EVALUATING THE ROLE OF CERVICAL LENGTH MEASUREMENT IN PREDICTING PRETERM BIRTH: A SYSTEMATIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

Evaluating cervical length measurement as a predictive tool for preterm birth is a critical focus in obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine. The primary aim of this study is to find the role of cervical length measurement in predicting preterm birth. This prospective study was conducted in Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from 2022 to 2023. Two hundred twenty pregnant females in their second trimester were recruited from the hospital's OPD. Baseline information is collected, including socio-demographic factors, clinical and medical history, and obstetric records. A transvaginal ultrasound assesses cervical length using standardised techniques. Baseline measurements serve as the initial data point for subsequent evaluations. Data were collected from 220 pregnant females. The mean age was 28.5 years (±4.2), and the gestational age was 22 weeks (18-24). The average BMI stood at 25.1 kg/m² (±3.5). Non-smokers constituted the majority, accounting for 81.8%, while smokers comprised 18.2% of the cohort. The mean cervical length at 22 weeks was 35.4 mm (±4.6), ranging from 25 mm to 45 mm. The incidence of preterm birth stood at 14% (n=31), with 27% (n=17) of individuals having a cervical length ≤25 mm experiencing preterm birth, whereas 8% (n=14) with a cervical length >25 mm faced the same. Progesterone was administered to 27.3% (n=60) of participants, while 72.7% (n=160) did not receive it. It is concluded that cervical length assessment at 22 weeks gestation presents a valuable predictor for preterm birth incidence within this cohort. The study highlighted a significant correlation between a cervical length of 25 mm or less and an increased risk of preterm delivery.