title: Transvaginal sonographic evaluation of the cervix in asymptomatic singleton pregnancy and management options in short cervix.
abstract: Preterm delivery (PTD), defined as birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation, is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Evaluation of the cervical morphology and biometry with transvaginal ultrasonography at 16-24 weeks of gestation is a useful tool to predict the risk of preterm birth in low- and high-risk singleton pregnancies. For instance, a sonographic cervical length (CL) > 30 mm and present cervical gland area have a 96-97% negative predictive value for preterm delivery at <37 weeks. Available evidence supports the use of progesterone to women with cervical length ≤25 mm, irrespective of other risk factors. In women with prior spontaneous PTD with asymptomatic cervical shortening (CL ≤ 25 mm), prophylactic cerclage procedure must be performed and weekly to every two weeks follow-up is essential. This article reviews the evidence in support of the clinical introduction of transvaginal sonography for both the prediction and management of spontaneous preterm labour.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gole State Hospital, 34660 Ardahan, Turkey. drresular@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Resul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Arisoy
authors.forename: Murat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yayla
mesh_terms: D058070:Asymptomatic Diseases; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D023802:Cerclage, Cervical; D054791:Cervical Length Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D011374:Progesterone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011372:Progestins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D011372:Progestins; D011374:Progesterone