Effect of QUiPP prediction algorithm on treatment decisions in women with a previous preterm birth: a prospective cohort study

The web-based application "QUiPP v.2" for the prediction of preterm birth in symptomatic women is not yet ready for worldwide clinical use: ten reflections on development, validation and use

PURPOSE

In this correspondence, we highlight general and domain-specific caveats in the development and validation of prediction models.

METHODS

Development and use of the "QUiPP" application, a tool for preterm birth prediction which is supported by the United Kingdom National Health Service, is scrutinised and commented on.

RESULTS

We highlight and elaborate ten points which may be perceived to be unclear or potentially misleading.

CONCLUSION

While the QUiPP application has high potential, it lacks transparency (on certain aspects related to model development) and proper validation. This precludes transportability to settings with other treatment policies and to other countries where the app has been made publicly available.

Cervical Assessment for Predicting Preterm Birth-Cervical Length and Beyond

Preterm birth is considered one of the main etiologies of neonatal death, as well as short- and long-term disability worldwide. A number of pathophysiological processes take place in the final unifying factor of cervical modifications that leads to preterm birth. In women at high risk for preterm birth, cervical assessment is commonly used for prediction and further risk stratification. This review outlines the rationale for cervical length screening for preterm birth prediction in different clinical settings within existing and evolving new technologies to assess cervical remodeling.