6219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the predictive value of cervical length as measured by transvaginal sonography (TVS) in supine and upright maternal positions for the mode of delivery and induction-to-delivery interval after induction of labor at term, and to compare these measurements with the Bishop score and its predictive value. METHODS TVS for cervical length measurement in the supine and upright positions and digital examination of the cervix were performed in 68 nulliparous and 34 parous women before induction of labor at term. In assessing the predictive value of the Bishop score and TVS parameters for a vaginal delivery after labor induction only nulliparous women were included in the analysis, since all the parous women delivered vaginally. Both nulliparous and parous women were included in the analysis of the induction-to-delivery interval. The method of labor induction, oxytocin or prostaglandin, was determined on the basis of the pre-induction Bishop score. RESULTS Logistic regression analysis showed in nulliparous women that only the cervical length measured in the upright position was a significant predictor of the need for Cesarean section (odds ratio 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02-1.27). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristics curve in predicting the need for Cesarean section because of failure to progress were higher for the cervical length, both in supine and upright positions, than for the Bishop score (0.66, 0.68 and 0.46, respectively). Only the Bishop score correlated significantly with the induction-to-delivery interval in both nulliparous and parous women. However, this may have been due to a selection bias, as no significant correlation with Bishop score was found when the oxytocin and prostaglandin induction-to-delivery intervals were analyzed separately. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that maternal postural change might improve the accuracy of sonographically-measured cervical length for predicting a vaginal delivery after induction of labor at term. However, our results need to be confirmed in a larger and more homogeneous population.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Meijer-Hoogeveen
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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26
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Arabin B, van Eyck J. Delayed-interval delivery in twin and triplet pregnancies: 17 years of experience in 1 perinatal center. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009; 200:154.e1-8. [PMID: 19110229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2008.08.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2008] [Revised: 06/02/2008] [Accepted: 08/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There are few prospective cohorts of delayed-interval delivery for twin and triplet pregnancies. Nonetheless, the procedure is an option to improve perinatal outcome. STUDY DESIGN A standard protocol was designed before candidates for delayed interval were managed by the 2 authors from 1991 to 2007. Perinatal as maternal outcomes were evaluated up to 1 year. RESULTS In 93 twin and 34 triplet pregnancies, the inclusion criteria were fulfilled; in 45 twin and 8 triplet pregnancies, there were contraindications to prolong pregnancy; and in 10 twin and 26 triplet pregnancies, asynchronous delivery was not possible because of immediate delivery of the remaining multiples. Thus, the procedure was performed in only 41% (38/93) of twin and 35% (12/34) of triplet pregnancies admitted with threatening early delivery. Among twin pregnancies, the mean delay was 19 (1-107) days. When the first delivery was less than 25 weeks, no first twin but 9 of 18 second twins (50%) survived (P < .001). Survival rate of first twins born beyond 25 weeks was 13 of 20 (65%) compared with 19 of 20 (95%) (P = .03) in corresponding second twins. In 7 of 12 triplet pregnancies with the first born less than 25 weeks, 2 of 14 remaining triplets survived after an interval of 118 days. Beyond 25 weeks, 3 of 5 first and 4 of 10 remaining triplets survived after intervals of 2-13 days (P = n.s.). Delay between second and third triplet was never longer than 2 days. Frequent maternal complications were chorioamnionitis (22%), postpartum hemorrhage, retained placenta (10%), and abruption (6%). CONCLUSION Our study provides data to assist physicians in the informed consent process when asynchronous delivery is considered and feasible.
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Meijer-Hoogeveen M, Van Holsbeke C, Van Der Tweel I, Stoutenbeek P, Visser GHA. Sonographic longitudinal cervical length measurements in nulliparous women at term: prediction of spontaneous onset of labor. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2008; 32:652-656. [PMID: 18702094 DOI: 10.1002/uog.5291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to predict spontaneous onset of labor by serial transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length (CL) in a homogeneous population of nulliparous women at term. METHODS 162 nulliparous women with singleton fetuses in cephalic presentation were examined at weekly intervals from 36 weeks' gestation to delivery. CL was measured by transvaginal ultrasound in the supine and upright positions. RESULTS There was a significant decrease in CL in the last 12 days prior to delivery. However, this decrease was small with substantial variation between individuals. Women with spontaneous onset of labor could be divided into three different groups: those with unchanged CL before delivery; those with a fall in CL in the last 2 weeks prior to delivery; and those with a gradual change in CL starting before the last 2 weeks prior to delivery. A single CL measurement below 30 mm between 37 and 38 weeks of gestation predicted spontaneous onset of labor before 41 weeks' gestation with a sensitivity of 46%, specificity of 78%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 82%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 40% in the supine position; and sensitivity of 53%, specificity of 72%, PPV of 81%, NPV of 40% in the upright position. CONCLUSION Between 37 and 38 weeks' gestation, spontaneous onset of labor before 41 weeks can be predicted by a CL measurement, but with low sensitivity and NPV. Inter-individual variations in CL and in CL changes are large, which hampers the value of single and repeated CL measurements for the prediction of spontaneous onset of labor at term.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Meijer-Hoogeveen
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
Multiple birth rates have increased in most developed countries. The potential of a medical legal dispute increases when complications are common. Failure to perform the basic and standard care follow-up often misses the complication and the chance of a timely referral to a center experienced in the diagnosis and management of these complexities of a multiple pregnancy. In this article, several examples are discussed in which departure from the standard of care of multiple pregnancies were the basis of the allegation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Blickstein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, 76100 Rehovot, Israel.
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Pugatsch R, Elad D, Jaffa AJ, Eytan O. Analysis of cervical dynamics by ultrasound imaging. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1101:203-14. [PMID: 17303836 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1389.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth is generally due to cervical ripening during the second trimester of pregnancy. The diagnosis of cervical incompetence is mostly based on the measurement of the shortened cervical length from transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) images. We investigated the cervical dynamic response to spontaneous or imposed variations of intrauterine pressure, which may induce cervical shortening. The TVUS images of the cervix sagittal cross-sections were recorded from six women in mid pregnancy. The cervical dynamics was observed while the subject was either in a supine position, kneeling, or had undergone transfundal pressure in a supine position. Each subject was tested in all three positions, but the dynamic response was observed in only one of them. The time-dependent analysis was performed on consecutive TVUS images at time intervals of 1 s to extract the dynamic response of the funneling geometry and the closed cervical length. The internal os was considered as being a point on the uterine wall and characterized by a sharp gradient of the inner wall of the uterine cavity. Dynamic evaluation of TVUS images revealed that shortening of the cervical length was greater than 30% and that the funneling percentage was greater than 40%. This study demonstrates the clinical potential for dynamic assessment of cervical response due to excessive uterine pressure, in addition to its application for the conventional measurement of cervical length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimma Pugatsch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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