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Sawaddisan R, Khwankaew N, Pruksanusak N, Suntharasaj T, Suwanrath C, Pranpanus S, Petpichetchian C, Suksai M, Chainarong N. Reliability of the sonographic evaluation for cervical length and elastography with pelvic parameters in term pregnancy by experienced operators with varying levels of experience. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 166:333-342. [PMID: 38247164 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the reliability of sonographic measurements of six cervical and pelvic parameters by three sonographers with varying levels of experience. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in pregnant women with a gestational age of ≥39 weeks. Each pregnant woman was examined by two sonographers with different levels of experience. Six parameters were measured: cervical length (CL), cervical strain elastography (extrinsic type), posterior cervical angle (PCA), fetal head-to-perineum distance (FHPD), fetal head-to-pubic symphysis distance (FHSD), and angle of progression (AOP). Intra- and interobserver reliabilities were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient with a 95% confidence interval. Pearson pairwise correlation coefficients were used to analyze the correlation between the parameter values. RESULTS In all, 66 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. We found excellent intraobserver reliability for measurements of CL, PCA, FHPD, FHSD, and AOP and good-to-excellent intraobserver reliability for cervical strain values in the cross-sectional view of the endocervix in the internal os area and cross-sectional view of the entire cervix in the internal os area. Interobserver reliability was excellent for all pelvic parameters, except for the FHPD. Strain values were moderate to excellent in the area of the internal os. A significant negative correlation between CL and strain values at the internal os was observed. CONCLUSIONS Pelvic parameters, except for FHPD, have excellent intra- and interobserver reliabilities. The high reproducibility of CL and cervical strain elastography at the internal os level, with a negative correlation between these two parameters, may play an important role in predicting successful induction of labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rapphon Sawaddisan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
| | - Noppasin Khwankaew
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
| | - Ninlapa Pruksanusak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
| | - Thitima Suntharasaj
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
| | - Chikasaem Suwanrath
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
| | - Savitree Pranpanus
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
| | - Chusana Petpichetchian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
| | - Manaphat Suksai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
| | - Natthicha Chainarong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
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Li J, Yang S, Zou L, Liu X, Deng D, Huang R, Hua L, Wu Q. Cervical elastography: finding a novel predictor for improving the prediction of preterm birth in uncomplicated twin pregnancies. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:2401-2410. [PMID: 37368143 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07105-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study set out to investigate a novel ultrasound parameter using cervical elastosonography for improving the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) in twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN The study was comprised of 106 twin pregnancies from October 2020 to January 2022 in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. They were divided into two groups according to gestational age (GA) at delivery (delivery < 35 weeks and delivery ≥ 35 weeks). There were five elastographic parameters: Elasticity Contrast Index (ECI), Cervical Hardness Ratio (CHR), Closed Internal cervical ostium Strain rate (CIS); External cervical ostium strain rate (ES), CIS/ES ratio and Cervical Length (CL). All of the clinical and ultrasonic indicators with P < 0.1 were considered candidate indicators via univariate logistic regression. Based on the extracted unified combination of clinical indicators, the combinations of permutation with the candidate ultrasound indicators were performed step by step in multivariable logistic regression. The best ultrasound indicator with the lowest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and the highest Areas Under the receiver operating characteristic Curve (AUC) was chosen for establishing the prediction score. RESULTS Over 30% (36/106) of those who delivered before 35 weeks gestation. There were distinct differences in the clinical characteristics and cervical elastography parameters between the two groups. Seven major clinical variables were identified as a unified clinical indicator. CISmin as the best ultrasound elastography predictor indicated the lowest AIC and the highest AUC and outperformed alternative indicators significantly in the prediction of delivery before 35 weeks of gestation. Unfortunately, CLmin which was commonly used in clinical practice ranked far from all of the cervical elastography parameters and presented the highest AIC and the lowest AUC. A preliminary scoring rule was established and the ability to predict the risk of sPTB in twin pregnancies was improved (Accuracy: 0.896 vs 0.877; AIC: 81.494 vs 91.698; AUC: 0.923 vs 0.906). CONCLUSIONS The cervical elastosonography predictor such as CISmin might be a more useful indicator applied for enhancing the ability in predicting twin pregnancies preterm birth than CL. Furthermore, there would be more benefits for advancing clinical decision-making in actual clinical practice by using cervical elastosonography in the near future.
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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
| | - Shufa Yang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Liying Zou
- Department of Obstetrics, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, 100026, 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
| | - Lin Hua
- Capital Medical University of Biomedical Engineering, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Qingqing Wu
- 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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Janssen MK, Koelper N, Weatherby M, Werth C, Schwartz N. Evaluation of Non-Compressive Transvaginal Cervical Elastography as a Quantitative Imaging Biomarker in Pregnancy: A Repeatability and Reliability Analysis. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2024; 43:33-43. [PMID: 37732906 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non-compressive strain elastography has been proposed as a novel quantitative imaging biomarker for assessing the structure and function of the cervix. The current study aims to assess the repeatability, and intra- and inter-observer reliability of transvaginal non-compressive cervical strain elastography in a clinical setting. METHODS We conducted a dual-phase single-center prospective feasibility study of singleton gestations >16-weeks gestation that required a clinically-indicated transvaginal ultrasound. Each study participant, n = 43 in phase 1 and n = 13 in phase 2, had elastography performed by two trained observers that each performed multiple image acquisitions. We performed a multivariable regression to adjust for changes in clinical characteristics between study phases and calculated the repeatability coefficients, limits of agreement, and intraclass correlations for each quantitative elastography parameter. We compared quantitative elastography parameters to cervical length measurements, acquired from the same images. RESULTS The repeatability coefficients and percent limits of agreement were wide for all of the quantitative elastography parameters, demonstrating poor repeatability. Intraclass correlation coefficients were poor-moderate for both intra-observer (0.31-0.77) and inter-observer reliability (0.35-0.77) in both study phases, while cervical length showed excellent reliability with intraclass correlations consistently >0.90. CONCLUSIONS Non-compressive transvaginal strain cervical elastography did not demonstrate adequate repeatability or reliability. Our results highlight the importance of rigorously assessing novel quantitative imaging biomarkers before clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew K Janssen
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Research Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nathan Koelper
- Center for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michele Weatherby
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christina Werth
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nadav Schwartz
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Research Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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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Wang XL, Lin S, Lyu GR. Advances in the clinical application of ultrasound elastography in uterine imaging. Insights Imaging 2022; 13:141. [PMID: 36057675 PMCID: PMC9440970 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-022-01274-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in tissue stiffness by physiological or pathological factors in tissue structure are identified earlier than their clinical features. Pathological processes such as uterine fibrosis, adenomyosis, endometrial lesions, infertility, and premature birth can manifest as tissue elasticity changes. In clinical settings, elastography techniques based on ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are widely used for noninvasive measurement of mechanical properties in patients, providing valuable tool and information for diagnosis and treatment. Ultrasound elastography (USE) plays a critical role in obstetrics and gynecology clinical work because of its simplicity, non-invasiveness, and repeatability. This article reviews the recent progress of USE in uterine tumor diagnosis (especially early diagnosis and treatment effect evaluation), prediction of preterm birth, and intrauterine insemination. We believe that USE, especially shear wave elastography, may serve as a potential means to assess tissue stiffness, thereby improving the diagnosis and treatment of adenomyosis, fibroids, endometrial lesions, cervical cancer, and precise management of preterm birth and intrauterine insemination monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Li Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Quanzhou Medical College, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China. .,Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China. .,Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
| | - Guo-Rong Lyu
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, Quanzhou Medical College, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China.
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Cha HH, Seong WJ, Kim HM, Seol HJ, Sung JH, Park HS, Hwang HS, Kwon H, Jung YJ, Kwon JY, Oh SY. Midtrimester cervical elastography in pregnant women with a history of loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). Sci Rep 2022; 12:9191. [PMID: 35655076 PMCID: PMC9163180 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13170-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to compare cervical elastographic parameters based on a previous loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) and to determine whether they can predict preterm delivery in pregnant women with a history of LEEP. This multicenter prospective case-control study included 71 singleton pregnant women at 14-24 weeks of gestation with a history of LEEP and 1:2 gestational age-matched controls. We performed cervical elastography using E-cervix and compared maternal characteristics, delivery outcomes, cervical length (CL), and elastographic parameters between the two groups. The median mid-trimester CL was significantly shorter in the LEEP group. Most elastographic parameters, including internal os (IOS), external os (EOS), elasticity contrast index (ECI), and hardness ratio (HR), were significantly different in the two groups. In the LEEP group, the sPTD group compared to the term delivery (TD) group showed a higher rate of previous sPTD (50% vs. 1.7%, p < 0.001), higher IOS and ECI (IOS: 0.28 [0.12-0.37] vs. 0.19 [0.10-0.37], p = 0.029; ECI: 3.89 [1.79-4.86] vs. 2.73 [1.48-5.43], p = 0.019), and lower HR (59.97 [43.88-92.43] vs. 79.06 [36.87-95.40], p = 0.028), but there was no significant difference in CL (2.92 [2.16-3.76] vs. 3.13 [1.50-3.16], p = 0.247). In conclusion, we demonstrated that a history of LEEP was associated with a change in cervical strain measured in mid-trimester as well as with CL shortening. We also showed that cervical elastography can be useful in predicting sPTD in pregnant women with previous LEEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Hwa Cha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Won Joon Seong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyun Mi Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyun-Joo Seol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Hee Sung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, Korea
| | - Han-Sung Hwang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hayan Kwon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun Ji Jung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ja-Young Kwon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo-Young Oh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Korea.
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Use of cervical elastography at 18 to 22 weeks' gestation in the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 225:525.e1-525.e9. [PMID: 34051170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate identification of the women who will have spontaneous preterm birth continues to be a great challenge. The use of cervical elastography for prediction of preterm birth is promising, but several limitations exist. Newer cervical elastography technology has been developed that may prove useful in evaluation of risk of preterm birth. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop standard cervical elastography nomograms for singleton pregnancies at 18 to 22 weeks' gestation using the E-Cervix ultrasound application, assess intraobserver reliability of the E-Cervix elastography parameters, and determine whether these cervical elastography measurements can be used in the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective cohort study of pregnant women undergoing cervical length screening assessment via transvaginal ultrasound examination at 18 to 22 weeks' gestation. A semiautomatic, cervical elastography application (E-Cervix) was used during the transvaginal examination to calculate 5 quantitative parameters (internal os stiffness, external os stiffness, internal -to -external os stiffness ratio, hardness ratio, and elasticity contrast index) and create a standard nomogram for each one of them. The intraobserver reliability was calculated using Shrout-Fleiss reliability. Cervical elastography parameters were compared between those who delivered preterm (<37 weeks) spontaneously and those who delivered full term. A multivariable logistic regression model was performed to determine the ability of the cervical elastography parameters to predict spontaneous preterm birth. RESULTS A total of 742 women were included, of which 49 (6.6%) had a spontaneous preterm delivery. A standard nomogram was created for each of the cervical elastography parameters from those who had a full-term birth in the index pregnancy (n=693). Intraobserver reliability was good or excellent (intraclass correlation, 0.757-0.887) for each of the cervical elastography parameters except external os stiffness which was poor (intraclass correlation, 0.441). In univariate analysis, none of the cervical elastography parameters were associated with a statistically significant increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth. In a multivariable model adjusting for history of preterm birth, gravidity, ethnicity, cervical cerclage, and vaginal progesterone use, increasing elasticity contrast index was significantly associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.30; P=.02). CONCLUSION Cervical elastography parameters are reliably measured and are stable across 18 to 22 weeks' gestation. Based on our findings, the elasticity contrast index was associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth and may be a useful parameter for future research.
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Zhou Y, Jin N, Chen Q, Lv M, Jiang Y, Chen Y, Xi F, Yang M, Zhao B, Huang H, Luo Q. Predictive value of cervical length by ultrasound and cervical strain elastography in labor induction at term. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:300060520985338. [PMID: 33557664 PMCID: PMC7876768 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520985338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine whether addition of cervical elastographic parameters measured by ElastoScan for the cervix (E-cervix) improves the predictive value of cervical length (CL) in induction of labor at term by dinoprostone. METHODS We conducted a prospective, observational study between January 2020 and June 2020 in term primiparous women (n = 73) who were scheduled for labor induction by a 10-mg dinoprostone vaginal insert. The time intervals from the start of labor induction to regular uterine contractions and to vaginal delivery were calculated as the primary outcomes. We divided subjects into two groups using a threshold of 24 hours. Ultrasound measurements were compared between the two groups and the area under the curve (AUC) of the prediction model was calculated. RESULTS Women who delivered vaginally within 24 hours had a shorter CL and softer cervix than those who delivered after 24 hours. The combination of CL and elastographic parameters increased the AUC to 0.672 compared with CL alone (AUC = 0.637). CONCLUSIONS Measurement by E-cervix is relatively reproducible. Addition of cervical strain elastography slightly improves the predictive performance of CL in vaginal delivery within 24 hours. This technique is a promising ancillary tool for use with ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Neng Jin
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qinqing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min Lv
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fangfang Xi
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengmeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Baihui Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hefeng Huang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
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Uterine Cervical Change at Term Examined Using Ultrasound Elastography: A Longitudinal Study. J Clin Med 2020; 10:jcm10010075. [PMID: 33379228 PMCID: PMC7795469 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate if there are changes in elastographic parameters in the cervix at term around the time of delivery and if there are differences in the parameters between women with spontaneous labor and those without labor (labor induction). Nulliparous women at 36 weeks of gestation eligible for vaginal delivery were enrolled. Cervical elastography was performed and cervical length were measured using the E-CervixTM system (WS80A Ultrasound System, Samsung Medison, Seoul, Korea) at each weekly antenatal visit until admission for spontaneous labor or labor induction. E-Cervix parameters of interest included elasticity contrast index (ECI), internal os strain mean level (IOS), external os strain mean level (EOS), IOS/EOS strain mean ratio, strain mean level, and hardness ratio. Regression analysis was performed using days from elastographic measurement at each visit to admission for delivery and the presence or absence of labor against cervical length, and each E-Cervix parameter fitted to a linear model for longitudinal data measured repeatedly. A total of 96 women were included in the analysis, (spontaneous labor, n = 39; labor induction, n = 57). Baseline characteristics were not different between the two groups except for cesarean delivery rate. Cervical length decreased with advancing gestation and was different between the two groups. Most elastographic parameters including ECI, IOS, EOS, strain mean, and hardness ratio were significantly different between the two groups. In addition, ECI, IOS, and strain mean values significantly increased with advancing gestation. Our longitudinal study using ultrasound elastography indicated that E-cervix parameters tended to change linearly at term near the time of admission for delivery and that there were differences in E-Cervix parameters according to the presence or absence of labor.
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