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AJP Rep 2013; 03(01): 001-004
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1326995
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Emergency Cerclage Placement in Multifetal Pregnancies with a Dilated Cervix and Exposed Membranes: Case Series

Marijo Aguilera
1   Minnesota Perinatal Physicians, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota
,
Kirk Ramin
2   Division of Maternal–Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
,
Ruby Nguyen
3   Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
,
Lauren Giacobbe
2   Division of Maternal–Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
,
Jessica Swartout
1   Minnesota Perinatal Physicians, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

19 March 2012

16 May 2012

Publication Date:
24 October 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Pregnancies complicated by midtrimester painless cervical dilation are known to have associations with preterm birth. In situations where fetal amniotic membranes are exposed, the risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality increases dramatically in this particularly high-risk population. Multifetal gestations further increase the risk of preterm birth, yet there remains a paucity of data supporting therapeutic intervention for these patients. We report a case series of 12 multifetal gestations with painless cervical dilation and exposed fetal membranes that underwent emergency cerclage placement. Pregnancy prolongation was achieved on average 60.25 days with 76.9% neonatal survival. These findings are suggestive that emergency cerclage may be a beneficial treatment in this unique patient population.

Keywords

emergency cerclage - cervical insufficiency - twin pregnancy - exposed fetal membranes
 

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