EP20.03: Cervical length measurement as a screening tool for spontaneous preterm delivery in twins

Abstract

To investigate the effectiveness of transvaginal ultrasound cervical length (TVCL) measurement for prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery in twins. This was a retro- and prospective study for a period of 4 years - from January 2010 to March 2014. The cervical length measurement was evaluated as a screening tool for preterm delivery in a total of 100 symptomatic and asymptomatic twin pregnancies. Transvaginal ultrasound scan was performed in all patients. A cut-off of 25 mm or less of the cervical length was accepted as a high-risk factor for preterm delivery. All TVCL measurements were performed between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation (w.g.). The mean value of cervical length was 19 mm and 30.5 mm in symptomatic and asymptomatic twin pregnancies, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for preterm delivery before 34 w.g. were 85%, 90%, 83% and 92%, respectively. TVCL is a strong single screening tool of spontaneous preterm delivery before 34 w.g. in twin pregnancies that has a very good sensitivity and high negative predictive value.