Prophylactic Cervical Cerclage Research Articles

Median Effective Dose of Ropivacaine for Prophylactic Cervical Cerclage in Chinese Women: A Dose-Finding Study

(Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2023;48:168–172. doi: 10.1136/rapm-2022-104242) Complications in pregnancy leading to preterm labor or miscarriage can occur for a variety of reasons. One reason that represents a significant public health burden is cervical incompetence or insufficiency. Current treatment guidelines focus on cervical cerclage as an effective treatment to prevent or arrest the effects of cervical insufficiency. Performing this procedure requires surgery, and therefore different anesthetic methods can be used to minimize pain and adverse outcomes for the patients, namely general or neuraxial anesthesia. One local anesthetic used for spinal neuraxial blocks in obstetrics is ropivacaine, but research has not explored its effect when used for cervical cerclage. This study from China was designed to find the median effective dose of intrathecal ropivacaine for cervical cerclage placement in 50% of patients (ED50). Secondary to this, the effective dose of intrathecal ropivacaine in 95% of patients (ED95) was also calculated. Other outcome measures included the duration of the sensory and motor blocks.

Prophylactic Cervical Cerclage in Cases Following Cervical Conization at a Japanese Perinatal Center.

The objective of this study was to re-examine the effect of cerclage on the possible factors associated with preterm delivery in women who had cervical conization. This was a retrospective cohort study comparing the obstetric outcomes of women with or without prophylactic cervical cerclage in pregnancy following a prior conization and managed at our institute between 2004 and 2023. In this study, there were 75% of pregnant women with a history of cervical conization. In 13 women of these (17%), prophylactic cervical cerclage was performed at 12-17 weeks' gestation. The incidence of preterm delivery was 15 (9/62) and 31% (4/13, p = 0.38) in cases with and without cervical cerclage, respectively. The prevalence of histological chorioamnionitis (CAM) in cases of preterm delivery following cervical cerclage was 100%. Prophylactic cervical cerclage in the cases following conization did not contribute to the prevention of preterm delivery associated with the development of CAM.

Effectiveness of Prophylactic Transvaginal Cervical Cerclage in Improving Clinical Outcomes among Pregnant Women with Cervical Insufficiency: Meta-Analysis

Effectiveness of Prophylactic Transvaginal Cervical Cerclage in Improving Clinical Outcomes among Pregnant Women with Cervical Insufficiency: Meta-Analysis

Practice of Cervical Cerclage at a University Teaching Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Background: Although the aetiology of preterm deliveries is largely unknown, it is said to be multifactorial and cervical insufficiency has been implicated. Hence, cervical cerclage is a necessary and common prophylactic obstetric procedure for preventing prematurity and associated recurrent second trimester miscarriages. Objectives: To evaluate the pattern, indications, and fetal outcome of cervical cerclage. Methodology: This was a retrospective study of 50 women who had cervical cerclage insertion at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. Data was obtained from the ward registers, theatre records, and case notes of the women, and entered into a structured proforma. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 25, and results are presented as frequency tables and charts. Results: The mean age of the patients was 35 ± 2.07 years. The mean of number of previous miscarriages was 2.46 ± 2.07, 56.8% were multiparous and 50% had a previous manual vacuum aspiration. Majority 35 (70%) of the women had prophylactic cerclage, 10 (20%) had cerclage following in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer pregnancy, while 5(10%) had rescue cerclage. Most 29 (58%) of the prophylactic cervical cerclage insertion were done between 11-15 weeks, with MacDonald technique being the most common technique practiced. Of these, only 18 (36%) carried the pregnancy up to 36 weeks of gestation. Conclusion: Many of cervical cerclage procedures were performed for prophylaxis and resulted in improved fetal outcomes in women who had previously experienced mid-trimester losses or preterm delivery.

Eradication of cervical canal colonization associated with prophylactic cervical cerclage: the look further study.

The perioperative management of the cervical cerclage procedure is not unified. In general population controlling microbiome cervical status does not affect obstetric outcomes, but it might be beneficial in patients with cervical insufficiency. The aim of our study was to present the obstetric, neonatal and pediatric outcomes of patients undergoing the cervical cerclage placement procedure in our obstetric department using a regimen of care that includes control of the microbiological status of the cervix and elimination of the pathogens detected. Thirty-five patients undergoing cervical cerclage in the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, were included in the study. The procedure was performed only after receiving a negative culture from the cervical canal. Thirty-one (88.6%) patients delivered after the 34th and twenty-eight (80.0%) after the 37th week of gestation. The colonization of the genital tract was present in 31% of patients prior to the procedure, in 42% of patients - during the subsequent pregnancy course and in 48% of patients - before delivery. A total of 85% of patients who had miscarriage or delivered prematurely had abnormal cervical cultures. In patients with normal cervical cultures, and 91.7% of women delivered at term. No abnormalities in children's development were found. Controlling microbiological status of the cervical canal results in better or similar outcomes to those reported by other authors in terms of obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Active eradication of the reproductive tract colonization potentially increases the effectiveness of the cervical cerclage placement.

Outcome Of Cervical Cerclages In Semino Specialist Hospital: A 5-Case Series

Background: Cervical cerclage is simply the use of a specialized non-absorbable suture to tie the cervix at the level of the internal os to prevent recurrent abortions, preterm labour and delivery especially in women with short cervix or cervical weakness. It was introduced in the 1950s by Shirodkar and McDonald and has since become a common obstetric practice. There still exist a lot of controversies concerning its efficacy and the factors determining its success. This study is aimed at unraveling the factors that determined a successful cerclage in a private hospital setting in Enugu, south-east Nigeria. Aim: To audit the pregnancy outcomes and its determinants following prophylactic cervical cerclage in a private centre Methodology: This was a case series of five women who had prophylactic cerclage between 2020 and 2022 in SEMINO Hospital, Enugu, following either a clinical or ultrasound diagnosis of cervical incompetence or both. SEMINO Hospital receives referrals from some maternity homes and other private centres not manned by obstetrician/gynaecologist in and around Abakpa-Nike. These women were seen and managed by the authors in SEMINO Hospital over the period under review. Data were collected from the patients’ case notes and presented in tabular form for easy analysis and comparison. Conclusion: The use of adjunctive therapies and insertion of cerclages at earlier gestational ages may enhance the outcome of cervical cerclages.

What more can be done? Prioritizing the most promising antenatal interventions to improve birth weight

BackgroundLow birth weight (LBW) is associated with neonatal mortality and sequelae of lifelong health problems; prioritizing the most promising antenatal interventions may guide resource allocation and improve health outcomes. ObjectiveWe sought to identify the most promising interventions that are not yet included in the policy recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) but could complement antenatal care and reduce the prevalence of LBW and related adverse birth outcomes in low- and middle-income settings. MethodsWe utilized an adapted Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) prioritization method. ResultsIn addition to procedures already recommended by WHO for the prevention of LBW, we identified six promising antenatal interventions that are not currently recommended by WHO with an indication for LBW prevention, namely: (1) provision of multiple micronutrients; (2) low-dose aspirin; (3) high-dose calcium; (4) prophylactic cervical cerclage; (5) psychosocial support for smoking cessation; and (6) other psychosocial support for targeted populations and settings. We also identified seven interventions for further implementation research and six interventions for efficacy research. ConclusionThese promising interventions, coupled with increasing coverage of currently recommended antenatal care, could accelerate progress toward the global target of a 30% reduction in the number of LBW infants born in 2025 compared to 2006-10.

The use of a modified rescue cervical cerclage in a diamniotic dichorionic twin pregnancy that had cervical dilatation

AbstractObjectiveWe describe the successful utilization of a modified rescue cerclage in a 32‐year‐old G4 P1213 woman of Afro‐Caribbean descent with a Diamniotic Dichorionic twin gestation who presented at 20 weeks and 2 days for a routine anomaly scan and was found to have a dilated (1.7 cm) and short (0.49 cm) cervix.DesignA standard prophylactic cervical cerclage was done at 12 weeks' gestation using Mersilene™ tape. For the rescue cerclage, the client was placed in a steep Trendelenburg position, with back filling of the bladder. The cervix was grasped with ring forceps, and an inflated foley balloon catheter was introduced into the cervical opening to aid in reduction of membranes. In addition to the initial cerclage, two 1‐ Prolene™ sutures were inserted distally to the tape and a second Mersilene™ tape was inserted proximally at the vesicocervical junction (reinforcement cerclages). The first Prolene™ was to provide additional structural support to prevent prolapse of the membrane. The second Prolene™ was used to close the external cervical or to minimize the risk of an ascending infection. The procedure was uneventful and postoperatively she was treated with antibiotics, vaginal micronized progesterone and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. The membranes remained intact.ResultThe twins were successfully delivered by a scheduled repeat caesarean section at 36 weeks with Twin 1 Apgar scores of 9 and 9 at 1 and 5 min, respectively, and Twin 2 Apgar scores of 8 and 10, respectively.ConclusionIn the context of a challenging obstetric history as in this case, a more aggressive approach inclusive of reinforcement cerclage may be considered. The successful outcomes in this case further reiterates the need for larger clinical trials with pregnant individuals with larger cervical dilations at entry.

Median effective dose of ropivacaine for prophylactic cervical cerclage in Chinese women: a dose-finding study

BackgroundAlthough intrathecal ropivacaine has been widely used for caesarean delivery, there are limited data for the use of ropivacaine for prophylactic cervical cerclage. We sought to determine the median effective...

The comparative analysis of laparoscopic or transvaginal cerclage in pregnancies with cervical insufficiency: a retrospective cohort study.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic cervical cerclage by laparoscopy in pregnant women versus transvaginal way. Retrospective, monocentric cohort study was performed. The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Cases with cervical insufficiency (defined by previous history of painless second or early third trimester pregnancy loss/losses) were selected. Laparoscopic or transvaginal cerclage were conducted. The maternal information and the neonatal data were collected and compared. The pregnancy outcomes including the incidence of full-term labor and gestational weeks at delivery were defined as the primary outcomes. Neonatal survival and birth weight, neonatal complications were evaluated as the secondary outcomes. Totally 36 twin pregnant cases and 82 singleton pregnant cases were managed with cerclage, either trans-laparoscopy (totally 78 cases) or transvaginal (totally 40 cases). Demographic characteristics showed no significant differences. Cases in laparoscopic group had a prolonged gestational age at delivery (36.43 ± 0.93weeks and 33.60 ± 2.78weeks, respectively, P < 0.001), a higher incidence of full-term labor (60.26% vs 42.50%, P = 0.05) with no significant difference of perinatal mortality (P = 0.661). Meanwhile, higher incidence of normal birth weight infants (88.46% vs 67.50%, P = 0.007) was shown in laparoscopic group with no more complications such as the cases of neonatal with Apgar < 7 (P = 0.296), and the incidence of NICU admission (P = 0.237). Besides, LTC showed good efficiency on VTC in the incidence of full-term labor: HR 0.24 (95% CI 0.070-0.85), P < 0.001. While LSC showed the similar efficiency on VSC: HR 0.734 (95% CI 0.36-1.49), P = 0.857, showing that cases with twin pregnancy may benefit more from laparoscopic cerclage. The comparative effect between laparoscopic and transvaginal cerclage in pregnant women showed that laparoscopic cerclage may be a relatively effective and safety prophylactic way for cervical insufficiency. This would be an acceptable and safe replace for traditional transvaginal cervical cerclage.

ED 90 of Intrathecal Chloroprocaine With Fentanyl for Prophylactic Cervical Cerclage: A Sequential Allocation Biased-Coin Design.

Chloroprocaine is a short-acting local anesthetic that has been used for spinal anesthesia in outpatient surgery. There is limited experience with spinal chloroprocaine for prophylactic cervical cerclage placement. We sought to determine the effective dose of intrathecal chloroprocaine for 90% of patients (ED90) undergoing prophylactic cervical cerclage placement. We hypothesized that the ED90 of intrathecal chloroprocaine when combined with 10-ug fentanyl would be between 33 and 54 mg. In this prospective 2-center double-blinded study, we enrolled women undergoing prophylactic cervical cerclage placement under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. A predetermined dose of intrathecal 3% chloroprocaine with fentanyl 10 ug was administered. The initial dose was 45-mg intrathecal chloroprocaine. Subsequent dose adjustments were determined based on the response of the previous subject using an up-down sequential allocation with a biased-coin design. A dose was considered effective if at least a T12 block was achieved, and there was no requirement for epidural activation or intraoperative analgesic supplementation during the procedure. The primary outcome was the ED90 of intrathecal chloroprocaine with fentanyl 10 ug. Secondary outcomes included duration of surgery, anesthetic side effects, time to resolution of motor and sensory block, time to achieve recovery room discharge criteria, and patient satisfaction with anesthetic care. Isotonic regression was used to estimate the ED90. Forty-seven patients were enrolled into the study. Two patients were excluded (1 protocol violation and 1 failed block). In total, 45 patients completed the study. The estimated ED90 (95% confidence interval) for intrathecal chloroprocaine combined with fentanyl 10 ug was 49.5 mg (45.0-50.1 mg). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) duration of surgery was 15 (10-24) minutes. Resolution of the motor (Bromage 0) and sensory block took a median time of 60 (45-90) minutes and 90 (75-105) minutes, respectively. The median time to achieve recovery room discharge criteria was 150 (139-186) minutes. Satisfaction with anesthetic management was high in all patients. There were no reports of postdural puncture headache or transient neurological symptoms postoperatively. The ED90 of intrathecal chloroprocaine combined with fentanyl 10 ug was 49.5 mg. Intrathecal chloroprocaine was associated with rapid block recovery and high patient satisfaction, which makes it well suited for outpatient obstetric procedures.

Can prophylactic transvaginal cervical cerclage improve pregnancy outcome in patients receiving cervical conization? A meta-analysis

Cervical conization could increase the risk of cervical insufficiency. This study systematically evaluated the value of prophylactic transvaginal cervical cerclage following cervical conization with regards to pregnancy outcome. We performed a systematic review of the literature, using Web of Science, and Embase, the published time ranged from the date that database established to December 2019. Pregnant patients, who had a previous history of cervical conization for CIN or early cervical cancer, were enrolled. Two researchers searched these databases and estimated the included studies' quality independently, depending on the same criteria. Our meta-analysis is incorporate 3560 cases eventually. Meta-analysis showed that when compared to the no-cerclage group, the risk ratio (RR) of preterm birth in the prophylactic transvaginal cervical cerclage group was 1.85 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22-2.80; p = 0.004]; the RR of premature rupture of membranes was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.17-1.93; p = 0.001). The rates of preterm birth were significantly higher in women following cervical conization with transvaginal cerclage than those without cerclage.

P–746 Obstetric outcomes of singleton birth after hysteroscopic division of septate uterus

Abstract Study question The aim of this study is to determine the obstetric outcomes in patients with a singleton birth after hysteroscopic division of septate uterus. Summary answer The data suggest excellent obstetric outcomes for singleton gestation after hysteroscopic division of a septate uterus reaching either the internal or the external cervical os. What is known already Septate uterus is a rare Müllerian anomaly with major impact on reproductive outcomes, particularly with a septum over 10mm. Controversy still exists over the need for surgical correction of the septum due to conflicting data on outcomes, particularly in women with histories of good obstetric outcomes and incidental septum findings. Placental location in relation to the septum may account for such conflicting reports. Most data on reproductive outcomes after hysteroscopic surgical correction combine both septate and subseptate uteri. There is limited published data on obstetric outcomes after hysteroscopic surgical correction of septate uteri, especially septate uteri reaching the external os. Study design, size, duration This retrospective cohort study included 107 patients with infertility and/or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) who received treatment between 2002 –2019. The study group included 24 patients with a singleton birth after hysteroscopic correction of septate uterus (Class Va; ASRM classification) that was diagnosed on trans-vaginal 3D ultrasound. The control group included 83 patients with a singleton birth who had normal endometrial cavity on hysteroscopy during the same period of time, before starting treatment. Participants/materials, setting, methods This study was conducted at an infertility clinic affiliated with a teaching hospital. In the study group the septum reached the internal or the external cervical os in 14 and 10 patients respectively. After hysteroscopic correction, all patients were offered various infertility treatments depending on the underlying etiology. The inclusion criterion in this study was to have a singleton birth after hysteroscopy. Demographic and clinical data and obstetric outcomes were compared between the two groups. Main results and the role of chance There was no significant difference in mean age, infertility duration, infertility type and incidence of male infertility or ovulatory disorders between the two groups. There was a significantly higher BMI (0.048), and a higher incidence of history of miscarriage (P = 0.002) and history of RPL (P = 0.017) in the study group. There was significant lower incidence of tubal factors infertility (P = 0.005) and endometriosis (P = 0.03) in the study group, therefore there was higher incidence of spontaneous conception (70.8% vs 19.3%; P = 0.000) and lower incidence of conception with IVF-ET (20.8% vs 66.3%; P = 0.000) in the study group compared to the control group respectively. There was significantly higher incidence of prophylactic cervical cerclage (17.4% vs 0%; P = 0.000), and delivery by CS (69.6% vs 41.2%; P = 0.019) and lower incidence of vaginal delivery (30.4% vs 58.8%; P = 0.019), in the study group compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in gestational age in weeks (38.3 + 1.8 vs 38.6 + 2.0), newborn birth weight in grams (3173.9 + 630.0 vs 3202.1 + 555.6), incidence of premature birth (12.5% vs 12.2%), or other obstetric complications (25% vs 17.6%) between the study and the control groups respectively. For premature births, mean gestational age was 34.3 + 0.47 and 34.6 + 1.2 weeks in the study and control groups respectively. Limitations, reasons for caution A retrospective study has its own inherent bias. Furthermore, the small sample size is explained by the fact that a septate uterus is a rare anomaly leading to difficulties finding cases and organizing a prospective study to achieve a larger sample size. A multicenter prospective study is needed. Wider implications of the findings: Regardless of whether the septum reached the internal or external os, there were excellent obstetric outcomes in singleton gestations after hysteroscopic correction of septate uteri. There was no increased risk with septate uteri involving the cervix. Hysteroscopic surgical correction should be the treatment of choice for patients with septate uteri. Trial registration number Not applicable

P-746 Obstetric outcomes of singleton birth after hysteroscopic division of septate uterus

Abstract Study question The aim of this study is to determine the obstetric outcomes in patients with a singleton birth after hysteroscopic division of septate uterus. Summary answer The data suggest excellent obstetric outcomes for singleton gestation after hysteroscopic division of a septate uterus reaching either the internal or the external cervical os. What is known already Septate uterus is a rare Müllerian anomaly with major impact on reproductive outcomes, particularly with a septum over 10mm. Controversy still exists over the need for surgical correction of the septum due to conflicting data on outcomes, particularly in women with histories of good obstetric outcomes and incidental septum findings. Placental location in relation to the septum may account for such conflicting reports. Most data on reproductive outcomes after hysteroscopic surgical correction combine both septate and subseptate uteri. There is limited published data on obstetric outcomes after hysteroscopic surgical correction of septate uteri, especially septate uteri reaching the external os. Study design, size, duration This retrospective cohort study included 107 patients with infertility and/or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) who received treatment between 2002 -2019. The study group included 24 patients with a singleton birth after hysteroscopic correction of septate uterus (Class Va; ASRM classification) that was diagnosed on trans-vaginal 3D ultrasound. The control group included 83 patients with a singleton birth who had normal endometrial cavity on hysteroscopy during the same period of time, before starting treatment. Participants/materials, setting, methods This study was conducted at an infertility clinic affiliated with a teaching hospital. In the study group the septum reached the internal or the external cervical os in 14 and 10 patients respectively. After hysteroscopic correction, all patients were offered various infertility treatments depending on the underlying etiology. The inclusion criterion in this study was to have a singleton birth after hysteroscopy. Demographic and clinical data and obstetric outcomes were compared between the two groups. Main results and the role of chance There was no significant difference in mean age, infertility duration, infertility type and incidence of male infertility or ovulatory disorders between the two groups. There was a significantly higher BMI (0.048), and a higher incidence of history of miscarriage (P=0.002) and history of RPL (P=0.017) in the study group. There was significant lower incidence of tubal factors infertility (P=0.005) and endometriosis (P=0.03) in the study group, therefore there was higher incidence of spontaneous conception (70.8% vs 19.3%; P=0.000) and lower incidence of conception with IVF-ET (20.8% vs 66.3%; P=0.000) in the study group compared to the control group respectively. There was significantly higher incidence of prophylactic cervical cerclage (17.4% vs 0%; P=0.000), and delivery by CS (69.6% vs 41.2%; P=0.019) and lower incidence of vaginal delivery (30.4% vs 58.8%; P=0.019), in the study group compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in gestational age in weeks (38.3 + 1.8 vs 38.6 + 2.0), newborn birth weight in grams (3173.9 + 630.0 vs 3202.1 + 555.6), incidence of premature birth (12.5% vs 12.2%), or other obstetric complications (25% vs 17.6%) between the study and the control groups respectively. For premature births, mean gestational age was 34.3 + 0.47 and 34.6 + 1.2 weeks in the study and control groups respectively. Limitations, reasons for caution A retrospective study has its own inherent bias. Furthermore, the small sample size is explained by the fact that a septate uterus is a rare anomaly leading to difficulties finding cases and organizing a prospective study to achieve a larger sample size. A multicenter prospective study is needed. Wider implications of the findings Regardless of whether the septum reached the internal or external os, there were excellent obstetric outcomes in singleton gestations after hysteroscopic correction of septate uteri. There was no increased risk with septate uteri involving the cervix. Hysteroscopic surgical correction should be the treatment of choice for patients with septate uteri. Trial registration number Not Applicable

Prevention of preterm delivery by cervical cerclage; a comparison of prophylactic and emergency procedures

Objective:Prophylactic or emergency type cervical cerclage procedures are being used for treatment of cervical insufficiency. The aim was to review and compare the outcomes of these cerclage types and identify factors affecting outcomes.Material and Methods:Retrospective review of seventy-five patients in whom transvaginal cervical cerclage procedures were performed over a seven-year period in a tertiary referral center.Results:Twenty seven of 75 (36%) patients were in the emergency cerclage group and 48 (64%) of them were in the prophylactic group. Mean body mass index (BMI), hospitalization time and gestational week at cerclage were significantly higher, whereas latency period was significantly shorter for the emergency group. Mean gestational ages at delivery were 35.6±4.5 and 33.6±5.9 weeks in the prophylactic and emergency groups, respectively (p=0.117). Delivery rates under 34th gestational week were 20.8% and 37.0% in the prophylactic and emergency groups, respectively (p=0.175). Birthweight, and delivery ≥34th gestational week was higher in the prophylactic group, whereas complication rate was higher in the emergency group, but these differences were not significant. High BMI was associated with more deliveries before 34-week in the prophylactic group. Pre-cerclage cervical length was shorter in patients who delivered before 34 gestational weeks at delivery.Conclusion:Prophylactic and emergency cerclage procedures have comparable results regarding gestational week at delivery. High BMI and low pre-cerclage cervical length may have adverse effects on success of cerclage procedures.

Comparison of laparoscopic abdominal cerclage and transvaginal cerclage for the treatment of cervical insufficiency: a retrospective study

To compare the pregnancy outcome of patients with cervical insufficiency (CI) underwent prophylactic laparoscopic abdominal cervical cerclage (LAC) and transvaginal cervical cerclage (TVC). A retrospective trial was carried out in the Department of Gynecology, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Shandong Province, China. A total of 217 women with cervical insufficiency underwent the prophylactic cerclage, and the surgical approach was decided by the patients or depended on doctors' advice. The primary outcome measure was the fetal outcome. Secondary outcome measures were delivery of an infant at ≥ 34th gestational weeks, newborn birth weight, neonatal intensive care center (NICU) occupancy, and postoperative complications. Nonparametric variables were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney (U) test, and categorical type outcomes were analyzed with the Chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics Version 19. As of follow-up date, 154 eligible patients were included in this study, with 74 (48.1%) women in the LAC group and 80 (51.9%) in the TVC group. The total fetal survival rate in the two groups was 90.3% (139/154), of which the rate significantly higher in the LAC group compared to the TVC group (97.3% vs. 83.8%, P < 0.01). The delivery of an infant at ≥ 34th gestational weeks was significantly higher in the LAC group compared to the TVC group (94.6% vs. 71.3%, P < 0.01). Compared to the TVC group, the mean newborn birth weight was higher, and the NICU occupancy rate was less in the LAC group (3293.4 ± 542.8g vs. 2953.6 ± 704.4g, P = 0.002; 2.8% vs. 17.9%, P = 0.003). No fatal surgical complications occurred in both groups. In patients with cervical insufficiency, the history-indicated conception of prophylactic LAC appears to have a better pregnancy outcome than TVC.

Recurrent cervical hemorrhages and thromboses associated to pulmonary thrombembolism in a hereditary thrombophilia with heterozygous mutants of MTHFR and PAI-1. Case Report and Pathophysiology Hypotheses

A 30 years Caucazian nullipara, 1 blighted ovum, former Yasmin user (1 year), without antiphospholipid antibodies, prophylactic cervical cerclage at 19 weeks pregnancy, is readmitted in emergency at 21 weeks gestation for heavy pelvic pains, and abundant vaginal red blood loss, with cerclage suppression. Under tocolysis and vaginal progesterone, she presents 3 new episodes of intense pains and red, pulsatile blood loss from different cervical areas at 24- 36 hours after admittance, with mechanical hemostasis by nylon sutures at cervico- vaginal junction. The 4th episode is followed by severe anemia (Hb= 6.03mg/dL, Ht= 18.32%), haemodinamic instability, coagulation disorders- hematomas, generalized petaechia, and at 24 hours after last vaginal sutures she claims thoracic pains, dyspneea, cianosis. There are not registered fetal distress, placental abnormalities, cervical shortness below 2.5 cm (when cerclage), and maternal heart abnormalities at repeated ultrasound examinations. No thoracic computer tomography because maternal refuse. After a cardiologist consultation it is appreciated a mild/moderate pulmonary thrombembolism, without deep legs venous thrombosis, and it is started continuous intravenous anticoagulant therapy – heparine 25,000UI/day x 6 days, then fraxiparine in increased dosages continued to term, and 6 weeks postpartum. The laboratory test confirms intravascular disseminated coagulation with secondary fibrinolysis, and positivity for heterozygous mutants of MTHFR (methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency C677T and A1298C), and PAI (plasminogen activator inhibitor)-1 (4G). Cesarean delivery is performed at 37 weeks for fetal distress at labor onset, with extraction of a girl 3340g, Apgar=7/8, premature senescent placenta, thin umbilical cord. No maternal and neonate postpartum complications.

Fully Embedded Prophylactic Cervical Cerclage For Twin Pregnancies Achieved Following Fertility Treatment

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has offered hope to a great number of couples in the past few decades. The rate of multiple pregnancies has increased after the use of ART; 19.6% of ART conceived infants were twins in 2015 according to the Centre of Disease Control (CDC).

Prophylactic cervical cerclage, fully embedded, for twin pregnancies following fertility treatment

Purpose of Investigation: With the advent of fertility treatment the number of twin gestations has increased considerably. These pregnancies are associated with many maternal and perinatal complications, mainly due to prematurity. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a fully embedded prophylactic vaginal cervical cerclage in reducing the rate of prematurity in twin pregnancies following ART. Materials and Methods: A prophylactic vaginal cervical cerclage was applied in forty three twin pregnancies conceived following fertility treatments. The cerclage suture was fully embedded under the vaginal mucosa in order to minimize the risk of infection. Results: The mean gestational age at delivery was 35+4 weeks and the mean delivery weight was 2,238 grams. No differences between the type of fertility treatment used was noted in the outcome measures studied. Conclusion: Twin pregnancies conceived with the aid of fertility treatment, benefited from the application of a prophylactic vaginal cervical cerclage.

Risk of preterm birth after the excisional surgery for cervical lesions: a propensity-score matching study in Japan

Introduction There is a paucity of data on the risk of preterm birth subcategorized by gestational age in pregnancies after the pre-pregnancy excisional treatment for cervical lesions. In addition, little is known about the effect of prophylactic cerclage on the risk of preterm birth. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of preterm birth stratified by gestational period and its reduction by the prophylactic cerclage in women with prior excisional surgery. Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of singleton pregnancies in the Japan Perinatal Registry Network Database (2013–2014, n = 307,001). Cases included pregnancies after the surgery (i.e. conization and loop electrosurgical excision procedure). Controls comprised the propensity-score matched pregnancies without pre-pregnancy surgery. The main outcome was the occurrence of preterm birth. The effect of prophylactic cervical cerclage on the risk of preterm birth after the excisional surgery was also examined using cases. Results In the propensity-score matched population (cases, n = 1389; controls, n = 1389), cases exhibited a higher risk of preterm birth and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM), compared with controls (preterm birth: 25.3 versus 10.6%; preterm PROM: 14.0 versus 3.5%: both p < .0001). Odds ratios (OR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) for preterm birth at 22–27 weeks, 28–31 weeks, 32–33 weeks, and 34–36 weeks were 3.4 [1.8–6.5], 4.6 [2.7–7.7], 2.2 [1.4–3.5], and 2.1 [1.6–2.7], respectively. The association was stronger for preterm PROM at earlier gestational age (22–27 weeks, 28–31 weeks, 32–33 weeks, and 34–36 weeks: 5.2 [2.3–11.8], 7.1 [3.4–15.0], 3.8 [1.7–8.3], and 3.9 [1.8–4.6], respectively). In cases, 171 underwent the prophylactic cervical cerclage. The occurrence of preterm birth and preterm PROM was comparable between those with and without the cerclage (28.7 versus 24.2, and 12.9 versus 13.3%, respectively). Conclusions Pre-pregnancy excisional cervical surgery was associated with the increased risk of preterm birth, especially before 32 weeks of gestation. The prophylactic cerclage did not reduce the risk of preterm birth.