Background & Aims : At least two third of neonatal morbidity and mortality are due to preterm labor. Transvaginalultrasonography has an important role in diagnosis of cervical incompetency and prediction of preterm labor. T he aim of this study was to determine the value of ultrasonographically measured cervical length between 16-24 weeks gestation in the prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery.

  Materials & Methods : A prospective cohort study examined cervical length by transvaginal ultrasonography between 16-24 weeks gestation. A total of 75 women who referred to prenatal clinic of imam Khomeini and Razi educational hospitals in Ahvaz and met inclusion criteria after measuring cervical length (c l) by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS). They included two groups (36 cases with c l =26-30 m and 40 cases with cl=30-35mm. Then they followed until delivery.

  Results : The incidence of preterm labor in c l=26-30 mm was 38% and in group with c l=30-35 mm was 50%. Respectively, in the multivariate analysis, age, parity, job, education, and cl. There was a statistically sign ificant relation between cl and preterm birth. (p<0.01)

  Conclusion : Mechanical and chemical factors can effect on the cl and cause preterm labor. A short cervix seen on 16-24 weeks gestation was a strong predictor of preterm birth.

  SOURCE: URMIA MED J 2013: 24(6): 448 ISSN: 1027-3727