What Is The Value Of Ultrasonographic Cervical Length Measurement For Predicting Preterm Birth In Asymptomatic Women?

Identification of patients who will deliver prematurely is extremely important to decrease neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of cervical length (CL) measurement in predicting preterm birth (PTB) in asymptomatic low risk women. A total of 200 consecutive asymptomatic patients between 16-22 gestational age who had no history of PTB previously were included in this prospective study. CL was measured by transvaginal ultrasonography and the predictive value of CL for PTB was evaluated in this low risk population. The incidence of PTB was 4.5% (9/200). The mean age (±S.D.) of the preterm and term groups was 27.7±6.98 and 24.9±4.47 years, respectively (p=0.222). The CLs at 16-22 weeks were not statistically different between the term group (35.0±4.57 mm) and the preterm group (36.5±6.93 mm) (p=0.887). Cesarean delivery rate was significantly higher in preterm group (p=0.04). Ultrasonographic CL measurement alone has limited value in prediction of preterm delivery in a low risk asymptomatic population. Also there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine CL screening in this subpopulation. Further larger prospective studies are needed to identify patients that may benefit most from such screening.