Physical examination-indicated cerclage in twin pregnancies compared with singleton pregnancies

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to compare pregnancy outcomes of physical examination-indicated cerclage in twin and singleton pregnancies with bulging membranes. Methods All women with bulging membranes in the second trimester of pregnancy who were admitted to La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital from January 2009 to January 2022 were included. A total of 128 participants were enrolled, 102 singleton pregnancies and 26 twin pregnancies. All patients underwent an amniocentesis to rule out intra-amniotic inflammation (IL-6 < 2.6 ng/mL). Cerclage was placed in the absence of intra-amniotic inflammation. Results Compared with singleton gestations, twin pregnancies displayed a significantly higher prevalence of nulliparity and assisted reproductive techniques. The incidence of intra-amniotic inflammation/infection was similar in both groups (68.62% in singleton vs. 65.38% in twin pregnancies). The average gestational age of delivery without cerclage in singleton gestations was 23.83 weeks (95% CI 22.82–24.84) and in twin pregnancies, it was 23.69 weeks (95% CI 21.8–25.57). The average gestational age at delivery among patients with cerclage was 37.27 weeks (95% CI 35.35–39.19) in singleton gestations and 36 weeks (95% CI 33.51–38.63) in twin pregnancies, with no significant differences. Time from diagnosis to delivery in patients with IL-6 < 2.6 ng/mL was 79.88 days, and in those with IL > 2.6 ng/mL was 10.87 days. Gestational age at delivery was significantly higher in both singleton and twin pregnancies with cerclage, compared with those without cerclage (log-rank p < .001). Conclusions Singleton and twin pregnancies with bulging membranes behave similarly when cerclage is placed in the absence of intraamniotic inflammation/infection.