Assessment of Utero-Cervical Angle as an ultrasound screening tool to predict spontaneous preterm birth in singleton pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: Several attempts have been made from healthcare professionals around the world to determine the effective methods for early prediction and prevention of preterm birth. Aim of Work: The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value for spontaneous preterm birth by using transvaginal ultrasonography of the uterocervical angle (UCA) in pregnant women with singleton pregnancy. Subjects and methods: This study was a prospective Case-control study that was conducted at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Al-Zahraa University Hospital and Kafr Elshiekh General Hospital. Results:Utero Cervical angle (UCA) was significantly increased in preterm group>95 degree compared to control group (p< 0.001). Also, CL was significantly decreased in preterm group less than 27mm compared to control group .By using ROC-curve analysis, UC can predict preterm birth with accuracy (75.4%). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV was 70%, 76%, 74.47% and 71.7% respectively (p< 0.001). CL can predict preterm birth with accuracy (66%). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV was 74%, 62%, 66.07% and 70.45% respectively (p= 0.003). Conclusion: Ultrasonographic measurement of uterocervical angle performed in routine vaginal ultrasound during second trimester is a useful strategy in the prediction of preterm birth in pregnancies and better than cervical length alone.