Effect of 2 stitches vs 1 stitch on the prevention of preterm birth in women with singleton pregnancies who undergo cervical cerclage.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigates whether 2 cerclage stitches are more effective than 1 stitch in the prevention of preterm birth.


METHODS
This is a retrospective cohort study of 150 singleton pregnancies that underwent cervical cerclage. Gestational age at delivery and clinical characteristics were compared.


RESULTS
One hundred twelve patients (74.7%) received 1 stitch, and 38 patients (25.3%) received 2 stitches. There were no baseline differences between the groups. Analysis showed no significant difference in gestational age at delivery between the 1 vs 2 cerclage groups overall (median, 38.0 vs 38.3 weeks of gestation, respectively; P = .356) or for a given gestational age cut-off (<37 weeks of gestation: 37.4% vs 34.2% [P = .727]; <34 weeks of gestation: 16.8% vs 18.4% [P = .823]; <28 weeks of gestation: 9.4% vs 2.6% [P = .179]).


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows no measurable benefit to the placement of 2 stitches over 1 stitch during cervical cerclage in singleton pregnancies; however, further study of preterm birth at <28 weeks of gestation and postcerclage outcomes among a larger cohort is merited.
Woensdregt
Karlijn
K
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Norwitz
Errol R
ER
Cackovic
Michael
M
Paidas
Michael J
MJ
Illuzzi
Jessica L
JL
D000328:Adult; D023802:Cerclage, Cervical / Q000379:methods*; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D002581:Uterine Cervical Incompetence / Q000601:surgery*