[The role of ultrasonographic evaluation of uterine cervix length and dilation for diagnosis and management of twin pregnancy].

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses ultrasonographic parameters concerning cervix length and cervical canal width of women with bigeminal pregnancy. The parameters mentioned proved to be useful while taking a right therapeutical decision i.e. using tocolysis or surgical treatment (cerclage).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This study included 52 women with bigeminal pregnancy. There were 14 women with the first pregnancy and 38 with the second and more pregnancies--ranging from 18 to 35 years of age. The negative obstetrics past and non-invasive treatment as well as surgical treatment were taken into consideration. 43 women were diagnosed using ultrasonographic examination. The cervix length and cervical canal width were checked every 7-14 days. In 9 of them the cerclage was done.

RESULTS

In the group of women with cerclage 66.6% of pregnancies ended before the 37th week. The mean pregnancy duration was 29.4 weeks. 46.3% of infants were discharged in satisfactory condition. In the other group (tocolysis) 54.8% of pregnancies ended before 37th week. The mean pregnancy duration was 34.2 weeks. 72.7% of infants were discharged in satisfactory condition.

CONCLUSIONS

The assessment of the length of the cervix and the width of the cervical canal in the bigeminal pregnancy by the case examination is performed in order to take proper therapeutical decisions i.e. tocolysis or surgical treatment.