Document Type
Abstract
Publication Date
1-2020
Academic Year
2019-2020
Abstract
Introduction: Short cervical length (<25 mm) during pregnancy is known to be an increased risk factor for preterm birth (<37 weeks). While interventions exist for women who have had prior preterm births, it is important to investigate the cost effectiveness of screening low risk women with an intermediate cervical length (26-29 mm).
Objective: To quantify the association between change in cervical length on follow up and the incidence of preterm birth in otherwise low risk women with an initial intermediate cervical length.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, reviewing 108 charts of women who had an initial screening between 26 and 29 mm. Charts were reviewed for whether or not a follow-up ultrasound was recommended, whether or not the follow-up was performed, and the outcome of their deliveries.
Results: 93.5% (N=101) of women were recommended to get a follow-up ultrasound and 84% (N=85) completed their follow-up. 9.3% (N=10) had a CL of <25mm on followup. 9.3% (N=10) had preterm deliveries. A significant difference was found between cervical length on followup and the incidence of early preterm birth (<34 weeks) (p-value = .015). On univariate analysis, a significant difference was found between cervical length difference (initial cervical length-followup) and the incidence of preterm birth (p-value=.021).
Conclusion: Cervical Length Followup for low risk women is a worthwhile investment to decrease the incidence of preterm birth and allows for the implementation of timely interventions for women whose cervixes spontaneously shorten to less than 25 mm.
Recommended Citation
Kripalu, Varsha and Boelig, MD, Rupsa, "The Utility of Performing Cervical Length Follow-Up in Lower Risk Singleton" (2020). Phase 1. Paper 27.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/si_phr_2022_phase1/27
Language
English
