The Importance of the Transabdominal Cervical Length Measurement to Predict Preterm Delivery in Low-Risk Pregnant Women for Premature Birth

Date of acceptance / Kabul tarihi: June 16, 2016 / 16 Haziran 2016 ABSTRACT: The importance of the transabdominal cervical length measurement to predict preterm delivery in low-risk pregnant women for premature birth Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of transabdominal cervical length measurement using ultrasound on predicting preterm birth. Material and Method: The data retrospectively obtained from the records of the patients who were admitted to our department between March 2014 and January 2015 during fetal anatomic survey in 18-24 weeks of pregnancy were assessed. Age, obstetric history, delivery week and transabdomial cervical length measurement using ultrasound were obtained form the records. The specificity and sensitivity values were calculated while accepting a cut-off value of 30 mm and 25 mm for cervical length. Results: A total of 142 patients were enrolled. Eleven women had preterm birth, since 131 had term. The mean cervical length was 32.90±8.45 mm in women with preterm birth, and 35.31±7.54 mm in term (p>0.05). Conclusion: The present study suggests that transabdominal cervical length measurement using ultrasound has a limited diagnostic value on the prediction of preterm birth.