Short cervix: is a follow-up measurement useful?
OBJECTIVE
To study if a repeat cervical length (CL) measurement in the patient already diagnosed with a short cervix has any additional value in the prediction of preterm delivery.


METHODS
This was a retrospective study of singleton pregnancies with cervical lengths 1-25 mm at a gestational age of 16-28 weeks seen in our institution between 2002 and 2005. Patients who were managed expectantly and had a follow-up CL measurement within 3 weeks were included. Delivery data were obtained from the patients' computerized medical records.


RESULTS
Sixty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. 37% of the patients had a shorter CL on the second measurement. These patients delivered at an earlier gestational age (36+4 vs. 38+2 weeks, P=0.031) and were more likely to deliver at <37 weeks (60% vs. 26%, P=0.009). The change in the CL correlated with earlier gestational age at delivery and delivery at <37 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients diagnosed with a short cervix, follow-up CL measurement is a strong predictor of preterm delivery. Greater change in the CL correlates with an earlier gestational age at delivery. In the patient diagnosed with a short cervix, a repeat measurement of CL gives additional predictive value.
Fox
N S
NS
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
Jean-Pierre
C
C
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
Predanic
M
M
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
Chasen
S T
ST
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
D000328:Adult; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*