A study of short cervix in mid trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Preterm birth is truly a global problem. Cervical length is one of the major determinants of preterm births. Diagnosis of cervical insufficiency can be made by history of previous mid trimester loss, on clinical evaluation or sonographically by measuring cervical length or seeing funnelling of OS. The mainstay treatment of cervical insufficiency is the cervical cerclage. Methods: Present study includes 55 cases of cervical length less than or equal to 2.5 cm on TVS examination between 18 to 22 weeks of gestation of singleton pregnancy was conducted at department of obstetrics and gynaecology at SMT NHL medical municipal hospital, Ahmedabad from July 2022 to December 2023 and shows comparison of rate of full term and preterm deliveries. Results: Out of 55 patients with cervical incompetence, 22 (40%) patients were diagnosed on examination. Out of 55 patients with cervical incompetence 33 (60%) patients had preterm births and only 19 (35%) patients delivered full term, 3 (5%) had abortions. Present study shows there were 35% full term deliveries, 60% preterm deliveries and 5% had abortion among patients having cervical length less than or equal to 2.5 cm. Conclusions: Internal OS status of every patient should always be examined by ultrasound between 18 to 22 weeks. Thus, cervical length is very useful in prognostication and prediction of preterm birth. There are highest chances of late preterm in cervical incompetent patients. Our study showed better outcome with OS tightening group compared to conservative group.