Cervical Length Measurement to Predict Preterm Birth: Clinical Application and Treatment Modalities.
- Author:
In Yang PARK
1
;
Jong Chul SHIN
Author Information
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. jcshin@catholic.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Short cervical length;
Trasvaginal sonography;
Preterm birth;
Cervical cerclage
- MeSH:
Cerclage, Cervical;
Cervical Length Measurement;
Cervix Uteri;
Female;
Humans;
Mass Screening;
Membranes;
Obstetric Labor, Premature;
Pregnancy;
Pregnant Women;
Premature Birth;
Risk Factors;
Rupture
- From:Korean Journal of Perinatology
2009;20(3):193-200
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Short cervical length measured by transvaginal sonography is the one of the best predictor of preterm birth. A cervical length of less than 25 mm between 16 and 24 weeks is known as the reliable threshold for an increase risk of preterm birth in all populations including singleton and multiple gestations, women with or without risk factors for preterm birth, asymptomatic women, as well as those with preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes. Furthermore, measurement of cervical length is a readily learned skill for obstetrical sonographers and transvaginal ultrasonography is acceptable to pregnant women and does not cause discomfort in the vast majority. However, the measurement of cervical length is not yet recommended as routine screening method, especially for those who are at low risk for preterm birth, because there are insufficient treatment methods to prevent preterm birth once short cervix is diagnosed. Recently, not a few researches on short cervix have been focused on the development of treatment strategy. In this article, we will review relevant studies and recent advances in the use of cervical length in the prediction of preterm birth and clinical application including the use of cervical cerclage.
