title: Sonographic assessment of cervical length and the risk of preterm birth.
abstract: Sonographic assessment of cervical length is useful in evaluating the risk of preterm birth. Ultrasound is more accurate than digital exam and can be used in conjunction with fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing. Documentation of a long cervical length can reduce unnecessary treatments and hospitalizations in women who are unlikely to give birth preterm. Short cervical length can promote prompt intervention. Recognition of normal sonographic anatomy and proper measurement of the cervical canal are required.
authors.affiliation: Maternal Fetal Medicine, Rogue Valley Medical Center, 2911 Siskiyou Blvd., Medford OR 97504, USA. btaylor@asante.org
authors.forename: Betty Kay
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D054791:Cervical Length Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010298:Parity; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods; D002581:Uterine Cervical Incompetence / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D005353:Fibronectins