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Gavra-Shlissel H, Porat S, Tadmor O, Bitton E, Lipschuetz M, Kabiri D. Validating staging criteria for sonographic and physical examination for cervical changes at <24 weeks' gestation to predict preterm birth. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2024; 6:101211. [PMID: 37926146 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth represents a significant clinical challenge, and the ability to predict it effectively is a priority in obstetrics. The cervix undergoes specific changes during pregnancy, and staging these changes may offer a valuable predictive model for preterm birth, particularly among women with a midtrimester short cervical length. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to validate a proposed staging model for asymptomatic women with midtrimester short cervical length and to evaluate its potential for predicting preterm birth. The integration of cervical examination and inspection with cervical length measurement was a novel approach to be assessed. STUDY DESIGN This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study that included 925 pregnant women with a singleton fetus and a midtrimester cervical length measurement of ≤25 mm. Cervical conditions were assessed using ultrasonography, a speculum, and a physical examination and were classified into 1 of 5 cervical stages to correlate with the likelihood of preterm birth. Statistical analyses included Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to illustrate the time-to-event characteristics across the 5 stages and density plot evaluation to visualize the distribution of the gestational ages within the stages. RESULTS The staging model included 5 stages based on cervical length, appearance, and dilatation. Among the 925 participants, 649 were classified as being stage 1, 245 as stage 2, 18 as stage 3, 10 as stage 4, and 3 as stage 5. The observed rates of preterm birth before 37 weeks for individuals classified in stages 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 22.3%, 26.5%, 44.4%, 60%, and 66.7%, respectively (P=.005). The overall observed rates of preterm birth before 28, 32, 34, and 37 weeks' gestation were 5.5%, 9.9%, 12.2%, and 24.1%, respectively (P=.005). CONCLUSION This study validated the proposed staging criteria as an effective predictor of preterm birth caused by cervical insufficiency. The results demonstrate a significant increase in the preterm birth rate with advancing stage classification, indicating that the staging effectively stratified women based on their risk for preterm birth and highlighting the potential use for targeted interventions. Implementing these staging criteria can potentially improve the counseling and management of pregnant women at risk for preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadar Gavra-Shlissel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel (Drs Gavra-Shlissel, Porat, Bitton, Lipschuetz, and Kabiri)
| | - Shay Porat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel (Drs Gavra-Shlissel, Porat, Bitton, Lipschuetz, and Kabiri)
| | - Offer Tadmor
- Maccabi Health Services, Jerusalem, Israel (Dr Tadmor)
| | - Elyasaf Bitton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel (Drs Gavra-Shlissel, Porat, Bitton, Lipschuetz, and Kabiri)
| | - Michal Lipschuetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel (Drs Gavra-Shlissel, Porat, Bitton, Lipschuetz, and Kabiri)
| | - Doron Kabiri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel (Drs Gavra-Shlissel, Porat, Bitton, Lipschuetz, and Kabiri).
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Roman A, Gulersen M, Boelig RC, Berghella V. Proposed staging criteria for sonographic and physical exam for cervical changes at <24 weeks gestation to predict preterm birth. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:100753. [PMID: 36130675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Asymptomatic cervical changes, such as cervical length shortening and dilation, which often occur before spontaneous preterm birth, have been described well in singleton pregnancies with or without history of preterm birth. The current screening strategies available to identify patients at increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth include use of transvaginal ultrasound for cervical length assessment and for detection of a short cervical length (≤25 mm) before 24 weeks of gestation. Whether an additional evaluation of the cervix (ie, via speculum or manual exam) is indicated is often pondered by clinicians and may depend on how short the cervical length is and if there is a history of preterm birth. Based on expert opinion, we developed a novel staging system of asymptomatic cervical changes including the following: cervical length measurement, cervical and membrane appearance on speculum exam, and cervical dilation by manual exam. This staging system, if proven accurate, may aid in standardizing definitions for purposes of patient prognosis, evaluation of intervention efficacy, and clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Roman
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Moti Gulersen
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North Shore University Hospital, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY
| | - Rupsa C Boelig
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Vincenzo Berghella
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
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The retrospective study for effectiveness of cervical cerclage in preventing recurrent preterm birth. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 61:63-69. [PMID: 35181048 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2021.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of cervical cerclage in preventing recurrent preterm births. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study was conducted using the perinatal registration database of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology for the Perinatal Center from 2014 to 2016. The efficacies of history-indicated, ultrasound-indicated, and physical examination-indicated cerclage as preventive treatments for women with a history of preterm birth were evaluated by comparing cerclage and non-cerclage cases. Fisher's exact test was performed to evaluate any significant differences in patient backgrounds. Prior to the evaluation, propensity score matching was performed for history-indicated and ultrasound-indicated cerclage patients. RESULTS For this study, 6060 multiparous women with a history of preterm birth were reviewed. After excluding 17 patients with unknown indications for cervical cerclage, 6043 patients were included in the study. History-indicated and ultrasound-indicated cerclage did not reduce the risk of preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies for any of the pregnancy periods (p = 0.413, p = 1.000). In contrast, physical examination-indicated cerclage significantly reduced the risk of subsequent preterm births for all pregnancy periods (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Subsequent preterm births were effectively prevented only in physical examination-indicated cerclage cases. For history- or ultrasound-indicated cerclage, statistically significant differences in subsequent preterm births were not evident.
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Yan Y, Basij M, Garg A, Varrey A, Alhousseini A, Hsu R, Hernandez-Andrade E, Romero R, Hassan SS, Mehrmohammadi M. Spectroscopic photoacoustic imaging of cervical tissue composition in excised human samples. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247385. [PMID: 33657136 PMCID: PMC7928441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Cervical remodeling is an important component in determining the pathway of parturition; therefore, assessing changes in cervical tissue composition may provide information about the cervix’s status beyond the measurement of cervical length. Photoacoustic imaging is a non-invasive ultrasound-based technology that captures acoustic signals emitted by tissue components in response to laser pulses. This optical information allows for the determination of the collagen-to-water ratio (CWR). The purpose of this study was to compare the CWR evaluated by using spectroscopic photoacoustic (sPA) imaging in cervical samples obtained from pregnant and non-pregnant women. Methods This cross-sectional study comprised cervical biopsies obtained at the time of hysterectomy (n = 8) and at the scheduled cesarean delivery in pregnant women at term who were not in labor (n = 8). The cervical CWR was analyzed using a fiber-optic light-delivery system integrated to an ultrasound probe. The photoacoustic signals were acquired within the range of wavelengths that cover the peak absorption of collagen and water. Differences in the CWR between cervical samples from pregnant and non-pregnant women were analyzed. Hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius Red stains were used to compare the collagen content of cervical samples in these two groups. Results Eight cervix samples were obtained after hysterectomy, four from women ≤41 years of age and four from women ≥43 years of age; all cervical samples (n = 8) from pregnant women were obtained after 37 weeks of gestation at the time of cesarean section. The average CWR in cervical tissue samples from pregnant women was 18.7% (SD 7.5%), while in samples from non-pregnant women, it was 55.0% (SD 20.3%). There was a significantly higher CWR in the non-pregnant group compared to the pregnant group with a p-value <0.001. A subgroup analysis that compared the CWR in cervical samples from pregnant women and non-pregnant women ≤41 years of age (mean 46.3%, SD 23.1%) also showed a significantly higher CWR (p <0.01). Lower collagen content in the pregnancy group was confirmed by histological analysis, which revealed the loss of tissue composition, increased water content, and collagen degradation. Conclusion The proposed bimodal ultrasound and sPA imaging system can provide information on the biochemical composition of cervical tissue in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Photoacoustic imaging showed a higher collagen content in cervical samples from non-pregnant women as compared to those from pregnant women, which matched with the histological analysis. This novel imaging method envisions a new potential for a sensitive diagnostic tool in the evaluation of cervical tissue composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Maryam Basij
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Alpana Garg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Aneesha Varrey
- Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ali Alhousseini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Richard Hsu
- Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Edgar Hernandez-Andrade
- Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas, Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Roberto Romero
- Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sonia S. Hassan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Office of Women’s Health, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Mehrmohammadi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Mönckeberg M, Valdés R, Kusanovic JP, Schepeler M, Nien JK, Pertossi E, Silva P, Silva K, Venegas P, Guajardo U, Romero R, Illanes SE. Patients with acute cervical insufficiency without intra-amniotic infection/inflammation treated with cerclage have a good prognosis. J Perinat Med 2019; 47:500-509. [PMID: 30849048 PMCID: PMC6606339 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2018-0388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Background The frequency of intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI/I) in patients with midtrimester cervical insufficiency is up to 50%. Our purpose was to determine the perinatal outcomes of cervical cerclage in patients with acute cervical insufficiency with bulging membranes, and to compare the admission-to-delivery interval and pregnancy outcomes according to the results of amniotic fluid (AF) analysis and cerclage placement. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study including singleton pregnancies with cervical insufficiency between 15 and 26.9 weeks in two tertiary health centers. IAI/I was defined when at least one of the following criteria was present in AF: (a) a white blood cell (WBC) count >50 cells/mm3; (b) glucose concentration <14 mg/dL; and/or (c) a Gram stain positive for bacteria. Three different groups were compared: (1) absence of IAI/I with placement of a cerclage; (2) amniocentesis not performed with placement of a cerclage; and (3) IAI/I with or without a cerclage. Results Seventy patients underwent an amniocentesis to rule out IAI/I. The prevalence of IAI/I was 19%. Forty-seven patients underwent a cerclage. Patients with a cerclage had a longer median admission-to-delivery interval (33 vs. 2 days; P < 0.001) and delivered at a higher median gestational age (27.4 vs. 22.6 weeks; P = 0.001) than those without a cerclage. The neonatal survival rate in the cerclage group was 62% vs. 23% in those without a cerclage (P = 0.01). Patients without IAI/I who underwent a cerclage had a longer median admission-to-delivery interval (43 vs. 1 day; P < 0.001), delivered at a higher median gestational age (28 vs. 22.1 weeks; P = 0.001) and had a higher neonatal survival rate (67% vs. 8%; P < 0.001) than those with IAI/I. Conclusion The pregnancy outcomes of patients with midtrimester cervical insufficiency and bulging membranes are poor as they have a high prevalence of IAI/I. Therefore, a pre-operative amniocentesis is key to identify the best candidates for the subsequent placement of a cerclage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Mönckeberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile,Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rafael Valdés
- Center for Research and Innovation in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (CIMAF), Hospital Sótero del Río, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan P. Kusanovic
- Center for Research and Innovation in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (CIMAF), Hospital Sótero del Río, Santiago, Chile,Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile,Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Manuel Schepeler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clínica Dávila, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jyh K. Nien
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clínica Dávila, Santiago, Chile
| | - Emiliano Pertossi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Silva
- Center for Research and Innovation in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (CIMAF), Hospital Sótero del Río, Santiago, Chile,Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karla Silva
- Center for Research and Innovation in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (CIMAF), Hospital Sótero del Río, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pía Venegas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ulises Guajardo
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sebastián E. Illanes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clínica Dávila, Santiago, Chile
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Robot-assisted transabdominal cerclage for the prevention of preterm birth: A multicenter experience. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019; 232:70-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Tsikouras P, Anastasopoulos G, Maroulis V, Bothou A, Chalkidou A, Deuteraiou D, Anthoulaki X, Tsatsaris G, Bourazan AH, Iatrakis G, Zervoudis S, Galazios G, Inagamova LK, Csorba R, Teichmann AT. Comparative Evaluation of Arabin Pessary and Cervical Cerclage for the Prevention of Preterm Labor in Asymptomatic Women with High Risk Factors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15040791. [PMID: 29670041 PMCID: PMC5923833 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Preterm labor is one of the most significant obstetric problems associated with high rate of actual and long-term perinatal complications. Despite the creation of scoring systems, uterine activity monitoring, cervical ultrasound and several biochemical markers, the prediction and prevention of preterm labor is still a matter of concern. The aim of this study was to examine cervical findings for the prediction and the comparative use of Arabin pessary or cerclage for the prevention of preterm birth in asymptomatic women with high risk factors for preterm labor. Material and methods: The study group was composed of singleton pregnancies (spontaneously conceived) with high risk factors for preterm labor. Cervical length, dilatation of the internal cervical os and funneling, were estimated with transvaginal ultrasound during the first and the second trimesters of pregnancy. Results: Cervical funneling, during the second trimester of pregnancy, was the most significant factor for the prediction of preterm labor. The use of Arabin cervical pessary was found to be more effective than cerclage in the prolongation of pregnancy. Conclusion: In women at risk for preterm labor, the detection of cervical funneling in the second trimester of pregnancy may help to predict preterm labor and to apply the appropriate treatment for its prevention. Although the use of cervical pessary was found to be more effective than cerclage, more studies are needed to classify the effectiveness of different methods for such prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Tsikouras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - George Anastasopoulos
- Medical Informatics Laboratory, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Vasileios Maroulis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Anastasia Bothou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rea Hospital, 17564 Athens, Greece.
| | - Anna Chalkidou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Dorelia Deuteraiou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Xanthoula Anthoulaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Georgios Tsatsaris
- Medical Informatics Laboratory, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Arzou Halil Bourazan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - George Iatrakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Technological Educational Institute, 17564 Athens, Greece.
| | - Stefanos Zervoudis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rea Hospital, 17564 Athens, Greece.
| | - Georgios Galazios
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Lola-Katerina Inagamova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Roland Csorba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinicum Aschaffenburg, Teaching Hospital of University, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Alexander-Tobias Teichmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinicum Aschaffenburg, Teaching Hospital of University, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
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Alfirevic Z, Stampalija T, Medley N. Cervical stitch (cerclage) for preventing preterm birth in singleton pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 6:CD008991. [PMID: 28586127 PMCID: PMC6481522 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008991.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cerclage is a well-known surgical procedure carried out during pregnancy. It involves positioning of a suture (stitch) around the neck of the womb (cervix), aiming to give mechanical support to the cervix and thereby reduce risk of preterm birth. The effectiveness and safety of this procedure remains controversial. This is an update of a review last published in 2012. OBJECTIVES To assess whether the use of cervical stitch in singleton pregnancy at high risk of pregnancy loss based on woman's history and/or ultrasound finding of 'short cervix' and/or physical exam improves subsequent obstetric care and fetal outcome. SEARCH METHODS We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register (30 June 2016) and reference lists of identified studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised trials of cervical suturing in singleton pregnancies. Cervical stitch was carried out when the pregnancy was considered to be of sufficiently high risk due to a woman's history, a finding of short cervix on ultrasound or other indication determined by physical exam. We included any study that compared cerclage with either no treatment or any alternative intervention. We planned to include cluster-randomised studies but not cross-over trials. We excluded quasi-randomised studies. We included studies reported in abstract form only. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Three review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion. Two review authors independently assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We resolved discrepancies by discussion. Data were checked for accuracy. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS This updated review includes a total of 15 trials (3490 women); three trials were added for this update (152 women). Cerclage versus no cerclageOverall, cerclage probably leads to a reduced risk of perinatal death when compared with no cerclage, although the confidence interval (CI) crosses the line of no effect (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.04; 10 studies, 2927 women; moderate quality evidence). Considering stillbirths and neonatal deaths separately reduced the numbers of events and sample size. Although the relative effect of cerclage is similar, estimates were less reliable with fewer data and assessed as of low quality (stillbirths RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.75; 5 studies, 1803 women; low quality evidence; neonatal deaths before discharge RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.39; 6 studies, 1714 women; low quality evidence). Serious neonatal morbidity was similar with and without cerclage (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.18; 6 studies, 883 women; low-quality evidence). Pregnant women with and without cerclage were equally likely to have a baby discharged home healthy (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.06; 4 studies, 657 women; moderate quality evidence).Pregnant women with cerclage were less likely to have preterm births compared to controls before 37, 34 (average RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.89; 9 studies, 2415 women; high quality evidence) and 28 completed weeks of gestation.Five subgroups based on clinical indication provided data for analysis (history-indicated; short cervix based on one-off ultrasound in high risk women; short cervix found by serial scans in high risk women; physical exam-indicated; and short cervix found on scan in low risk or mixed populations). There were too few trials in these clinical subgroups to make meaningful conclusions and no evidence of differential effects. Cerclage versus progesteroneTwo trials (129 women) compared cerclage to prevention with vaginal progesterone in high risk women with short cervix on ultrasound; these trials were too small to detect reliable, clinically important differences for any review outcome. One included trial compared cerclage with intramuscular progesterone (75 women) which lacked power to detect group differences. History indicated cerclage versus ultrasound indicated cerclageEvidence from two trials (344 women) was too limited to establish differences for clinically important outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Cervical cerclage reduces the risk of preterm birth in women at high-risk of preterm birth and probably reduces risk of perinatal deaths. There was no evidence of any differential effect of cerclage based on previous obstetric history or short cervix indications, but data were limited for all clinical groups. The question of whether cerclage is more or less effective than other preventative treatments, particularly vaginal progesterone, remains unanswered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarko Alfirevic
- The University of LiverpoolDepartment of Women's and Children's HealthFirst Floor, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation TrustCrown StreetLiverpoolUKL8 7SS
| | - Tamara Stampalija
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo GarofoloUnit of Prenatal DiagnosisTriesteItaly
| | - Nancy Medley
- The University of LiverpoolHarris‐Wellbeing Preterm Birth Research Centre, Department of Women's and Children's HealthFirst Floor, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation TrustCrown StreetLiverpoolUKL8 7SS
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Abstract
Periviable birth contributes disproportionately to perinatal morbidity and mortality. By analyzing the most relevant outcomes after a preterm birth some information can be provided on the potential benefit of interventions. This article discusses surgical and medical interventions that may offer neonatal benefit including cerclage, amniocentesis, progesterone, antenatal corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate for neuroprotection, and tocolysis. Cervical cerclage has the greatest promise at reducing morbidity and mortality related to periviable birth even though it may not reduce the overall preterm birth rate. The use of antenatal corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate, progesterone, and tocolytics may also improve outcome. Studies specifically evaluating these interventions are needed.
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