Does knowledge of cervical length and fetal fibronectin affect management of women with threatened preterm labor? A randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of sonographic cervical length (CL) and fetal fibronectin (FFN) on length of evaluation and outcomes in women with preterm labor (PTL).


METHODS
Women with threatened PTL were randomized to either a knowledge group (results of CL and FFN available and used according to study protocol), or a standard group (blinded to CL and FFN). Primary outcome was length of evaluation in triage.


RESULTS
One hundred women were randomized. There was no significant difference between groups in length of evaluation, but in women with CL > or = 30 mm, the mean time for evaluation was significantly shorter in the knowledge group (1:58 h +/- 0:50 vs 2:53 h +/- 0:50, P = .004). Incidence of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) in the knowledge group was significantly reduced (13.0 vs 36.2%, P = .01).


CONCLUSIONS
The knowledge of CL and FFN was associated with reduction in length of evaluation in women with CL > or = 30 mm and in incidence of SPTB in all women with PTL.
Ness
Amen
A
Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
Visintine
John
J
Ricci
Emily
E
Berghella
Vincenzo
V
D000328:Adult; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography
C403421:FFN protein, human; D005353:Fibronectins; D006023:Glycoproteins