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Open Access 01-08-2017 | Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Cervical length dynamics in triplet pregnancies: a retrospective cohort study

Authors: Sophie Pils, Stephanie Springer, Verena Wehrmann, Kinga Chalubinski, Johannes Ott

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 2/2017

Abstract

Purpose

To review our experience with a screening program that included sequential cervical length measurements in our large population of triplet pregnancies.

Methods

Seventy-eight triplet pregnancies were retrospectively included. Cervical length measurements were performed by transvaginal ultrasound in 2-week intervals from week 16 + 0 onwards in a tertiary-care center in Vienna. The main outcome measurement was preterm delivery prior to 32 + 0 weeks of gestation. Statistical analyses were performed using paired and unpaired t tests and a stepwise linear regression model.

Results

There were 26 cases of preterm delivery (33.3%). Women with preterm delivery revealed significant cervical length shortening from week 22 + 0 (median 33 mm, interquartile range, IQR 17–39) to 24 + 0 (median 21 mm, IQR 7–30; p = 0.005). This was not observed in women without preterm delivery. From week 22 + 0 onwards, both groups showed further significant 2-week differences in cervical length (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis of cervical length in weeks 20 + 0, 22 + 0, and 24 + 0 as well as cervical length dynamics from 22 + 0 to 24 + 0 predicted preterm delivery.

Conclusions

In triplet pregnancies, a decrease in cervical length seems physiological from week 22 + 0 onwards. A sharp decrease in cervical length from the 22 + 0 to the 24 + 0 week as well as the smaller cervical length in weeks 20 + 0, 22 + 0, and 24 + 0 increase the risk of preterm delivery.

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Title: Cervical length dynamics in triplet pregnancies: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sophie Pils
Stephanie Springer
Verena Wehrmann
Kinga Chalubinski
Johannes Ott
Publication date: 01-08-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-017-4402-0

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Cervical length dynamics in triplet pregnancies: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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