title: Short cervical length dilemma.
abstract: Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. With research efforts, the rate of PTB decreased to 11.4% in 2013. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) cervical length (CL) screening predicts PTB. In asymptomatic singletons without prior spontaneous PTB (sPTB), TVU CL screening should be done. If the cervix is 20 mm or less, vaginal progesterone is indicated. In asymptomatic singletons with prior sPTB, serial CL screening is indicated. In multiple gestations, routine cervical screening is not indicated. In symptomatic women with preterm labor, TVU CL screening and fetal fibronectin testing is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 833 Chestnut Street, First Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
authors.forename: Anju
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Suhag
authors.affiliation: Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 833 Chestnut Street, First Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. Electronic address: vincenzo.berghella@jefferson.edu.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Berghella
mesh_terms: D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D023802:Cerclage, Cervical / Q000379:methods*; D054791:Cervical Length Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009929:Organ Size; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011374:Progesterone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011372:Progestins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012307:Risk Factors; D014621:Vagina / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D011372:Progestins; D011374:Progesterone
keywords: Cerclage; Cervical length; Pessary; Preterm birth; Progesterone; Short cervix