Objective: The aim of this study is to determine if cervical cerclage administration reduces the preterm birth (PTB) rate at a gestational age (GA) of 16– 28 weeks in women with twin pregnancy.
Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study on asymptomatic twin pregnancy with an ultrasound-identified cervix length (CL) of ≦25 mm. The patients were divided into two groups: ultrasound-indicated cerclage (UIC) group and control (expectant management) group. The primary outcome was a PTB rate at < 34 weeks. A logistic regression was also performed, and a subgroup analysis stratified by CL and GA at first short cervix diagnosis was planned.
Results: In all 320 women, there were no differences in the overall < 34-week PTB rates and neonatal outcomes between the UIC group and control group. After performing a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the subgroup analyses were planned. In patients with a CL of ≦15 mm, the < 34-week PTB rate was significantly decreased in the UIC subgroup compared with the control subgroup (60.78% vs 78.26%; odds ratio (OR) = 0.43, confidence interval (CI) = 95% [0.22– 0.86]; and p = 0.020). In patients with a first short cervix diagnosis GA of ≦24 weeks, the < 34-week PTB rate was significantly decreased in the UIC subgroup when compared with the control subgroup (61.54% vs 84.75%; OR = 0.29; CI = 95% [0.13– 0.63]; and p = 0.001). Furthermore, compared with the control groups, the UIC groups had higher mean birth weight, lower perinatal mortality, and lower NICU admission, and the differences were statistically significant.
Conclusion: UIC could significantly reduce the < 34-week PTB rate and improve perinatal outcomes in patients with a CL of ≦15mm or first short cervix diagnosis GA of ≦24 weeks with asymptomatic twin pregnancy during the second trimester.
Keywords: twin pregnancy, ultrasound-indicated cerclage, cervical length, preterm birth