Correlation between visual examination of the cervix and digital examination.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the correlation between visual assessment of the cervix and digital examination.


METHODS
Prospective study of patients presenting to Labor and Delivery. Exclusion criteria were preterm premature ruptured membranes (PPROM) and placenta previa. Visual and digital assessments of cervical dilation, effacement, position, and station of fetal presenting part were made. Correlation between visual and digital examinations was measured using Spearman rank correlation coefficient (COR). A p-value<0.05 was considered significant.


RESULTS
The study involved a total of 107 patients at a mean gestational age of 32.3 weeks (range 17-41). Seven patients had ruptured membranes, and 46 were nulliparous. Visual assessment correlated with digital examination for all parameters measured with Spearman rank correlation coefficients between 0.618 and 0.686 (all significant at p<0.001). Correlations between visual and digital assessment of cervical dilation, effacement, station, and position were not as strong (0.291-0.699), but remained significant (p<0.02) in a subgroup of 50 preterm patients<34 weeks gestation.


CONCLUSIONS
Visual assessment correlates with digital examination of the cervix. This correlation remained significant in a subset of preterm patients with intact membranes.
Pereira
Leonardo
L
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA. pereiral@ohsu.edu
Gould
Rebecca
R
Pelham
Jacquelyn
J
Goldberg
Jay
J
D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007747:Labor Stage, First; D010173:Palpation; D010808:Physical Examination; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D011446:Prospective Studies