Transvaginal sonographic assessment of cervical length changes during triplet gestation

Abstract

The current study aimed to evaluate the contribution of transvaginal sonography (TVS) for monitoring cervical changes during the second half of triplet gestation. Forty-five pregnant women with triplets pregnancies were prospectively scanned by TVS from approximately 26 weeks gestation and were longitudinally followed-up until delivery. Based on a receiver-operating curve it was found that a cervical length of 25 mm is the most accurate parameter (94% sensitivity and 45% specificity) for predicting premature delivery < or =33 gestational weeks. Thus, a single cervical length measurement of < or =25 mm at 26 weeks gestation correlated well with premature delivery at < or =33 weeks (chi(2); P = 0.002). Using the linear regression model, a mathematical equation [(Week of delivery = 27.4 + 1.6 x cervical length; R(2) = 0.46; P = 0.01)] for predicting the gestational age of delivery (dependent variable) was determined based on mid-gestation cervical measurements (predictors). In parturient women with triplet gestation, TVS assessment of the uterine cervix offers insight into the cervical status and provides valuable information for prenatal care. This includes both monitoring the cervical changes throughout third trimester as well as predicting the likelihood of premature delivery.