AbstractAim: The aim of the present study was to assess the role of cervical length measured on transvaginal ultrasound at 19-24 weeks in prediction of preterm labor.
Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Bapuji Hospital, JJM Medical College, Davanagere and pregnant women between 19-24 weeks of gestation were included. 150 pregnant women visiting the Ultrasonography clinic at Bapuji Hospital, JJM Medical College, Davanagere were included. The study was conducted over a period of 1.5 year.
Results: 107 (71.3%) patients had 21 to 25 years of age, 22 (14.7%) patients had 26 to 30 years of age, 18 (12.0%) patients had 31 to 35 years of age and 3 (2.0%) patients had 36 to 40 years of age. 84 (56.0%) patients were Multiparous and 66 (44.0%) patients were Nulliparous. 11(7.3%) patients had ≤20mm cervical length, 22(14.7%) patients had 21 to 30mm cervical length, 36mm (24.0%) patients had 31 to 40 mm cervical length and 81(54.0%) patients had >40mm cervical length. 26 (17.3%) patients had preterm birth and 124 (82.7%) patients had term birth. 44(29.3%) patients had LSCS and 106 (70.7%) patients had VD. Association of age in years vs. cervical length was not statistically significant (p=0.3090). Association of preterm / term labor vs. cervical length was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Association of APGAR score at 1 min vs. cervical length was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Distribution of mean APGAR score at 1 min vs. cervical length group was statistically significant (p<0.0001).
Conclusion: In this study, Short cervical length of < 20 mm in mid trimester resulted in spontaneous preterm delivery and that was statistically significant. Cervical length of 21 to 30 mm also showed significant preterm delivery. The significant association was found in gestational age at delivery with cervical length.
