孕期不同手术指征经阴道宫颈环扎术后妊娠结局比较研究

目的探讨并比较3种手术指征的孕期经阴道宫颈环扎术的妊娠结局。方法收集2012年7月至2018年6月于赣南医学院第一附属医院妇产科接受孕期经阴道宫颈环扎术的患者39例。按手术指征分组:以既往晚期流产或早产病史为手术指征者为病史指征性环扎组(H组)22例,以阴道超声发现宫颈长度缩短或宫颈形状发生改变为阴道超声指征性环扎组(U组)10例,体格检查发现宫口扩张伴或不伴羊膜囊突出为体格检查指征性环扎组(E组)7例,分析并比较3组的孕期经阴道宫颈环扎术的临床效果。结果 H组环扎孕周为(15.64±2.96)周,短于U组的(22.04±5.01)周及E组的(22.08±2.96)周,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),E组与U组环扎孕周差异无统计学意义(P0.05);E组延长天数为(29.43±47.24)d、分娩孕周为(26.39±6.52)周、足月产率为14.29%及活产率为28.57%,均小于H组的(136.45±53.70)d、(35.60±7.07)周、69.57%、86.36%和U组的(103.40±36.15)d、(36.81±3.45)周、70.00%、100.00%,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);H组与U组间比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。E组流产率(71.42%)高于H组(13.04%)和U组(00.00%),差异有统计学意义(P0.05);H组与U组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。3组间早产率比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 3种不同手术指征的宫颈环扎术均能有效改善宫颈机能不全患者的妊娠结局;病史指征性环扎术后妊娠结局和阴道超声指征性环扎相似,二者术后妊娠结局均优于体格检查指征性环扎(紧急环扎)。     

病史指征与超声指征单胎妊娠孕妇子宫颈环扎术的疗效比较及影响因素分析

目的分析病史指征及超声指征的单胎妊娠孕妇行子宫颈环扎术的临床疗效及影响因素。方法收集2010年1月至2021年2月于北京大学第一医院因病史指征或超声指征行McDonald子宫颈环扎术的子宫颈机能不全单胎妊娠孕妇共272例的临床资料进行回顾性分析, 比较病史指征组(141例)和超声指征组(131例)孕妇的一般临床资料和母儿结局。进一步根据分娩孕周, 将272例子宫颈环扎术孕妇分为≥孕34周分娩组(225例)和<孕34周分娩组(47例), 分析孕34周前早产的影响因素。结果 (1)病史指征组和超声指征组的中位环扎孕周分别为16.6、23.4周, 分娩时较环扎时的中位延长孕周分别为21.4周、14.7周, 分别比较, 差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。(2)病史指征组和超声指征组孕妇的足月产率分别为76.6%(108/141)和71.0%(93/131), 活产率分别为97.2%(137/141)和97.7%(128/131), 活产儿中位出生体重分别为3 155和3 055 g, 分别比较, 差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。272例子宫颈环扎孕妇的新生儿存活共计...     

单胎及双胎妊娠子宫颈环扎术28例临床分析

目的探讨宫颈环扎术在治疗单胎及双胎妊娠宫颈机能不全中的临床价值。方法回顾性分析2015年7月至2017年7月,因病史指征及超声指征行宫颈环扎术的单胎妊娠(21例)及双胎妊娠(7例)患者的临床资料,分别比较两种指征行宫颈环扎术和双胎保守治疗患者的宫颈情况、环扎孕周及分娩情况。结果单胎病史指征和超声指征环扎组宫颈长度、环扎孕周和延长孕周比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),但分娩孕周[(33.07±8.14)周;(30.00±6.67)周]比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。双胎妊娠上述指标比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。宫颈环扎组分娩孕周[(33.24±3.86)周]与保守治疗组[(30.43±4.15)周]比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。单胎环扎环扎孕周[(18.82±3.94)周]早于双胎妊娠[(25.10±0.85)周](P0.05),但保胎药物应用时间、剂量比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论超声指征宫颈环扎可延长单胎及双胎妊娠宫颈机能不全患者妊娠周数,超声提示宫颈机能不全行宫颈环扎术有临床应用价值。     

紧急宫颈环扎术联合网片补丁缝合治疗宫颈机能不全32例临床分析

目的:探讨紧急宫颈环扎术联合网片补丁缝合治疗宫颈机能不全的临床价值。方法:选取2011年1月至2016年8月我院宫颈机能不全孕妇65例,32例施行紧急宫颈环扎联合网片补丁缝合术(A组),33例仅实施紧急宫颈环扎术(B组),对两组延长妊娠的时间、分娩孕周、新生儿结局、分娩方式及术后相关并发症进行比较。结果:A组手术时间长于B组,手术并发症宫颈裂伤A组少于B组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);术后两组绒毛膜羊膜炎的发生率差异无统计学意义(P0.05);A组延长孕周84.45±35.77天,B组延长孕周51.86±29.93天,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05);A组≥28周分娩23例(71.88%),B组≥28周分娩17例(51.52%),两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05);两组分娩方式比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);B组的新生儿出生体质量、出生时Apgar 1分钟评分均低于A组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:紧急宫颈环扎术联合网片补丁缝合能有效延长宫颈机能不全患者的孕周,明显改善新生儿结局,安全性较好,有一定临床应用价值。     

病史指征宫颈环扎术后宫颈长度变化与<34周早产的研究

目的探讨在病史指征的宫颈环扎术人群中超声监测宫颈长度(cervical length, CL)的变化及环扎术后<24周短宫颈(CL≤2.5 cm)对<34周早产的预测价值。方法回顾性收集2010年1月至2021年6月在北京大学第一医院行病史指征McDonald宫颈环扎术且资料完整的单胎孕妇共145例的临床资料, 记录在围手术期及环扎术后孕≥20～24、≥24～28、≥28～32周经阴道超声测量的闭合段CL, 按分娩孕周分为≥34周分娩组(n=118)和<34周分娩组(n=27), 分析2组环扎术后CL与<34周早产的关系及环扎术后孕≥20～24周短宫颈孕妇早产的风险。采用χ2检验或独立样本t检验进行组间比较, 采用多因素logistic回归分析2组的CL与<34周早产的关系, 并利用受试者工作特征曲线分析环扎术后CL对妊娠结局的预测价值。结果 (1)在145例病例中, 足月分娩106例(73.1%), <34周早产27例(18.6%), 其中7例(4.8%)<28周分娩(晚期流产)(其中2例为有生机儿并存活), 总体活产率96.6%(140/1...     

预防性与紧急性宫颈环扎术治疗宫颈功能不全的效果分析

目的 分析预防性与紧急性宫颈环扎术治疗宫颈功能不全的效果。方法 选取本院74例宫颈功能不全的孕妇为研究对象,随机数字表法将其分为两组,各37例。对照组采用紧急性宫颈环扎术,观察组采用预防性宫颈环扎术。对比两组手术相关指标、分娩情况、并发症发生率及妊娠结局。结果 观察组术中出血量、住院时间小于对照组,妊娠延长时间、分娩孕周及妊娠32周宫颈长度大于对照组（P<0.05）;观察组并发症发生率低于对照组,足月产率和新生儿存活率高于对照组（P<0.05）。结论 预防性宫颈环扎术治疗孕妇宫颈功能不全,效果显著,能减少出血量,缩短住院时间,延长产妇妊娠时间和分娩孕周,并发症发生率低,妊娠结局好,值得临床推广。     

双胎妊娠孕期宫颈长度测量及宫颈环扎术临床意义探讨

目的初步探讨双胎妊娠孕期宫颈长度测量及宫颈环扎术对妊娠结局的影响及临床意义。方法选取2002年1月至2017年1月于北京大学人民医院进行产前检查的双胎妊娠孕妇800例进行回顾性分析,有病史可诊断宫颈机能不全的患者,孕15周左右进行预防性宫颈环扎3例,无宫颈机能不全病史的双胎妊娠患者孕中期进行宫颈长度测量327例,并进行动态监测,如发现宫颈长度(CL)进行性缩短进行超声为指征环扎(12例),如出现无痛性宫颈扩张行紧急/救援性环扎(7例)。以未进行宫颈长度测量的双胎妊娠患者470例作为对照,对患者分娩孕周、是否环扎、环扎孕周至分娩孕周间隔时间、CL、宫缩抑制剂使用情况等进行回顾性分析。结果根据双胎妊娠患者孕中期是否进行宫颈长度测量,比较分娩孕周及相关情况,测量组流产患者18例(5.50%),非测量组为37例(7.87%),差异有统计学意义(P=0.010)。测量组足月分娩患者172例(52.60%),非测量组为217例(46.17%,P=0.011)。测量组宫缩抑制剂使用患者193例(59.02%),非测量组为394例(83.83%,P=0.000)。测量组胎儿丢失29例(8.87%),非测量组为69例(14.68%),差异有统计学意义(P=0.016)。测量组进行超声为指征环扎12例(3.67%),紧急/救援性环扎患者7例(2.14%),非测量组4例(0.85%)行紧急/救援性环扎。CL≤2.5cm组行超声为指征环扎12例(22.64%)和CL2.5cm组(0例)相比,差异有统计学意义(P=0.000)。而紧急/救援性环扎数量方面,CL≤2.5cm组为2例(3.77%),CL2.5cm组为5例(1.82%),两组相比差异无统计学意义。在CL2.5cm组,环扎组流产率为60.00%多于非环扎组(2.60%)。在CL≤2.5cm组中,环扎组早产率(85.71%)高于非环扎组(53.85%,P=0.031)。足月分娩率无论CL≤2.5cm还是CL2.5cm,环扎组都低于非环扎组,在CL≤2.5cm组中差异有统计学意义(P=0.023)。在分娩孕周方面,CL≤2.5cm时无论环扎与否,分娩孕周都在32周左右,环扎组平均延长孕周(6.9±4.3)周。而CL2.5cm时,环扎组平均分娩孕周最小,为(29.2±4.09)周。结论孕中期对双胎妊娠患者宫颈长度进行监测,有助于减少流产的发生,并增加足月分娩率,减少宫缩抑制剂的使用,减少胎儿丢失率,对于双胎妊娠预后有所改善。双胎妊娠根据宫颈长度测量情况进行环扎手术是否有助于改善妊娠结局尚需进一步探讨。     

紧急宫颈环扎术治疗晚期难免流产40例临床分析

目的探讨紧急宫颈环扎术治疗晚期难免流产的临床价值。方法选取2008年11月至2010年8月中国医科大学附属盛京医院晚期难免流产孕妇65例,40例施行紧急宫颈环扎术,25例未采取手术干预,仅用保胎药物,并卧床休息。统计入院时宫颈情况及术后延长孕周情况。结果 40例紧急宫颈环扎术均成功实施,对产妇无不良影响,平均延长孕期为53.30d。33例患者得存活新生儿。25例未实行紧急宫颈环扎术患者保胎失败23例,发生流产,延长孕期为4.48d。4例患者得存活新生儿。结论紧急宫颈环扎术能有效地延长宫颈机能不全患者的孕周,明显提高新生儿存活率。     

双胎妊娠超声指征宫颈环扎术的效果分析

目的探讨双胎妊娠超声指征宫颈环扎术的临床疗效。方法本研究为回顾性队列研究, 纳入2013年1月至2022年5月在福建省妇幼保健院产前检查, 孕16～27周+6超声提示宫颈长度(cervical length, CL)≤2.5 cm的无症状双胎妊娠孕妇96例, 其中宫颈环扎组45例、保守治疗组51例, 并根据CL各组又分为CL≤1.0 cm、CL>1.0～≤1.5 cm及CL>1.5 cm亚组。采用两独立样本t检验、非参数检验、χ2检验比较宫颈环扎与保守治疗及不同CL双胎妊娠孕妇的妊娠结局和围产儿结局。采用多因素logistic回归分析宫颈环扎术对不同CL孕妇妊娠结局的影响。结果宫颈环扎组分娩孕周、延长孕周均大于保守治疗组[35.9周(34.9～37.0周)与34.9周(29.1～36.1周)、10.7周(9.6～13.1周)与8.7周(4.8～11.0周), Z值分别为-2.59和-3.63, P值均<0.05], 孕34周及28周前早产率、绒毛膜羊膜炎、未足月胎膜早破发生率均低于保守治疗组[17.8%(8/45)与45.1%(23/51), χ2=8.16;2.2%...     

孕早期使用杯状举宫器行腹腔镜下宫颈环扎手术20例分析

目的:使用杯状举宫器在孕早期行腹腔镜下宫颈环扎的极简手术方法,追踪妊娠结局。方法:回顾性研究2013年7月—2016年1月于首都医科大学附属复兴医院宫腔镜中心因宫颈机能不全伴有孕中期流产史,使用杯状举宫器在孕早期进行腹腔镜下宫颈环扎术的妇女20例,介绍手术方法,记录手术并发症,随访妊娠结局。结果:20例患者平均手术时间(59.2±21.7)min(24~110 min),出血量10(10,15)m L(5~100 m L)。1例因暴露困难中转开腹手术,术后病率为0。2例术后胎儿停止发育。18例于孕35~39周均剖宫产分娩,活产率90%(18/20),获活婴19例,平均分娩孕周(37.5±1.3)周,新生儿体质量平均(3 348.8±407.4)g。结论:对宫颈机能不全患者使用杯状举宫器进行腹腔镜下宫颈环扎术的方法微创、有效、易于掌握,妊娠结局良好。     

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.     

Favorable outcome following emergency second trimester cerclage.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the outcome of midtrimester emergency cerclage with or without bulging of membranes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 99 women who underwent emergency second trimester cerclage (16-27 gestational weeks). In 75 women the cervix was dilated and effaced but without bulging of membranes (group 1), and in 24 women the dilation and effacement of the cervix were accompanied by bulging of membranes into the vagina in an hourglass formation (group 2). McDonald technique was applied in all patients. RESULTS: Prolongation of pregnancy was significantly longer in group 1 compared to group 2 (14.3+/-6.5 vs 9.3+/-4.8 weeks, p=0.007). The mean gestational age at delivery was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (34.6+/-4.6 vs 29.5+/-3.2 weeks, p=0.001). The incidence of chorioamnionitis was higher in group 2 compared to group 1 but statistically insignificant (25% vs 15%, p=0.2). The overall neonatal survival was 83% (82 out of 99 neonates), without statistical difference between the two groups (86% in group 1 and 71% in group 2, p=0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Favorable neonatal outcome may be accomplished in patients with cervical incompetence in the second trimester of pregnancy following cervical emergency suturing even performed when the membranes are bulging through the cervix into the vagina.     

Cervical surveillance as an alternative to elective cervical cerclage for pregnancy management of suspected cervical incompetence

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the outcome of pregnancies among patients with suspected cervical incompetence treated either by elective cervical cerclage or an alternative management program involving cervical surveillance. DESIGN, SETTING AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed in two groups of patients at risk of cervical incompetence with singleton gestations attending the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, from 1996 to 2000. The first group was managed by their obstetric carers with an elective cerclage, while the second group was managed conservatively as part of a cervical surveillance program offered to patients attending the Department of Perinatal Medicine for pregnancy care. This program consists of weekly visits from 16 weeks' gestation and involves alternating transvaginal ultrasound assessment of cervical morphometry with cervico-vaginal bacteriology and fetal fibronectin swabs. Empiric insertion of a cerclage is undertaken when there is evidence of significant cervical shortening (cervical canal <2.5 cm in length at 相似文献   

Outcome after transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage

OBJECTIVE: To estimate benefits and risks of transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage in women with cervical insufficiency in whom transvaginal cerclage is considered surgically unfeasible. METHODS: This was an observational cohort study with historical controls of 101 pregnancies after transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage in 101 women with a classic history of cervical insufficiency and severe cervical defects precluding transvaginal cerclage. RESULTS: Median gestational age at elective transabdominal cerclage (n = 95) was 14 (range 12-16) weeks and at emergency cerclage (n = 6) was 18 (range 17-22) weeks. Perioperative complications were blood loss 500 mL or more (n = 3) and rupture of membranes (n = 2). Patients were delivered by cesarean. Before cerclage 76% (95% confidence interval [CI] 70.2-81.1%) of births occurred before 32 weeks of gestation; total neonatal survival was 27.5% (95% CI 22.5-33.8%). After transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage 7% (95% CI 2.9-13.9%) of births took place before 32 weeks of gestation, and total neonatal survival was 93.5% (95% CI 85.5-96.6%). CONCLUSION: In women with a classic history of cervical insufficiency and a traumatized cervix that precludes transvaginal cerclage, transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage is associated with successful outcome in the absence of procedure-related major complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2.     

Cervical cerclage in the second trimester of pregnancy: A historical cohort study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare second-trimester transvaginal cervical cerclage with conservative management on duration of pregnancy and perinatal outcome in patients with early or advanced cervical changes. STUDY DESIGN: A historical cohort analysis was performed. Maternal and neonatal records between 1995 and 1999 were retrospectively reviewed for women presenting between 18 and 27 weeks of gestation with early cervical changes (length <3 cm, dilatation <2 cm, funneling of fetal membranes shown by transvaginal ultrasonography) (group 1, n = 31) and for women with advanced cervical effacement and dilatation (cervical dilatation > or =2 cm but < or =5 cm, fetal membranes visible) (group 2, n = 39). In each group, patients who underwent Shirodkar or McDonald cerclage were compared with patients treated conservatively with bed rest. Both groups also received multifactorial treatment with tocolytic agents, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and indomethacin. Outcome variables were analyzed for statistical significance by parametric and nonparametric methods. RESULTS: Regardless of treatment method, patients with early cervical changes (group 1) were given a diagnosis earlier and delivered later in pregnancy compared with their counterparts who had advanced cervical changes (group 2) (P <.05). In both patients who underwent cerclage and those treated conservatively, the mean birth weight among surviving infants was higher and the mean neonatal intensive care unit stay was shorter in group 1 than in group 2 (P <.02). However, duration of maternal hospital stay and neonatal survival rates were not different. In both groups 1 and 2, the interval from treatment to delivery, the mean gestational age at delivery, and mean birth weight were increased, whereas neonatal intensive care unit stay was decreased by cerclage treatment (P <.05). In group 1, a higher percentage of patients treated with cerclage received antibiotics and indomethacin than did control subjects (P <.01), whereas in group 2, the use of multifactorial treatment was not different (P =.5). The duration of maternal hospital stay and neonatal survival did not differ significantly among patients treated conservatively or with cerclage. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of premature cervical changes by ultrasonography was correlated with treatment earlier in gestation and with a favorable impact on perinatal outcome in both patients treated with cerclage and those treated conservatively. Cervical cerclage was associated with an improved perinatal outcome (in comparison with conservative therapy) in women with early cervical changes detected by ultrasonography and in patients with advanced cervical dilatation and visible membranes. However, the apparent therapeutic effect of cerclage in patients with mild cervical incompetence may be due in part to an increased use of antibiotics and indomethacin in conjunction with cerclage.     

Ultrasound-indicated cervical cerclage: outcome depends on preoperative cervical length and presence of visible membranes at time of cerclage

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess cases of ultrasound-indicated cervical cerclage and to relate preoperative cervical length, operative findings, postoperative cervical length, and pregnancy outcome to establish the appropriate criteria to offer cervical cerclage. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational study comprised 380 women at high risk of preterm labor who underwent serial transvaginal ultrasonographic assessment of cervical length. Seventy-three women had criteria for and underwent cervical cerclage. Data concerning preoperative cervical length, operative findings, postoperative cervical length, and pregnancy outcome were collected. Statistical analysis was performed with Mann-Whitney and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in median cervical length after cerclage, 15.0 versus 25.0 mm (P <.0001). Preoperative cervical length and postoperative upper cervical length were independently better predictors of outcome than postoperative entire cervical length. Fetal membranes were visible in 18% of cases at the time of suture insertion, which was associated with a significantly worse outcome, regardless of preoperative cervical length. Of those 41 women with a very short preoperative cervical length (< or = 15 mm), outcome was significantly worse in those women with visible fetal membranes at the time of cerclage compared with those women with no visible fetal membranes at the time of cerclage: median gestational age at delivery, 23 weeks versus 37 weeks 4 days (P =.002); suture insertion to delivery interval, 19 days versus 108 days (P =.0004); and fetal survival rates, 50% versus 86% (P =.03). CONCLUSION: In a high-risk population that undergoes serial transvaginal ultrasound surveillance of cervical length, the presence of visible fetal membranes at the time of suture insertion, regardless of preoperative cervical length, is associated with a poor outcome. Fetal membranes were not visible in any cases with a preoperative cervical length of >15 mm. These findings lend support to a practice of offering cerclage at or above a cervical length of 15 mm.     

Obstetrical outcomes of emergency compared with elective cervical cerclage

Objective: To study obstetric outcomes of emergency cerclage compared with elective cerclage.

Study design: Retrospective cohort study of pregnancy outcomes of patients who underwent cervical cerclage, performed according to ACOG guidelines, between January 2006 and December 2014. Patients who underwent emergency cerclage, due to cervical shortening or cervical dilation (emergency cerclage group) were compared with patients who underwent history-indicated cerclage (elective cerclage group). Emergency cerclage was not performed in patients with uterine contractions, vaginal bleeding, or signs of chorioamnionitis. Procedure-related complications were defined as rupture of membranes or chorioamnionitis occurring after cerclage placement and before 24 weeks of gestation.

Results: Overall, 154 patients with elective cerclage and 47 patients with emergency cerclage were included. Mean gestational age at cerclage operation was 13.1?±?1 and 20.2?±?3 weeks, respectively. There were no differences between the emergency cerclage group and the elective cerclage group regarding mean gestational age at delivery (36.1?±?3 versus 35.6?±?3, respectively, p?=?0.7), rate of deliveries beyond 34 weeks of gestation (81.81% versus 78.72%, respectively, p?=?0.67), rate of deliveries beyond 37 weeks of gestation (64.93% versus 59.57%, respectively, p?=?0.6), cesarean deliveries (33.11% versus 39.13%, p?=?0.48, respectively), or birthweight (2848 versus 2862 grams, respectively, p?=?0.9). Regarding procedure-related complications, there were no differences between the elective and the emergency cerclage groups in the rate of chorioamnionitis (1.29% versus 4.34%, respectively, p?=?0.22), or ruptured membranes (1.29% versus 4.34%, respectively, p?=?0.22).

Conclusion: Pregnancy outcomes of emergency cerclage are comparable with those of elective cerclage.     

Comparison of elective and empiric cerclage and the role of emergency cerclage

We describe the maternal, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes of patients undergoing elective, empiric, and emergency cervical cerclage at our institution in an attempt to determine predictive factors for adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes. A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who underwent cervical cerclage placement over a 7-year time span. Of 55 charts, 40 contained complete peripartum data satisfactory for review; 7 elective, 15 empiric, and 18 emergency cerclages were analyzed. There was no perinatal mortality in the elective group, and 5/7 patients delivered at term. The empiric population experienced a 20% neonatal mortality; 6/15 gestations progressed to term. The perinatal mortality was 44% in the emergency group and 2/18 patients delivered at term. Relative to neonatal outcome, elective cerclage was statistically significantly better than emergent cerclage; there was no statistically significant difference between the elective and empiric groups nor between the empiric and emergent groups. This relatively small series with a large number of variables appeared to favor an elective procedure rather than an empiric one. Although emergent cerclage was associated with only a 56% neonatal survival, it did have value in some patients.     

Elective cervical cerclage versus serial ultrasound surveillance of cervical length in a population at high risk for preterm delivery

OBJECTIVE: To compare pregnancy outcome for women at risk of preterm delivery undergoing elective cervical cerclage in the first trimester or serial transvaginal assessment of cervical length with cerclage only if indicated (control cases). DESIGN: A matched case control study. SETTING: Prematurity clinic at two London teaching hospitals. POPULATION: Women at high risk for preterm delivery. METHODS: Cases of elective cervical cerclage were matched for maternal age, ethnic group, previous cervical surgery, previous second trimester loss and early preterm delivery to women undergoing serial ultrasound surveillance of cervical length. Pregnancy outcome data was collected. Data was analysed using Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney and Student's t-tests. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Gestation at delivery, rate of delivery <24, 24-32 and 32-37 weeks gestation. RESULTS: Thirty-nine cases of elective cervical cerclage were matched to control cases. Both groups were similar for maternal age, ethnic group, previous cervical surgery, previous second trimester loss and early preterm delivery. Cervical cerclage was performed in 14 (36%) of the control cases due to cervical changes. There was no significant difference in median gestation at delivery (266 days versus 260 days P=0.9), number delivering <24 weeks (15% versus 13% P=0.9), at 24-32 weeks (7.5% versus 15% P=0.6) and at 32-37 weeks (15% versus 13% P=0.9). CONCLUSION: Serial transvaginal ultrasound surveillance of cervical length in women at high risk of preterm delivery appears to reduce cerclage rates without compromising pregnancy outcome. A large multicentered randomised trial is required to confirm these findings.