Cervical incompetence prevention randomized cerclage trial: emergency cerclage with bed rest versus bed rest alone

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare preterm delivery rates and neonatal morbidity/mortality rates for women with cervical incompetence with membranes at or beyond a dilated external cervical os that was treated with emergency cerclage, bed rest plus indomethacin, versus just bed rest. STUDY DESIGN: Women with cervical incompetence with membranes at or beyond a dilated external cervical os, before 27 weeks of gestation, were treated with antibiotics and bed rest and randomly assigned for emergency cerclage and indomethacin or bed rest only. RESULTS: Twenty-three women were included; 13 women were allocated randomly to the emergency cerclage and indomethacin group, and 10 women were allocated randomly to the bed rest-only group. Gestational age at time of randomization was 22.2 weeks in the emergency cerclage and indomethacin group and 23.0 weeks in the bed rest-only group. Mean interval from randomization until delivery was 54 days in the emergency cerclage and indomethacin group and 20 days in the bed rest-only group (P=.046). Mean gestational age at delivery was 29.9 weeks in the emergency cerclage and indomethacin group and 25.9 weeks in the bed rest-only group. Preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation was significantly lower in the emergency cerclage and indomethacin group, with 7 of 13 deliveries versus all 10 deliveries in the bed rest-only group (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: Emergency cerclage, indomethacin, antibiotics, and bed rest reduce preterm delivery before 34 weeks compared with bed rest and antibiotics alone.     

Cervical incompetence prevention randomized cerclage trial (CIPRACT): study design and preliminary results

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare different management strategies for women at risk for cervical incompetence. STUDY DESIGN: In an ongoing randomized trial patients with a previous preterm delivery at <34 weeks' gestation who met clinical criteria for the diagnosis of cervical incompetence are allocated to receive a prophylactic cerclage (prophylactic cerclage group) or not (observational group) in a proportion of 1:2. Transvaginal ultrasonographic follow-up examination of the cervix is performed in both groups. When a patient of the latter group has a cervical length <25 mm at <27 weeks' gestation, a further random assignment of therapeutic cerclage or no cerclage is performed. The analysis is by intent to treat. RESULTS: Primary random assignment allocated 23 women to the prophylactic cerclage group and 44 to the observational group. Both groups were comparable with respect to obstetric history. No significant difference was found between the prophylactic cerclage group and the observational group in preterm delivery at <34 weeks' gestation (3/23 vs 6/44, respectively) and neonatal survival (21/23 vs 41/44, respectively). A cervical length <25 mm was found in 18 patients (41%) in the observational group at a mean gestational age of 19.1 +/- 2.9 weeks' gestation. Incidence of preterm delivery at <34 weeks' gestation was significantly higher in the group with short cervical length (6/18 vs 0/26; P =.003). Secondary random assignment of the 18 patients with short cervical length allocated 10 to undergo therapeutic cerclage. Preterm delivery at <34 weeks' gestation was significantly less frequent in the therapeutic cerclage group (1/10 vs 5/8). CONCLUSION: Transvaginal ultrasonographic serial follow-up examinations of the cervix in women at risk for cervical incompetence, with secondary intervention as indicated, appears to be a safe alternative to the traditional prophylactic cerclage. Transvaginal ultrasonographic follow-up examination of the cervix can save the majority of women from unnecessary intervention. Placement of a therapeutic cerclage may reduce the incidence of preterm delivery at <34 weeks' gestation among high-risk patients.     

单胎妊娠短子宫颈孕妇不同方式治疗后的临床结局及其影响因素分析

目的探讨不同子宫颈长度、不同诊断孕周的单胎妊娠短子宫颈孕妇,接受不同方式治疗后妊娠结局的差异并分析其影响因素。方法收集2018年1月1日至12月31日于北京大学第一医院妇产科产前检查,妊娠12~33周+6超声检查诊断为短子宫颈(≤25 mm)的单胎妊娠孕妇435例的临床资料,进行回顾性队列分析。435例短子宫颈孕妇中,子宫颈长度<10 mm 21例,≥10 mm 414例;诊断孕周<24周106例,24~29周+6104例,≥30周225例。根据治疗方式不同分为单纯休息组、孕酮组、环扎组,比较不同子宫颈长度、不同诊断孕周下3组孕妇的孕37周前分娩率、34周前分娩率、新生儿出生体重、新生儿不良结局等妊娠结局,并分析其影响因素。结果(1)短子宫颈的发生率为7.07%(435/6155),其中,诊断孕周<24周106例(1.72%,106/6155)、24~29周+6104例(1.69%,104/6155)、≥30周225例(3.66%,225/6155)。(2)子宫颈长度<10 mm的21例短子宫颈孕妇中,单纯休息组8例,孕酮组1例,环扎组12例。单纯休息组和环扎组的中位分娩孕周[分别为28.5周(25.0~40.0周)、37.0周(28.0~40.0周),U=18.000,P=0.020]、新生儿出生体重[分别为1245 g(630~3830 g)、2648 g(1560~3830 g),U=19.500,P=0.028]分别比较,差异均有统计学意义。环扎组的新生儿不良结局优于单纯休息组(分别为3/12、6/8),但两组比较,差异无统计学意义(P=0.065);(3)子宫颈长度≥10 mm且诊断孕周<24周的96例短子宫颈孕妇中,单纯休息组36例,孕酮组26例,环扎组34例,3组的分娩孕周、校正后的孕37周前分娩率、孕34周前分娩率、新生儿出生体重、新生儿不良结局分别比较,差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。多因素回归分析显示,辅助生殖技术助孕(OR=11.97,95%CI为1.88~76.44,P=0.009)、感染(OR=46.03,95%CI为5.12~413.58,P=0.001)、羊膜腔内絮状沉积物(OR=9.87,95%CI为1.69~57.60,P=0.011)、妊娠期短子宫颈史(OR=7.24,95%CI为1.04~50.24,P=0.045)为早产的独立危险因素。(4)子宫颈长度≥10 mm且诊断孕周为24~29周+6的95例短子宫颈孕妇中,单纯休息组52例、孕酮组34例、子宫颈环扎术组9例。各治疗组的分娩孕周、孕37周前分娩率、孕34周前分娩率、新生儿出生体重和新生儿不良结局分别比较,差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。感染是早产的独立危险因素(OR=56.40,95%CI为4.67~680.61,P=0.002)。(5)子宫颈长度≥10 mm且诊断孕周≥30周的223例短子宫颈孕妇中,孕34周前分娩率为6.3%(14/223),妊娠结局良好。各治疗组的分娩孕周、孕37周前分娩率、孕34周前分娩率、新生儿出生体重和新生儿不良结局分别比较,差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。感染(OR=10.91,95%CI为2.21~53.96,P=0.003)和早产史(OR=8.63,95%CI为1.25~59.65,P=0.029)是早产的独立危险因素。结论短子宫颈是妊娠期较常见的并发症,子宫颈长度<10 mm的短子宫颈孕妇行子宫颈环扎术治疗的结局优于单纯休息和孕酮治疗;子宫颈长度≥10 mm的短子宫颈孕妇行孕酮及子宫颈环扎术治疗与单纯休息相比,妊娠结局无明显差异。感染、羊膜腔内絮状沉积物、辅助生殖技术助孕、妊娠期短子宫颈史、早产史是短子宫颈孕妇早产的独立危险因素。     

Prevention of preterm birth by cervical cerclage compared with expectant management: a systematic review

Our objective was to review the evidence on the use of cervical cerclage to prevent preterm births compared with expectant management. An OVID, MEDLINE, Cochrane Database, and Science Citation Index search using the medical subject headings and terms "cervical cerclage," "cervical incompetence" and "preterm delivery" was conducted for the period 1966 to 2002. We included all randomized trials that evaluated the effectiveness of cervical cerclage in preventing preterm birth. Using a standardized data collection instrument, we reviewed trial designs, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and maternal and neonatal outcome. Fixed or random effects model were used to pool both dichotomous and continuous outcomes where appropriate. Seven trials were identified; six met our inclusion criteria. A total of 2190 women enrolled into the trials were identified with 1110 receiving cerclage and 1080 managed expectantly. There were a total of 278 of 2190 (12.7%) deliveries before 34 weeks of gestation. The meta-analysis demonstrated a trend toward cervical cerclage preventing preterm delivery at less than 34 weeks (OR 0.77, 95% CI, 0.59, 0.99; P =.049). However, there was no demonstrable improvement in neonatal mortality (OR of 0.0.86, 95% CI, 0.56, 1.33; P =.50). There is a trend toward cervical cerclage reducing preterm births before 34 weeks. The use of cerclage is, however, associated with an increased risk of postpartum fever. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader will be able to compare the evidence on the use of cervical cerclage with preventing preterm births and to criticize the various articles evaluating the use of cervical cerclage.     

Transvaginal ultrasonography of the cervix length and the prediction of preterm delivery

OBJECTIVE: To determine if cervical shortening between 12 and 28 weeks gestation predicts risk of spontaneous preterm birth or cervical funneling requiring cerclage. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed retrospectively all the patients who had transvaginal cervical ultrasound assessment during one year. 43 patients who had a second and early third trimester delivery or cerclage placement were chosen for the study. The control group consisted of 78 patients without signs of preterm labor and cervical shortening as assessed by transvaginal ultrasound. The results of the last ultrasound cervical length measurement were correlated with the likelihood of preterm delivery or cervical funneling requiring cerclage. RESULTS: 26 of 121 patients studied delivered preterm and 15 required cervical cerclage because of cervical shortening and funneling. The mean cervical length assessed by ultrasound was 23.22 +/- 3.07 mm in the group with preterm contractions and delivery and 21.99 +/- 7.05 mm in the group with cervical incompetence. In the normal pregnancy group mean cervical length was 35.59 +/- 3.07 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical length of < 3.0 cm and further shortening of the cervix is predictive of preterm delivery or cervical incompetence requiring cerclage.     

Noninvasive cerclage for the management of cervical incompetence: a prospective study

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a noninvasive cerclage pessary in the management of cervical incompetence. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of all pregnant women treated for cervical incompetence during a 4-year period. Women with known risk factors for preterm delivery had transvaginal ultrasonography every 2–3 weeks after 17–19 weeks of gestation. Those with progressive shortening of cervix diagnosed before 30 weeks were treated with a cerclage pessary when the cervical length was ≤25 mm. The pessary was electively removed at 34–36 weeks. The course and outcome of pregnancy were recorded. Results: Thirty-two women were treated with a cerclage pessary. There were nine twin and two triplet pregnancies. Fifteen (47%) had two or more risk factors for preterm delivery. The mean gestational age at cerclage was 23 (17–29) weeks, cervical length 17 (5–25) mm. Two women required delivery before the onset of labor due to severe intrauterine growth restriction and one due to HELLP syndrome. These were excluded from further analysis. In the remaining 29 women, the interval between cerclage and delivery was 10.4 (2–19) weeks, mean gestational age at delivery 34 (22–42) weeks, and birth weight 2,255 (410–4,045) g. Thirteen (45%) women delivered before 34 weeks. There were a total of 35 live-born infants and four intrapartum fetal deaths (all between 22 and 25 weeks gestation). All women complained of increased vaginal discharge, but no other significant complications were observed that could be attributed to the use of pessary. Conclusion : Cerclage pessary may be useful in the management of cervical incompetence. Whether it can be a noninvasive alternative to surgical cerclage merits further investigation.     

Prediction of preterm delivery with transvaginal ultrasonography of the cervix in patients with high-risk pregnancies: does cerclage prevent prematurity?

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the predictive accuracy for preterm delivery of transvaginal ultrasonography of the cervix between 14 and 24 weeks' gestation in high-risk patients and to determine whether cerclage prevents preterm delivery in patients with ultrasonographic cervical changes. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with asymptomatic singleton pregnancies at high risk for preterm delivery were followed prospectively from 14 weeks' to 23 weeks 6 days' gestation with transvaginal ultrasonography of the cervix. The subgroup of patients with either a cervical length of <25 mm or funneling of >25% or both was offered McDonald salvage cerclage, which was performed at the discretion of the patient and the obstetrician. The 2 groups (with and without cerclage) were compared for the primary outcome of preterm delivery at <35 weeks' gestation. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-eight women were followed, including 97 (58%) with >/=1 prior 14- to 34-week preterm deliveries. Of 63 (37. 5%) patients identified as having cervical changes, 23 (37%) had preterm delivery; of 105 patients with no cervical changes, 8 (8%) had preterm delivery (relative risk, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 2. 3-10.1). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of either a short cervix of <25 mm or funneling of >25% or both were 74%, 70%, 37%, and 92%, respectively. Of 63 pregnancies in which there were cervical changes, 39 underwent cerclage and 24 did not. These 2 groups were similar for demographic characteristics, risk factors, and transvaginal ultrasonographic cervical length and funneling but dissimilar for gestational age at identification of cervical changes (18.3 vs 21.2 weeks' gestation in the groups with and without cerclage, respectively; P <.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjustment for gestational age at cervical changes showed no difference in the rate of preterm delivery between the groups with and without cerclage (odds ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.3-4.6). Stratified analysis of patients identified between 18 and 24 weeks revealed 22 pregnancies with cerclage and 22 pregnancies without cerclage, which was similar for all characteristics studied. The incidence of preterm delivery remained similar (27% vs 23%, respectively; P =.7), as did days from cervical changes to delivery (111 vs 96, respectively; P =.2). CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal ultrasonography of the cervix between 14 and 24 weeks' gestation is a good predictor of preterm delivery in high-risk pregnancies. Cerclage may not prevent preterm delivery in patients identified to be at high risk for this outcome by transvaginal ultrasonography.     

The prevalence of short cervix between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation and vaginal progesterone for prolonging of gestation

Objective: The objective of this study is to understand the prevalence of short cervical length between 20 and 24 weeks gestation in China and to evaluate the efficacy of micronized progesterone for prolonging gestation in nulliparous patients with a short cervix.

Methods: From May 2010 to May 2015, a total of 25?328 asymptomatic women with singleton pregnancies at Peking University First Hospital had their cervical length routinely measured between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation. A cervical length of 25?mm or less was defined as a shortened cervical length. The therapies prescribed include vaginal micronized progesterone capsules (200?mg each night) or bed rest from 20 to 34 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was spontaneous delivery before 33 weeks.

Results: (1) One hundred fourteen women had a cervical length of?≤25?mm (0.45%). (2) Twenty-nine of which with previous spontaneous preterm delivery or late pregnancy loss had cervical cerclage, the remaining 85 women by the use of vaginal progesterone or simply resting activity restriction to prevent preterm birth. (3) In 85 nulliparous women treated by progesterone or bed rest, progesterone use in cervical length between 10 and 20?mm was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of preterm birth at <33 weeks of gestation (9.5% versus 45.5%, p?=?0.02) compared with bed rest. There were no significant differences in cervical length between 20 and 25?mm in their rates of spontaneous preterm delivery at <33 (5.3% versus 3.2%, p?=?0.72), <37 (33.3% versus 54.5%, p?=?0.25), or <35 weeks (14.3% versus 45.5, p?=?0.06) of gestation between vaginal progesterone and bed rest.

Conclusion: The rate of short cervical length was less than expected. Vaginal progesterone is efficacious for the prolonging of gestation in women with a cervical length of 10–20?mm in the mid-trimester for a singleton gestation and nulliparous women. For a cervical length of 20–25?mm in the mid trimester, vaginal progesterone compared with bed rest did not prolong pregnancy.     

减胎术联合宫颈环扎术治疗多胎妊娠并宫颈机能不全2例临床分析

多胎妊娠、宫颈机能不全等均是流产或早产的高危因素,若多胎妊娠患者合并宫颈机能不全则流产或早产的风险更高。现报道2例多胎妊娠合并宫颈机能不全患者,分别在孕11+5周和20+5周行减胎术,随后分别在13+4周和21+6周行宫颈环扎术,定期产检阴道超声监测宫颈长度并及时预防早产治疗,分别在孕36周和孕33+4周成功顺产活婴,认为减胎术是多胎妊娠改善妊娠结局的补救措施,减胎术后行宫颈环扎术可修复宫颈的机能,而定期随访对防治早产、指导临床用药及适时拆除宫颈环扎线并改善母儿预后至关重要。当多胎妊娠合并宫颈机能不全时,采用减胎术联合宫颈环扎术进行治疗是一个可供临床借鉴的选择方案。     

The effects of hospitalization for rest on fetal growth, neonatal morbidity and length of gestation in twin pregnancy

OBJECTIVE--To test whether a policy of hospitalization for bed rest, from 28-30 weeks gestation until delivery, lengthens the duration of gestation, improves fetal growth and decreases neonatal morbidity in twin pregnancy. DESIGN--A randomized controlled trial. SETTING--Harare Maternity Hospital, Zimbabwe. SUBJECTS--118 women with an uncomplicated twin pregnancy between 28 and 30 weeks gestation. INTERVENTION--Hospitalization for bed rest. Encouraged to rest in bed as much as possible, although voluntary ambulation was allowed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Gestational age at delivery and number of infants delivered preterm (less than 37 weeks); birthweight and number of small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants; neonatal morbidity was assessed by number of infants requiring admission to the neonatal unit and the length of stay. RESULTS--There was no effect on duration of gestation or the occurrence of preterm delivery. Mean birthweight was greater in the hospitalized group (t = -2.28, df 234, P = 0.02) and there were fewer SGA infants (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.33-0.96). No differences were found in neonatal morbidity. CONCLUSIONS--Hospitalization for bed rest does not prolong pregnancy but can improve fetal growth, although this was not reflected in improved neonatal morbidity. Whether twin fetal growth can be enhanced similarly in other populations should be investigated.     

Revisiting the short cervix detected by transvaginal ultrasound in the second trimester: why cerclage therapy may not help.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors that are associated with increased neonatal morbidity in patients who were treated for sonographic evidence of internal os dilation and distal cervical shortening during the second trimester. STUDY DESIGN: From May 1998 to June 2000 patients between 16 and 24 weeks of gestation with the following sonographic criteria were randomly assigned to McDonald cerclage or no cerclage: internal os dilation and either membrane prolapse into the endocervical canal at least 25% of the total cervical length but not beyond the external os or a shortened distal cervix <2.5 cm. Before randomization, all patients were treated identically with an amniocentesis, multiple urogenital cultures, and therapy with indomethacin and clindamycin for 48 to 72 hours. Except for the cerclage, all patients were treated identically after randomization. Multiple variables of perinatal outcome were analyzed. A regression model with gestational age at delivery as the dependent variable was constructed and repeated with neonatal morbidity as the dependent variable. This model was applied to 3 populations: the cerclage group, the no cerclage group, and both groups combined. RESULTS: Of the 135 patients, 20 patients declined randomization, and 2 patients were diagnosed with acute chorioamnionitis. Of the 113 patients remaining, 55 patients were randomly assigned to the cerclage group, and 58 patients were randomly assigned to the no cerclage group. There were 8 rescue cerclage procedures (4 in each group). Regression analysis showed that readmission for preterm labor, chorioamnionitis, and abruption were consistently associated with early gestational age at delivery and increased morbidity. Cerclage did not affect perinatal outcome. CONCLUSION: The sonographic findings of second trimester internal os dilation, membrane prolapse, and distal cervical shortening likely represent a common pathway of several pathophysiologic processes. Use of cerclage does not alter any perinatal outcome variables. Increased neonatal morbidity in these patients appears to be associated with subclinical infection, preterm labor, and abruption.     

Cervical incompetence: a reappraisal of an obstetric controversy

Cervical incompetence is not a categoric but rather a continuous variable, meaning that there are various degrees in the competency of the cervix. Furthermore, a certain degree of competency of the cervix can be expressed differently in subsequent pregnancies. Women with risk factors for cervical incompetence in their gynecological/obstetric history should be followed by transvaginal ultrasonography. History alone is not an indication for a prophylactic cerclage. Although transvaginal ultrasonography identifies women at high risk of preterm delivery, it does not discriminate between different underlying pathologies. Short cervical length alone is not an indication for a therapeutic cerclage. Serial transvaginal ultrasonographic measurements of cervical length in women with risk factors can identify those women truly at high risk of preterm delivery. A transvaginal cervical cerclage with bed rest reduces preterm delivery and improves perinatal outcome in women with a short cervical length and risk factors for cervical incompetence. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader will be able to define cervical incompetence, explain the role of transvaginal ultrasonography in the prediction of preterm delivery, and summarize the data on the use of transvaginal cervical cerclage.     

Effectiveness of abdominal cerclage placed via laparotomy or laparoscopy: systematic review

Preterm delivery remains a primary cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. One cause of preterm birth is cervical incompetence. In women with a shortened or absent cervix or in those in whom previous vaginal cerclage failed, abdominal cerclage may be recommended. We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database. Thirty-one eligible studies were selected. Six studies (135 patients) reported on the laparoscopic approach, and 26 (1116 patients) on the abdominal approach. Delivery of a viable infant at 34 weeks of gestation or more varied from 78.5% (laparoscopic) to 84.8% (abdominal). Second-trimester fetal loss occurred in 8.1% (laparoscopic) vs 7.8% (abdominal), with no reported third-trimester losses (laparoscopic) vs 1.2% (abdominal). We conclude that abdominal cerclage is associated with excellent results as treatment of cervical incompetence, with high fetal survival rates and minimal complications during surgery and pregnancy. Further studies are needed to differentiate which method is superior.     

Cerclage for prevention of preterm birth in women with a short cervix found on transvaginal ultrasound examination: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of cerclage and bed rest versus bed rest-only for the prevention of preterm birth in women with a short cervix found on transvaginal ultrasound examination. STUDY DESIGN: Women with > or =1 of high-risk factors for preterm birth (> or =1 preterm birth at < 35 weeks of gestation, > or =2 curettages, diethylstilbestrol exposure, cone biopsy, Mullerian anomaly, or twin gestation) were screened with transvaginal ultrasonography of the cervix every 2 weeks from 14 weeks of gestation to 23 weeks 6 days of gestation. Enrollment was offered to both asymptomatic women who were at high risk and who were identified to have short cervix (< 25 mm) or significant funneling (>25%) and nonscreened women who were at low risk and who were identified incidentally. The women who gave written consent were assigned randomly to receive either McDonald cerclage or bed rest-only. Both groups received similar counseling and treatment. Primary outcome was preterm birth at < 35 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: Sixty-one women were assigned randomly. Forty-seven pregnancies (77%) were high-risk singleton gestations. Thirty-one women (51%) were allocated to cerclage, and 30 women (49%) were allocated to bed rest. There were no differences between the groups in demographic characteristics, risk factors, and cervical variables. Preterm birth at < 35 weeks of gestation occurred in 14 women (45%) in the cerclage group and in 14 women (47%) in the bed rest group (relative risk, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.34-2.58). There was no difference in any obstetric or neonatal outcomes. A subanalysis of singleton pregnancies with previous preterm birth at < 35 weeks of gestation and a short cervix of < 25 mm (n = 31 women) also revealed no significant difference in recurrent preterm birth at < 35 weeks of gestation (40% vs 56%; relative risk, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.12-2.17). CONCLUSION: Cerclage did not prevent preterm birth in women with a short cervix. These results should be confirmed by larger trials.     

Perinatal outcome after preterm premature rupture of membranes with in situ cervical cerclage

OBJECTIVE: The presence of a cervical cerclage at the time of preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) could promote clinically evident infection and adverse pregnancy outcome. This cohort study examines whether the presence of cerclage at the time of pPROM is associated with increased maternal or neonatal inflammatory morbidity. STUDY DESIGN: All singleton pregnancies with cerclage and pPROM between 24.0 and 33.9 weeks' gestation at our institution (January 1985-December 1997) were reviewed. Controls (pPROM without cerclage) were matched 2.5:1 by year of presentation. Outcome measures suggest clinical evidence of an infectious response and include maternal admission white blood cell count, time to onset of preterm labor, clinical chorioamnionitis, postpartum fever, neonatal white-matter disease (intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia) at less than 33 weeks, neonatal sepsis, and neonatal death. RESULTS: One hundred fourteen cases of pPROM and cerclage were matched with 288 controls. The study had power (alpha =.05, power = 0.8) to detect a two-fold difference in incidence of adverse neonatal outcome. Among the mothers, the incidence of clinical chorioamnionitis (14.0% vs 18.8%, P =.26), uterine activity at admission (33.3% vs 32.2%, P =.44), maternal postpartum fever (7.9% vs 7.6%, P =.93) in cerclage versus no cerclage were equivalent. Among the neonates, the incidence of neonatal white- matter disease (15.3% vs 13.7%, P =.75), neonatal sepsis (9.1% vs 6.0%, P =.21), and neonatal death were similar. CONCLUSION: Rates of maternal and neonatal morbidity were similar between both groups. The close overall similarity between the groups strongly suggest clinically insignificant differences between the two groups. These data indicate that a cervical cerclage at the time of pPROM less than 34 weeks does not adversely affect pregnancy outcome.     

The effect of second trimester emergency cervical cerclage on perinatal outcome

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of emergency cervical cerclage and to determine predictors of failure or success in women with cervical incompetence. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for clinical and demographic data, gestational age at time of cerclage, cerclage–delivery interval, gestational age at time of delivery; and birth weight. Predictors of success and failure were analyzed. Result: Forty-three pregnant women between 18 and 25 weeks of gestation were recruited. The mean gestational age at time of cerclage was 21 weeks. The mean cerclage–delivery interval was 64 days. The mean gestation at delivery was 31 weeks and the mean neonatal birth weight was 2166 g. Whether cerclage done before or after 20 weeks, the difference in cerclage–delivery interval was insignificant while the difference in gestational age at time of delivery and neonatal birth weight was significant. Presence of infection, presence of symptoms, membranes through the cervix and dilated cervix >3 cm are frequently associated with failure. Conclusion: Emergency cervical cerclage is effective in prolonging pregnancy and improving neonatal outcome in patient with cervical incompetence. However, large prospective randomized controlled studies are recommended.     

The Shirodkar operation: a reappraisal

Sixty-six cerclages were performed by one surgeon in 46 patients with documented cervical incompetence. The mean operative blood loss was 25 ml, and the mean operating time was 18 minutes with no postoperative morbidity. Fifty-five of the pregnancies were carried for at least 37 weeks, eight were delivered before 37 weeks, and three are continuing. Six of the eight preterm deliveries were a result of factors unrelated to cervical incompetence. The two remaining preterm births were probably also unrelated because one occurred 8 days after emergent cerclage placement and the other occurred 12 weeks after the procedure, both as a result of premature rupture of membranes. There were no cesarean deliveries related to the Shirodkar suture. The efficacy of the procedure was demonstrated by a corrected perinatal survival rate of 100% and term delivery of 88%. (Since this article was written all three of the undelivered patients were delivered of infants after 37 weeks' gestation for a term delivery rate of 88% with 100% neonatal survival.     

A randomized trial of cerclage versus no cerclage among patients with ultrasonographically detected second-trimester preterm dilatation of the internal os

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare perinatal outcomes of patients with second-trimester ultrasonographic evidence of preterm dilatation of the internal os treated with cerclage versus those of patients not treated with cerclage. STUDY DESIGN: From May 1998 through June 1999 patients with ultrasonographic evidence of preterm dilatation of the internal os between 16 and 24 weeks' gestation were randomly assigned to receive a McDonald cerclage or no cerclage. Before random assignment all patients underwent amniocentesis and urogenital cultures and then received 48 hours of therapy with indomethacin and antibiotics. After treatment each patient was followed up as an outpatient with bed rest and weekly ultrasonographic evaluation. RESULTS: Of the 61 patients 31 were randomly assigned to cerclage and 30 were randomly assigned to no cerclage. There were no differences between groups with respect to maternal demographic characteristics, risk factors for preterm birth, cervical measurements, rescue procedures, readmission, chorioamnionitis, and abruptio placentae. The mean gestational age at delivery (33.5 +/- 6.3 weeks) and the perinatal death rate (12. 9%) in the cerclage group were similar to the mean gestational age at delivery (34.7 +/- 4.7 weeks; P =.4) and the perinatal death rate (10.0%; P =.9) in the no-cerclage group. CONCLUSION: Treatment with McDonald cerclage of preterm dilatation of the cervix detected ultrasonographically during the second trimester did not improve perinatal outcomes.     

宫颈环扎术在早产治疗中的应用

目的评估治疗性宫颈环扎术及预防性宫颈环扎术的效果。方法选择2003年1月至2006年3月北京大学第三医院的34周前的早产临产及宫颈机能不全患者,早产临产患者采取紧急宫颈环扎术联合宫缩抑制剂或者单纯使用宫缩抑制剂治疗。宫颈机能不全患者采取预防性宫颈环扎术、紧急环扎术以及非环扎保守治疗。对治疗结局进行统计学分析。结果在早产临产组,紧急宫颈环扎联合宫缩抑制剂（硫酸镁）来治疗早产,平均保胎天数45.00 d,较单纯用宫缩抑制剂硫酸镁抑制宫缩的34例患者保胎天数[中位数为1（0.75-16）d]明显延长,34、37周后分娩率分别为66.7%（26/39）、30.8%（12/39）,明显增加。宫颈机能不全患者预防性环扎及治疗性环扎均较非环扎组保胎天数延长,增加32、34周后的分娩率（P〈0.05）,但治疗性环扎可降低早产率（P=0.02）。结论观察资料结果显示早产临产患者硫酸镁联合宫颈环扎治疗早产效果更佳,增加34周以上的分娩率,降低早产率;预防性环扎不能降低37周前早产率,但能增加32、34周后分娩率,延长保胎天数;治疗性环扎可降低37周前早产率。     

Preterm deliveries among women with MacDonald cerclage performed due to cervical incompetence

OBJECTIVE: The study was aimed to assess the impact of obstetric risk factors for preterm delivery among women with MacDonald cerclage performed due to cervical incompetence. STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study was conducted including all patients with MacDonald cerclage performed at 12-14 weeks gestation due to cervical incompetence (n = 793). Deliveries occurred between the years 1988 and 2002 in a University Medical Center. A multiple linear regression model was used to assess the impact of maternal characteristics as well as pregnancy complications on the length of pregnancy. RESULTS: The following factors were found to be associated with preterm delivery among these patients, in the univariate analysis: nulliparity, fertility treatments, severe preeclampsia, second-trimester bleeding, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), chorioamnionitis and placental abruption. Using a multiple linear regression model, with backward elimination, the impact of these variables on the length of pregnancy was assessed (R(2) = 0.33, p < 0.001). The mean gestational age at birth among patients without risk factors was 38.1. Second-trimester bleeding reduced gestational age by 6.4 weeks, chorioamnionitis by 5.6 weeks, placental abruption by 5.1 weeks, PROM by 3.2 weeks and severe preeclampsia by 2.4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Second-trimester bleeding, chorioamnionitis, placental abruption, PROM and severe preeclampsia are ominous signs for preterm delivery among patients with MacDonald cerclage performed due to cervical incompetence.