[Transvaginal sonography in prediction of preterm delivery in patients presenting with signs and symptoms of preterm labor].
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to assess the clinical value of transvaginal sonography in the group of women presenting with preterm contractions and cervical changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 82 patients between 23-34 weeks of gestation presenting in our department with signs and symptoms of preterm labor, intact membranes and cervical dilatation < 3 cm. In all cases transvaginal sonography was performed. The following parameters were assessed: functional canal length, funneling, cervical diameter and the length of the vaginal portion of the cervix. The primary outcome was delivery < or = 28 days from examination. RESULTS: The rate of preterm delivery (< 37 weeks) was 25.6% (21/82) and 17.1% (14/82) of the patients delivered < or = 28 days from the examination. Among the analyzed parameters, the significant difference between patients delivered < or = 28 and > 28 days from examination, was noticed only for the functional canal length (21.6 mm vs 30.1 mm; p < 0.001). The analysis of ROC curves showed that functional canal length had the highest diagnostic capability. Two important thresholds were found--20 mm and 31 mm. For predicting delivery < or = 28 days the functional canal length < or = 20 mm had sensitivity of 57.1%, specificity of 92.6%, PPV of 61.5% and NPV of 91.3%. The cutoff value of 31 mm had sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 47.1%, PPV of 28% and NPV of 100%. In multiple logistic regression analysis only FCL < or = 20 mm (OR 8.18; p = 0.027) was independently associated with PTD. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The shortening of the functional canal length (< or = 20 mm) is predictive of impending preterm delivery and the functional canal length > 31 mm is the indicator of the absence of labor. 2. Cervical sonography can be a valuable adjunct to the clinical assessment of patients with signs and symptoms of preterm labor.