Incompetencia cervical: presentación de un caso

Abstract

Cervical incompetence (CI) is characterized by progressive dilation of the cervix in the absence of uterine contractions. This pathology is one of the main reasons for early gestational losses and preterm births. It is the dilation of the cervix, which is the portion of the uterus that is responsible for maintaining the pregnancy until term, with a normal average measurement of 35 to 40 millimeters, although this dilation is not associated with painful contractions and perceived by the pregnant. Clinically it can be manifested by different signs such as dilation of the cervix, cervical shortening and preterm onset of labor. In addition, it is related to premature rupture of membranes and chorioamnionitis. To treat this pathology, avoid second-trimester losses and trigger premature labor, different techniques can be used, such as the placement of a pessary, the administration of progesterone and the performance of a cervical cerclage. The latter is the technique of choice for the treatment of incompetent cervix, being indicated due to poor obstetric history, as a therapeutic method in case cervical changes suggestive of the onset of labor are detected by ultrasound, or emergency when the pregnant woman shows cervical dilatation and/or exposure of the membranes.