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Ramachandran A, Clottey KD, Gordon A, Hyett JA. Prediction and prevention of preterm birth: Quality assessment and systematic review of clinical practice guidelines using the AGREE II framework. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 166:932-942. [PMID: 38619379 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prediction of pregnancies at risk of preterm birth (PTB) may allow targeted prevention strategies. OBJECTIVES To assess quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and identify areas of agreement and contention in prediction and prevention of spontaneous PTB. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched for CPGs regarding PTB prediction and prevention in asymptomatic singleton pregnancies without language restriction in January 2024. SELECTION CRITERIA CPGs included were published between July 2017 and December 2023 and contained statements intended to direct clinical practice. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS CPG quality was assessed using the AGREE-II tool. Recommendations were extracted and grouped under domains of prediction and prevention, in general populations and high-risk groups. MAIN RESULTS We included 37 CPGs from 20 organizations; all were of moderate or high quality overall. There was consensus in prediction of PTB by identification of risk factors and cervical length screening in high-risk pregnancies and prevention of PTB by universal screening and treatment for asymptomatic bacteriuria, screening and treatment for BV in high-risk pregnancies, and use of preventative progesterone and cerclage. Areas of contention or limited consensus were the role of PTB clinics, universal cervical length measurement, biomarkers and cervical pessaries. CONCLUSIONS This review identified strengths and limitations of current PTB CPGs, and areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Ramachandran
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and Their Families, Sydney, Australia
| | - Klorkor D Clottey
- Department of Women and Babies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adrienne Gordon
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and Their Families, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Neonatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jon A Hyett
- Sydney Institute for Women, Children and Their Families, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
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Pedretti MK, Dickinson JE, Doherty DA, Newnham JP. Routine transabdominal cervical length screening in mid-pregnancy for the prevention of preterm birth: Is it good enough to use as a screening test? Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2024. [PMID: 38982861 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth (PTB) is a major pregnancy complication. There is evidence that a short cervical length in mid-pregnancy may predict women at increased risk of PTB. AIMS To evaluate the utility of population-based, transabdominal cervical length (TACL) measurement screening in mid-pregnancy for PTB prediction in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS A transabdominal approach was initially performed, with a transvaginal (TVCL) approach offered when the TACL was <35 mm, could not be accurately measured, or the pregnancy had risk factors for PTB. TACL was compared to the directly related TVCL, when both were performed at the same assessment. Women with risk factors of PTB were included when they had both TACL and TVCL measurements performed at the same visit. RESULTS Data were provided for 9355 singleton pregnancies from 13 participating imaging centres. A transabdominal approach was used in 9006 (96.3%), including 682 (7.3%) TVCL combined with TACL. There were 349 (3.7%) women who had TVCL only. The median TACL was longer (40 mm) than the TVCL (38 mm). In 682 paired TACL and TVCL measurements, TACL <35 mm correctly identified 96.2% of pregnancies with TVCL <25 mm, compared with 65.4% of cases when using a TACL <30 mm. A TVCL <25 mm occurred in 59 (0.6%) women. A TACL <35 mm was associated with birth <37 weeks of gestation in 12.1% of women and birth <32 weeks of gestation in 3.9%. CONCLUSIONS Universal TACL is a feasible option for population screening of cervical length in a low-risk population, progressing to TVCL if the TACL is <35 mm or the cervix cannot be transabdominally accurately measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle K Pedretti
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Ultrasound, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jan E Dickinson
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Service, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Dorota A Doherty
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Oladipo AF, Voity K, Murphy K, Alvarez M, Alvarez-Perez J. Vasa Previa and the Role of Fetal Fibronectin and Cervical Length Surveillance: A Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1016. [PMID: 38786314 PMCID: PMC11120297 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14101016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Vasa previa is a pregnancy complication that occurs when unprotected fetal blood vessels traverse the cervical os, placing the fetus at high risk of exsanguination and fetal death. These fetal vessels may be compromised by fetal movement and compression, leading to poor oxygen distribution and asphyxiation. Diagnostic tools for vasa previa management and preterm labor (PTL) include transvaginal ultrasound, cervical length (CL) surveillance and use of fetal fibronectin (FFN) testing. These tools can prove to be quite useful as they allow for lead time in the prediction of PTL and spontaneous rupture of membranes which can result in devastating outcomes for pregnancies affected by vasa previa. We conducted a literature review on vasa previa management and the usefulness of FFN and CL surveillance in predicting PTL and found 36 related papers. Although there is limited research available to show the impact of FFN and CL surveillance in the management of vasa previa, there is sufficient evidence to support FFN and CL surveillance in predicting the onset of PTL, which can have devastating consequences for the pregnancies affected. It can be extrapolated that these tools, by helping to determine pregnancies at risk for PTL, could improve management and outcomes in patients with vasa previa. Future studies investigating the management of vasa previa with FFN and CL surveillance to reduce the burden of PTL and its associated comorbidities are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia F. Oladipo
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack Meridian Health Network, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA; (A.F.O.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hackensack Meridian Health Network, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ 07110, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Voity
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack Meridian Health Network, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA; (A.F.O.)
| | - Kimberly Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hackensack Meridian Health Network, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ 07110, USA
| | - Manuel Alvarez
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack Meridian Health Network, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA; (A.F.O.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hackensack Meridian Health Network, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ 07110, USA
| | - Jesus Alvarez-Perez
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack Meridian Health Network, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA; (A.F.O.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hackensack Meridian Health Network, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ 07110, USA
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Li J, Wu Q, Chen Y, Wang J, Yan Y, Deng D, Huang R. Addition of cervical elastosonography to cervical length to predict preterm birth in pregnancy women with prior preterm birth: A preliminary prospective study. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2023; 52:102617. [PMID: 37308039 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2023.102617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the characteristics of cervical elastosonography in pregnancies and establish an ultrasound-based combing predictor for improving the prediction in pregnant women with prior-preterm birth who might ultimately undergo preterm birth (PTB). MATERIALS AND METHODS 169 singleton pregnancies with prior-preterm birth were examined by cervical elastography from January to November of 2021. According to the ultrasound image and result of the following-up, the patients were separated into preterm groups and full-term groups with or without cerclage. There were five elastographic parameters: Elasticity Contrast Index (ECI), Cervical hard tissue Elasticity Ratio (CHR), External Cervical os Strain rate (ES), Closed Internal Cervical os Strain rate (CIS), CIS/ES ratio and CLmin. Multivariable logistic regression was used to screen out the most significant predictors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the ability of prediction. RESULTS The PTB group without cerclage showed significantly softer cervix stiffness, while those with cerclage showed significantly harder. CHRmin with P < 0.05 in the univariate logistic regression analysis was screened as a more valuable cervical elastosonography parameter than other ones. The combination of CLmin and CHRmin in un-cerclage and integrating CHRmin, maternal age and pre-pregnancy BMI in cerclage presented good predictive value. The results of AUC were higher than CLmin, respectively (0.775 vs 0.734, 0.729 vs 0.548). CONCLUSIONS The addition of cervical elastography parameters (such as CHRmin) might improve the ability to predict preterm birth in pregnant women with previous preterm delivery, which was better than using CL alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100026, China.
| | - Qingqing Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100026, China.
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Capital Medical University of Biomedical Engineering, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Di Deng
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Ruizhen Huang
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100026, China
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Lee SU, Jung G, Kim HW, Ko HS. How to screen the cervix and reduce the risk of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic women without a prior preterm birth. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2023; 66:337-346. [PMID: 37439085 PMCID: PMC10514583 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.23022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality globally. PTB rates have increased in South Korea despite reduction in birth rates. A history of PTB is a strong predictor of subsequent PTB and screening of cervical length between 16 0/7 weeks and 24 0/7 weeks of gestation is recommended in women with a singleton pregnancy and a prior spontaneous PTB. However, the prediction and prevention of spontaneous PTBs in women without a prior PTB remain a matter of debate. The scope of this review article comprises cervical screening and prevention strategies for PTB in asymptomatic women without a prior PTB, based on recent evidence and guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon Ui Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gyul Jung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Han Wool Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Sun Ko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Pedretti MK, Doherty DA, Dickinson JE. The perceptions of obstetric care providers about cervical length screening for preterm birth prevention. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 62:650-657. [PMID: 35285013 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Routine cervical length (CL) measurement at the mid-pregnancy ultrasound is a central recommendation of the Western Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Initiative (Initiative). AIM To evaluate the perceptions and changes in practice of Western Australian obstetric care providers regarding routine CL screening for preterm birth (PTB) prevention following the Initiative introduction. METHODS Two self-administered questionnaires were completed by providers from a range of practices. The first was during site visits with the Initiative Outreach team in 2015-2016. The questionnaire was re-issued in 2021 via online dissemination. Participant demographic data and opinions on CL screening for PTB prevention were collected. RESULTS Two hundred and fourteen providers participated in 2015-2016 and 109 in 2021. In both surveys, providers were more likely to discuss transvaginal CL screening with high-risk women (48.1%, 76.1%; P < 0.001) compared with low-risk (7.5%, 18.3%; P = 0.002) and the importance of CL screening (13.5%, 40.4%; P < 0.001), in 2015-2016 and 2021, respectively. Responses relating to CL screening, including what constitutes a short cervix on ultrasound were varied. A transabdominal CL <35 mm was classified as short by 46.2% and 37.6% and <25 mm on transvaginal ultrasound by 49.1% and 64.2%, in the respective surveys. Most providers ceased progesterone (68.6%, 75.2%) at >28 weeks gestation. CONCLUSIONS Providers focused on women with overt PTB risk factors, rather than a universal CL screening approach. Although there was improvement between the surveys, the definition of what constitutes a short cervix on ultrasound and how to treat and monitor women with a short CL remained varied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle K Pedretti
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Ultrasound, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Dorota A Doherty
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF), Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jan E Dickinson
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Wilson RD. Every Mother and Every Fetus Matters: A Positive Pregnant Test = Multiple Offerings of Reproductive Risk Screening for personal, family, and specific obstetrical-fetal conditions. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2021; 159:65-78. [PMID: 34927726 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Structured OBJECTIVE: The requirement and need for a focused 'pregnant person -centered' antenatal care process with time for informed consent and shared decision making are important for optimal antenatal care. This commentary focuses on the evidenced -based screening test options and timing as part of the overall 'pregnant person-centered' preconception and antenatal care journey. METHODS A structured quality improvement (QI) review (Squire 2.0) was undertaken to examine the appropriate reproductive screening process in the periods of preconception and during pregnancy. RESULTS First, evaluated the broader antenatal care structure which, second, enabled the directed reproductive risk screening processes to be offered within an informed consent process. Four international pre-conception and antenatal evidenced-based consensus would routinely offer specific gestational age reproductive risk screening elements: totaling 21 screening elements (preconception 3; 1st trimester 9; 2nd trimester 3; 3rd trimester 4; intrapartum 1; postpartum 1). CONCLUSION The best evidenced-based opportunity for comprehensive and collaborative antenatal care with appropriate screening elements requires: single national access healthcare system; expert evidenced-based guideline creation; collaborative maternity care providers based for risk assessment, triage, and management; pregnant person (women) centered care model of maternity care; clearly identified evidenced-based gestational age directed screening elements; international pre-conception and antenatal guideline consensus.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Douglas Wilson
- Professor Emeritus / Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta, Canada
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