Transvaginal cervical length measurement at 22- to 26-week pregnancy in prediction of preterm births in twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the predictive role of transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of cervical length (CL) at 22-26 weeks of gestation in determining preterm deliveries in twin pregnancies.

METHODS

The study included 150 twin pregnancies. CL was measured by transvaginal ultrasonography at 22-26 weeks. Signs of preterm labor, ruptured membranes, vaginal bleeding, patients with systemic disease, and cervical incompetencies were excluded. The patients had monthly digital cervical examinations but no routine TVCL ultrasound examinations. The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm birth at before 37 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

Ninety-two percent of twin pregnancies delivered by cesarean section and 16% babies had a neonatal intensive care unit requisitioned. Ninety-two patients were delivered in smaller than 37 gestational weeks and the mean CL measurement (CLM) was <37.64 ± 6.23 mm. According to the ROC curve analysis, CLM was found to be a discriminating parameter in patients. The area under the curve, cutoff values, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.794, 34.95, and 70-80%; respectively (p = 0.029).

CONCLUSION

In women with twin pregnancy, the risk of preterm birth can be evaluated using the ultrasonographic measurement of CL at 22-26 weeks of gestation.