Cervical Length Screening Program Research Articles

Randomized trial of screening for preterm birth in low-risk women - the preterm birth screening study

Preterm birth is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. It is unclear whether the introduction of a universal transvaginal ultrasound cervical length screening program in women at low risk for preterm delivery is associated with a reduction in the frequency of preterm birth. To test the hypothesis that the introduction of a midtrimester universal transvaginal ultrasound cervical length screening program in asymptomatic singleton pregnancies without prior preterm delivery would reduce the rate of preterm birth at <37 weeks of gestation. This study was a multicenter nonblinded randomized trial of screening of asymptomatic singleton pregnancies without prior spontaneous preterm birth, who were randomized to either cervical length screening program (ie, intervention group) or no screening (ie, control group). Participants were randomized at the time of their routine anatomy scan between 18 0/7 and 23 6/7 weeks of gestation. Women randomized in the screening group received cervical length measurement. Those who were found to have cervical length ≤25 mm were offered 200 mg vaginal progesterone daily along with cervical pessary. The primary outcome was preterm birth at <37 weeks. The risk of primary outcome was quantified by the relative risk with 95% confidence interval, and was based on the intention-to-screen principle. A total of 1334 asymptomatic women with singleton pregnancies and without prior preterm birth, were included in the trial. Out of the 675 women randomized in the transvaginal ultrasound cervical length screening group, 13 (1.9%) were found to have transvaginal ultrasound cervical length ≤25 mm during the screening. Preterm birth at <37 weeks of gestation occurred in 48 women in the transvaginal ultrasound cervical length screening group (7.5%), and 54 women in the control group (8.7%) (relative risk, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-1.25). Women randomized in the transvaginal ultrasound cervical length screening group had no significant differences in the incidence of preterm birth at less than 34, 32, 30, 28, and 24 weeks of gestation. The introduction of a universal transvaginal ultrasound cervical length screening program at 18 0/6 to 23 6/7 weeks of gestation in singleton pregnancies without prior spontaneous preterm birth, with treatment for those with cervical length ≤25 mm, did not result in significant lower incidence of preterm delivery than the incidence without the screening program.

The introduction of a universal transvaginal cervical length screening program is associated with a reduced preterm birth rate

Midtrimester sonographic short cervix is a good predictor of preterm birth in singleton pregnancies. This study aimed to assess the impact of implementing a universal transvaginal cervical length screening program on preterm birth rate. This study consisted of 2 parts: a before-and-after multicenter study and a study on the ECHOCOL ("echo"="ultrasound" and "col"="cervix" in French) prospective cohort. We compared the rate of preterm birth before and after the introduction of universal cervical length screening at the time of midtrimester anatomy ultrasound. The multicenter before-and-after regional study included all women with a singleton pregnancy who gave birth after 24 weeks' gestation in the South East of France from January 1, 2012 to April 30, 2018. In parallel, the ECHOCOL cohort study was prospectively conducted from May 2015 to July 2018, including 17 maternity hospitals in the South East region of France. In case of asymptomatic short cervix <25 mm, treatments offered included 200 mg of vaginal progesterone, or cerclage, or a pessary until 34 weeks' gestation. We observed a significant decrease rate of preterm birth between periods A and B after multivariate analysis. (respectively, 5.8% vs 5.6%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.95; P<.0001). In parallel, the percentage of cervical length screening significantly increased from 28.9% in period A to 52.9% in period B (odds ratio, 2.76; 95% confidence interval, 2.71-2.80; P<.0001). Among the 3468 patients of the ECHOCOL prospective cohort, 38 (1.1%) asymptomatic short cervices were detected, and 192 patients gave birth prematurely (11 with an asymptomatic short cervix and 181 without). In the ECHOCOL cohort, a marked but statistically insignificant tendency toward a reduced rate of preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation was observed (from 5.8% to 5.5%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.51-1.03; P=.068). This study showed a significantly lower rate of preterm birth after the implementation of a universal cervical length screening and treating policy during the second trimester of pregnancy. The clinical trial was registered under NCT02598323.

Implementing a Universal Cervical Length Screening Program in a Large Hospital System: It Takes Some Time to Achieve Consistent Results

Objective: The aim of the study was to describe changes in the acceptance of transvaginal (TV) cervical length (CL) assessment and in the variance of CL measurements among operators, after implementation of universal TV-CL screening at 18+0 – to 23+6 weeks/days of gestation. Design: Retrospective cohort. Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods: This study was performed after universal TV-CL screening was implemented at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, TX, USA, for all women undergoing an anatomy ultrasound (US) between 18 0/6 and 23 6/7 weeks/days of gestation. Pregnant women carrying singletons without prior history of preterm delivery who underwent anatomy US evaluation between September 2017 and March 2020 (30 months) were included. The complete study period was divided into five epochs of 6 months each. Changes in patient’s acceptance for the TV scan, in CL distribution, in the prevalence of short cervix defined as ≤15, ≤20, or ≤25 mm, and in the performance of US operators across the five epochs were evaluated. Success rate was defined as the percentage of TV-CL measurements obtained in relation to the number of second-trimester anatomy scans. Results: A total of 22,207 low-risk pregnant women evaluated by 36 trained sonographers (operators) were analyzed. Overall, the acceptance for TV-CL measurement was 82.3% (18,289/22,207), increasing from 76.7% in the first epoch to 82.8% (p < 0.0001) in the last epoch. The mean CL did not significantly change from 38.6 mm in the first epoch to 38.5 mm in the last epoch (p = 0.7); however, the standard deviation decreased from 7.9 mm in the first epoch to 7.04 mm in the last epoch (p = <0.01). The prevalence of a short cervix ≤25 mm was 2.2% (n = 399/18,289), ≤20 mm was 1.2% (224/18,289), and ≤15 mm was 0.9% (162/18,289). This prevalence varied only for CL ≤25 mm from 3.02% (88/2,907) in the first epoch to 1.77% (64/3,615) in the last epoch (p = 0.0009). There was a variation in CL measurements among operators (mean 3.3 mm). Sonographers with less than 1 year of experience had a lower success rate for completing TV-CL examinations than more experienced sonographers (80.8% vs. 85.8%; p < 0.03). In general, 77% (27/35) of operators had a success rate ≥80% for completing TV-CL scans. Limitations: Characteristics of individuals who accepted versus those who declined TV-CL were not compared; CL values were not correlated with clinical outcomes. Conclusions: During the first 6 months after implementation of a universal CL screening program, there was greater variation in CL measurements, lower acceptance for TV US, and a higher number of women diagnosed with a CL ≤25 mm, as compared to subsequent epochs. After the first 6 months, these metrics improved and remained stable. Most operators improved their performance over time; however, there were a few with a low success rate for TV-CL and others who systematically over- or underestimate CL measurements.

Patient Acceptability of Universal Transvaginal Cervical Length Screening Program Implementation at HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center, Thailand

Background: Preterm birth is a significant problem. It is a leading cause of early neonatal death. Transvaginal ultrasonography for cervical length measurement during second trimester could predict preterm labor. Vaginal progesterone reduced preterm birth incidence in pregnant women with short cervical length. Objective: To evaluate the acceptance rate of a universal transvaginal cervical length (TCL) screening program implementation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study of universal TCL before 24 weeks of gestation at the time of anatomical scan between 18 to 23+6 weeks from single center from July, 2017 through July, 2018. Pregnant woman with cervical length (CL) &lt;20 millimeters (mm) were diagnosed cervical shortening and were offered treatment as protocol. Incidence of cervical shortening was assessed. Acceptance rates and factors for declining TCL screening were analyzed. The incidence of preterm birth before 34 weeks and 37 weeks were reported. Results: Three hundred forty-one Thai pregnant women were enrolled. Of those, 294 (86.2%) accepted TCL screening. Three pregnant woman (1.1%) had a CL &lt;20 mm. Employed women and women who had income &gt;10,000 Baht per month were likely to accept TCL screening (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.14 to 3.98 and OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.37 to 5.95, respectively). The incidence of preterm birth was accounted for 8.9 percent in the acceptance and 2.1 percent in denial group. Conclusion: The universal transvaginal cervical length screening program at HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center was successfully implemented at 86.2% of acceptance rate. Keywords: Cervical length; Universal screening; Acceptability; Preterm birth; Prevention

Progesterone and preterm birth.

Progestogens (vaginal progesterone and intramuscular 17‐hydroxyprogesterone acetate) are widely recommended for women at high risk of preterm birth. Typical regimens include 17‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate (250 mg intramuscularly weekly), starting at 16–20 gestational weeks until 36 weeks or delivery for women with a singleton gestation and a history of spontaneous preterm birth, or vaginal progesterone (90‐mg vaginal gel or 200‐mg micronized vaginal soft capsules) for women with a short cervix (typically ≤25 mm). Although some randomized trials support this approach, neither of the largest trials (PROLONG for 17‐hydroxyprogesterone acetate or OPPTIMUM for vaginal progesterone) demonstrated efficacy. There are almost no data on long‐term effects, and none that shows benefit beyond the neonatal period. Although some analyses suggest the cost‐effectiveness of the approach, a cervical length screening program followed by progesterone for those with a short cervix will reduce preterm birth rates by less than 0.5%. The present review assesses evidence on the efficacy, likely impact, and long‐term effects of implementing the recommendations for progestogens in full. Clinicians and pregnant women can look forward to resolution of the conflicting views on efficacy once the Patient‐Centered Outcomes Research Initiative (PCORI)‐funded individual patient data meta‐analysis is published.

528: Effectiveness of an “Opt-In” universal cervical length screening program

528: Effectiveness of an “Opt-In” universal cervical length screening program

Decrease in the incidence of threatened preterm labor after implementation of transvaginal ultrasound cervical length universal screening

Background It is unknown if universal second-trimester transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) cervical length (CL) screening in asymptomatic women with singleton gestations and no prior spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) affects the incidence of symptoms of preterm labor (PTL) later in pregnancy. Objective To evaluate the incidence of threatened PTL before and after the implementation of universal second trimester TVU CL screening. Study design This was a retrospective cohort study of all consecutive singleton gestations without prior SPTB presenting to obstetric triage for threatened PTL between 23 0/7 and 33 6/7 week in 2011 (1 January–31 December), and in 2014 (1 January–31 December) at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJU) (Philadelphia, PA). These 2 years were chosen as a new protocol for universal TVU CL screening was started on 1 January 2012. This protocol involved one measurement of TVU CL in all singleton gestations without a prior SPTB at 18 0/7 − 23 6/7 week, the time of the “anatomy” scan. Women with prior SPTB were excluded from this study. The primary outcome included the incidence of threatened PTL, defined as the number of women with singleton gestations without prior SPTB who presented with threatened PTL to our labor and delivery (L&D) triage unit annually, divided by the total number of annual deliveries of women with singleton gestation without prior SPTB. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of PTL, defined as the number of women with singleton gestations without prior SPTB admitted for PTL annually divided by the total number of annual deliveries of women with singleton gestation and without prior SPTB; and length of stay in the hospital. We aimed to compare primary and secondary outcome in the “2011” versus the “2014” group. Results In 2011, there were a total of 1745 deliveries at TJU, of which 1550 (88.8%) were singletons without prior SPTB. In 2014, there were a total of 1924 deliveries at TJU, 1751 (91.0%) were singletons without prior SPTB who were offered universal TVU CL screening. One hundred and seventy-two women with singletons without prior SPTB presented in L&D triage unit in 2011; and 118 women with singletons without prior SPTB presented in L&D triage unit in 2014. There were significant decreases in the incidence of threatened PTL from 11.1% (172/1550) in 2011 to 6.7% (118/1751) in 2014 (p < .001), as well as in the rate of admission for PTL from 2.3% (35/1550) to 1.4% (24/1751), respectively (p = .04). Length of stay was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion The introduction of a universal TVU CL screening program in women with singleton gestations without a history of SPTB is associated with a reduction in the frequency of threatened PTL and admission for PTL. Key Message The introduction of a second trimester universal transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) cervical length (CL) screening program in women without a history of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) is associated with a reduction in the incidence of threatened preterm labor (PTL) and admission for PTL.

Universal Cervical Length Screening and Antenatal Corticosteroid Timing.

To evaluate the relationship between universal transvaginal screening for short cervical length in the second trimester and the timing of antenatal corticosteroids. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with nonanomalous singleton gestations and spontaneous preterm birth between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation after the initiation of a universal transvaginal cervical length screening program between October 2012 and August 2015. Our primary outcome was antenatal corticosteroid administration to a delivery interval of fewer than 7 days. Secondary outcomes were delivery 24 hours to 7 days after the initial steroid injection, steroid administration to delivery interval, neonatal survival, neonatal intensive care unit length of stay, and respiratory distress syndrome. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between antenatal corticosteroid timing and the diagnosis of a short cervix adjusted for potential confounders. Among 266 eligible patients, 69 with a short cervical length and 197 without a short cervical length were identified. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. During the study period, 64 of 69 (92.8%) of patients with a short cervix and 176 of 197 (89.3%) without a short cervix received at least one steroid injection before delivery (P=.411). Steroids were given within 7 days of delivery in 33 of 69 (47.8) patients with a short cervix compared with 126 of 197 (64%) patients in the no short cervix group (P=.015; adjusted odds ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.29-0.9). Median interval between steroid administration and delivery was 8 days in patients diagnosed with a short cervix compared with 3 days for those without a short cervical length (P<.001). Patients identified as having a short cervical length by universal transvaginal ultrasound screening were at greater risk of delivering more than 7 days after the initiation of corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation compared with women without a short cervical length.

Uterine Leiomyoma Do Not Appear To Be a Risk Factor for Shortened Cervical Length [30L

INTRODUCTION: Several studies report an increased incidence of preterm delivery (PTD) in patients with uterine leiomyoma (UL). A shortened cervical length (CL) is risk factor for PTD, although universal CL screening is not yet advocated nationally. CL studies in pregnancies complicated by UL have suffered from small sample size or lack of accurate CL measurements. Therefore it is not well known whether the risk of PTD in those women with UL can be appropriately screen utilizing CL. Therefore, we reviewed our data on transvaginal (TVS) CL in those patients with UL. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients found to have UL on routine second trimester anatomic survey ultrasounds after establishing a CL screening program. Patient demographics, UL (number and size), TVS-CL and pregnancy outcomes were collected. RESULTS: We obtained data on 224 antepartum patients with UL. Mean age was 34.9 ± 4.9 y, and BMI 29.1 ± 6.6 kg/m2. Prior PTD was noted in 21/224 (9.3%). Multiple UL were noted in 67/224 (29.9 %) with an individual's largest UL diameter of 4.5 ± 2.6 cm. Screening occurred at 21 ± 3.2 wks. Mean TVS-CL was 3.9 ± 0.8 cm. Shortened cervix (less than 2.5 cm) occurred in 2/224 (0.9%). Delivery less than 37 weeks occurred in 38/224 (17%) and before 35 weeks in 18/224 (8%). The cesarean delivery was performed in 85/224 (37.9%). CONCLUSION: TVS-CL in pregnancies complicated by UL do not appear to be significantly shortened. However, the incidence of PTD in patients with UL remains increased compared to national rates.

Implementation of a universal cervical length screening program: identifying factors associated with decline rates

Purpose: Cervical length (CL) measurement is now accepted as a screening strategy for identifying women at risk for preterm birth (PTB). However, patient acceptability may limit its implementation. Our objective was to identify characteristics associated with women who decline this screening. Materials and methods: This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of women offered UCL screening from January 2012 to June 2012. Women with a singleton gestation 18 0/7–23 6/7 weeks at the time of anatomy scan were included. Trained sonographers were instructed to perform UCL screening on all eligible patients using an “opt-out” approach. Chi square statistics and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare categorical and continuous data, where appropriate. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio for factors associated with declining UCL screening Results: 1348 women were offered CL screening; 131 (9.7%) declined. Overall, multiparous women were more than twice as likely to decline UCL screening compared to primiparous women [OR 2.4 (1.6–3.8)]. Patient acceptance of screening was significantly dependent on the sonographer (p < .05). Conclusion: Multiparous women are less likely to accept this strategy of PTB prevention. A standardized counseling approach may improve patient acceptance and mitigate variability in acceptance rates observed amongst sonographers.

Implementing universal cervical length screening in asymptomatic women with singleton pregnancies: challenges and opportunities.

Cervical length (CL) screening has been successfully utilised to identify asymptomatic women, with a singleton pregnancy, at risk of preterm birth (PTB), thereby providing an opportunity to offer interventions that may reduce that risk. Cervical length screening with ultrasound is most effectively performed with a transvaginal approach. Universal cervical length screening, encompassing all singleton pregnancies rather than restricting screening to those considered at increased risk of PTB, is currently not widely used, despite a growing body of evidence in support of its utility for PTB prevention. There are a number of barriers that may prevent or restrict the implementation of a universal CL screening program. These include cost, availability of vaginal progesterone and other treatment options, reluctance of women to undergo transvaginal ultrasound and the perceptions and beliefs of medical practitioners. Given that mid-pregnancy CL measurement is a recognised predictor of spontaneous PTB, that most cases of PTB occur with no prior maternal history and that there are interventions available that may reduce the risk of PTB, we believe there is a clear role for routine CL screening to be adopted as a component of the fetal morphology ultrasound examination. As a strategy to reduce PTB rates, discussion and counselling about PTB prevention and CL screening should be adopted as a core element of prenatal care.

Universal cervical length screening for preterm birth prevention in the United States

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of implementation of universal cervical length (CL) screening for preterm birth (PTB) prevention among institutions with Maternal–Fetal Medicine (MFM) fellowship training in the United states.Methods: In January 2015, we conducted a national survey of institutions with MFM Fellowship Programs regarding implementation of universal CL screening, defined as CL screening of women with singleton gestations without a prior spontaneous PTB. We identified whether a transabdominal ultrasound (TAU) or transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) was used for screening. Results were compared by geographical regions.Results: We identified 78 MFM fellowship programs nationwide, of which 100% responded to the survey, provided by MFM fellows (86%) and MFM division directors (14%). In January 2015, 53 programs (68%) had implemented a CL screening program, with 25 programs (32%) using TVU while the rest (36%) used TAU for CL screening. The 16 programs in the Midwest had the highest percent of CL screening (15 programs, 94%), with the highest use of TVU (8 programs 50%). The 24 programs in the South had the lowest percent of CL screening (14 programs, 58%) (odds ratio [OR]: 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19–1.46) and the lowest use of TVU (3 programs,12.5%) (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.05–0.78) compared to rest of US).Conclusion: Universal CL screening has been implemented by over two-thirds of institutions with MFM Fellowship Programs, as of January 2015. Of these programs, about half screen by TAU and half by TVU.

Current Implementation of Universal Cervical Length Screening for Preterm Birth Prevention in the United States [19

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the incidence of implementation of universal cervical length (CL) screening for preterm birth (PTB) prevention among institutions with Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) fellowship training in the United States. METHODS: In January 2015, we conducted a national survey of institutions with MFM Fellowship Programs regarding implementation of universal CL screening, defined as CL screening of women with singleton gestations without a prior spontaneous PTB. We also identified whether a transabdominal ultrasound (TAU) or transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) was used for screening. Results were compared by geographical regions. We also assessed if a low obstetrical volume (annual deliveries<3000) affected implementation of TVU CL screening program. RESULTS: We identified 78 MFM fellowship programs, of which 100% responded to the survey. Fifty-three programs (68%) had implemented a CL screening program, with 25 programs (32%) using TVU while the rest (36%) used TAU for CL screening. The Midwest had the highest percent of CL screening (94%), with the highest use of TVU (50%). The South had the lowest percent of CL screening (58%) (OR 0.52 [0.19–1.46]) and the lowest use of TVU (12.5%) (OR 0.22 [0.05–0.78]) compared to rest of the United States. Lower annual obstetrical volume did not affect the likelihood of implementing a program using TVU (7.6%) compared to programs having higher obstetrical volume (24.3%) (OR 0.73 [0.24–2.17]). CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS: Universal CL screening has been implemented by over two thirds of institutions with MFM Fellowship Programs. Of these programs, approximately half screen by TAU and half by TVU.

A universal mid-trimester transvaginal cervical length screening program and its associated reduced preterm birth rate

Mid-trimester transvaginal cervical length assessment can identify women who are at risk of preterm birth and afford opportunities for preterm birth prevention. However, the incidence of a short cervix is low, and some physicians have questioned whether a universal screening program among women without a previous preterm birth would be beneficial. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the introduction of a universal transvaginal cervical length screening program is associated with a reduction in the preterm birth rate. This is a cohort study of women with singleton gestations and without any previous preterm births who underwent an obstetric sonogram at 18-24 weeks of gestation and who had their delivery at a single tertiary institution from January 2007 to January 2014. In July 2011, a program was implemented in which all pregnant women who had a sonogram at 18-24 weeks of gestation were to receive a transvaginal cervical length measurement. The preterm birth rates were compared before and after the implementation of the universal cervical length screening program. Multivariable analysis was used to identify whether the universal cervical length screening program was associated independently with the frequency of preterm birth. The Breslow-Day test for homogeneity was used to assess whether any interaction existed in the association based on parity. Of 64,207 eligible women, 46,598 underwent their mid-trimester sonogram before the universal cervical length screening program, and 17,609 underwent a sonogram after implementation of the program. Of the 17,590 women (99.9%) who agreed to cervical length measurement, 157 (0.89%) had a measurement of ≤25 mm. The introduction of the cervical length program was associated with a significant decrease in the frequency of preterm birth at <37 weeks of gestation (6.7% vs 6.0%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.82 [95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.88]), <34 weeks of gestation (1.9% vs 1.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.74 [95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.85]), and <32 weeks of gestation (1.1% vs 1.0%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.90]). This reduction in frequency of preterm birth primarily was due to a change in spontaneous (and not medically indicated) preterm births. The effect size for the reduction in preterm birth was similar in nulliparous and multiparous women with previous term births. The introduction of a universal transvaginal cervical length screening program in women without a history of preterm birth is associated with a reduction in the frequency of preterm birth.

Universal cervical length screening: implementation and outcomes

Transvaginal measurement of cervical length (CL) has been advocated as a screening tool to prevent preterm birth, but controversy remains regarding the overall utility of universal screening. We aimed to evaluate the acceptability of a universal CL screening program. Additionally we evaluated risk factors associated with declining screening and subsequent delivery outcomes of women who accepted or declined screening. This was a retrospective cohort study of transvaginal CL screening at a single institution from July 1, 2011, through December 31, 2014. Institutional protocol recommended transvaginal CL measurement at the time of anatomic survey between 17-23 weeks in all women with singleton, viable pregnancies, without current or planned cerclage, with patients able to opt out. Patients with CL ≤20 mm were considered to have clinically significant cervical shortening and were offered treatment. We assessed acceptance rate, risk factors for declining CL screening, and the trend of acceptance of CL screening over time. We also calculated the prevalence of CL ≤25, ≤20, and ≤15 mm, and estimated the association between CL screening and spontaneous preterm birth. Of 12,740 women undergoing anatomic survey during the study period, 10,871 (85.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 84.7-85.9%) underwent CL screening. Of those, 215 (2.0%) had a CL ≤25 mm and 131 (1.2%) had a CL ≤20 mm. After the first 6 months of implementation, there was no change in rates of acceptance of CL screening over time (P for trend = .15). Women were more likely to decline CL screening if they were African American (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.17; 95% CI, 1.93-2.44), obese (aOR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.06-1.31), multiparous (aOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.29-1.64), age <35 years (aOR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08-1.43), or smokers (aOR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.20-1.68). Rates of spontaneous preterm birth <28 weeks were higher in those who declined CL screening (aOR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.33-3.02). Universal CL screening was implemented successfully with 85% of women screened. Overall incidence of short cervix was low and women with significant risk factors for preterm birth were more likely to decline screening. Patients who declined CL screening were more likely to be African American, obese, multiparous, age <35 years, and smokers. Rates of early, but not late, spontaneous preterm birth were significantly higher among women who did not undergo CL screening.

A Universal Transvaginal Cervical Length Screening Program for Preterm Birth Prevention

A Universal Transvaginal Cervical Length Screening Program for Preterm Birth Prevention

A universal transvaginal cervical length screening program for preterm birth prevention.

To evaluate a universal transvaginal ultrasonogram cervical length screening program on the incidence of a cervical length 20 mm or less and adherence to the management protocol for a cervical length less than 25 mm. We conducted a prospective cohort study of women with singleton gestations 18 0/7 to 23 6/7 weeks of gestation eligible for universal transvaginal ultrasonogram cervical length screening over an 18-month period. Only women receiving antenatal care at our institution were included. Women with a prior spontaneous preterm birth and without delivery data available were excluded. A transvaginal ultrasonogram cervical length of less than 25 mm was managed according to a predetermined protocol. Primary outcomes were the incidence of a cervical length 20 mm or less and adherence to the management protocol for a cervical length less than 25 mm. Secondary outcomes were the incidences of spontaneous preterm birth at less than 37, less than 34, or less than 32 weeks of gestation among women undergoing transvaginal ultrasonogram cervical length screening compared with those not screened. One thousand five hundred sixty-nine of 2,171 (72.3%) eligible women underwent transvaginal ultrasonogram cervical length screening. Overall, 17 (1.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-1.74) women had a cervical length 20 mm or less before 24 weeks of gestation. Management protocol deviations occurred in nine women with a cervical length less than 25 mm (43%, 95% CI 24.3-63.5). There was no difference in the incidence of spontaneous preterm birth at less than 37 weeks of gestation (4.1 compared with 4.7%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.91, 95% CI 0.57-1.45), less than 34 weeks of gestation (1.5 compared with 1.3%, adjusted OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.52-2.74), or less than 32 weeks of gestation (0.8 compared with 0.8%, adjusted OR 0.0.76, 95% CI 0.26-2.25) among women receiving transvaginal ultrasonogram cervical length screening compared with those not screened. In a universal transvaginal ultrasonogram cervical length screening program, the incidence of a cervical length 20 mm or less was 1.1% in women with singleton gestations without prior spontaneous preterm birth. Protocol deviations occurred in 43% of women with a cervical length less than 25 mm. The incidence of spontaneous preterm birth was similar among women undergoing transvaginal cervical length screening compared with those not screened. LEVEL OF EVIEDENCE: II.

Implementation of a Universal Cervical Length Screening Program for the Prevention of Preterm Birth

The objective of this article is to evaluate the implementation and acceptability of a universal cervical length (CL) screening program for prediction and prevention of preterm birth (PTB). We performed a prospective observational study to evaluate the implementation and acceptability of a universal CL screening program. Between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012, women with singleton gestations, without a cerclage or prior spontaneous PTB, were offered transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) for CL between 18(0/7) and 23(6/7) weeks' gestation. Sonographers and medical staff received education before implementation. Intervention for a short CL was interpreted according to a standard protocol. On June 1, 2012, our program was modified from "opt-in" to "opt-out." SPSS 20.0 (released 2011, IBM statistics for Windows version 20, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was used for analysis. Over 12 months, 1,484 (87%) of 1,706 eligible women were offered CL screening, and 1,119 (75%) were actually screened. Women were more likely to accept CL screening if they were nulliparous versus multiparous (83 vs. 68%, p < 0.001) and if the sonographer was female versus male (83 vs. 42%, p < 0.001). Implementation of an "opt-out" protocol did not increase the overall number of women accepting CL screening compared with an "opt-in" approach (76 vs. 75%, p = 0.81) CONCLUSION: Universal CL screening can be feasibly implemented and is acceptable to most women.

491: Implementation of a universal second trimester cervical length screening program in a resident clinic population

491: Implementation of a universal second trimester cervical length screening program in a resident clinic population

135: Real-world outcomes from a universal cervical length screening program

135: Real-world outcomes from a universal cervical length screening program