Índice de consistencia cervical o longitud cervical en la predicción de parto pretérmino inminente en pacientes sintomáticas / Cervical consistency index or cervical length in predicting imminent preterm delivery in symptomatic patients

OBJETIVO: Comparar el índice de consistencia cervical con la longitud cervical en la predicción de parto pretérmino inminente en pacientes sintomáticas. MÉTODO: Estudio prospectivo realizado en mujeres con embarazos únicos entre 24 y 35 semanas, con diagnóstico clínico de amenaza de parto pretérmino, que asistieron al Hospital Central Dr. Urquinaona en Maracaibo, Venezuela. Al momento del diagnóstico, las pacientes fueron evaluadas con ecografía transvaginal para establecer los valores del índice de consistencia cervical y la longitud cervical. La resultante principal fue parto inminente (en los 7 días siguientes a la evaluación). RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 657 pacientes, de las que 152 presentaron parto pretérmino inminente (grupo A) y 505 fueron consideradas como controles (grupo B). No se encontraron diferencias entre los grupos en cuanto a edad materna, nuliparidad, antecedente de parto pretérmino, antecedente de hábito tabáquico e índice de masa corporal. Las pacientes del grupo A presentaron valores significativamente más bajos del índice de consistencia cervical y de longitud cervical que las del grupo B (p < 0,0001). El índice de consistencia cervical mostró un valor de área bajo la curva de 0,857, mientras que para la longitud cervical este fue de 0,977. La diferencia de la capacidad de discriminación entre las áreas bajo la curva de cada prueba fue significativa (p < 0,0001). CONCLUSIÓN: El índice de consistencia cervical no es superior a la longitud cervical en la predicción de parto pretérmino inminente en pacientes sintomáticas.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the cervical consistency index with the cervical length in predicting imminent preterm delivery in symptomatic patients. METHOD: This prospective study was conducted in women with single pregnancies between 24 and 35 weeks, with a clinical diagnosis of threatened preterm delivery who attended the Central Hospital Dr. Urquinaona, in Maracaibo, Venezuela. At the time of diagnosis, the patients were evaluated using transvaginal ultrasound to establish the values of the cervical consistency index and cervical length. The main result was imminent delivery (in the 7 days following the evaluation). RESULTS: 657 patients were included, 152 women presented imminent preterm delivery (group A) and 505 were considered as controls (group B). No differences were found between the groups concerning maternal age, nulliparity, history of preterm delivery, history of smoking, and body mass index. Group A patients presented significantly lower values of cervical consistency index and cervical length compared to group B patients (p < 0.0001). The cervical consistency index and cervical length showed an area value under the curve of 0.857 and 0.977, respectively. The difference in the ability to discriminate between the areas under the curve of each test was significant (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The cervical consistency index is not superior to the cervical length in the prediction of imminent preterm delivery in symptomatic patients.

The impact of routine transvaginal ultrasound measurement of the cervical length on the prediction of preterm birth: A retrospective study in a tertiary hospital / O impacto da medição por rotina do comprimento cervical por ecografia transvaginal na predição de parto pré-termo: Um estudo retrospetivo num hospital terciário

Abstract Pretermbirth (PTB) is a major obstetric problem associated with high rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of PTB has not changed in the last decade; thus, the establishment of a screening test and effective treatment are warranted. Transvaginal ultrasoundmeasurement of the cervical length (TUCL) has been proposed as an effective method to screen pregnant women at a higher risk of experiencing PTB. Objective To evaluate the applicability and usefulness of second-trimester TUCL to predict PTB in a cohort of Portuguese pregnant women. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional cohort study including all singleton pregnant women who performed their second-trimester ultrasound (between weeks 18 and 22þ6 days) from January 2013 to October 2017 at Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João. Results Our cohort included 4,481 women. The prevalence of spontaneous PTB was of 4.0%, with 0.7% occurring before the 34th week of gestation. The mean TUCL was of 33.8mm,and percentiles 3, 5 and 10 corresponded toTUCLs of 25.0mm, 27.0mmand 29.0mmrespectively. The multiple logistic regression analysis, including maternal age, previous PTB and cervical surgery showed a significant negative association between TUCL and PTB, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.92 (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.90-0.95; p<0.001). The use of a TUCL of 20mm is the best cut-off, when compared with the 25-mm cut-off, improving the prediction of risk. Conclusion The present study showed an inverse association between TUCL and PTB, and that the inclusion of other risk factors like maternal age, previous PTB and cervical surgery can improve the screening algorithm. Furthermore, it emphasizes that the TUCL cut-off that defines short cervix can differ according to the population.

Resumo O parto pré-termo (PPT) é uma grande complicação obstétrica que se associa a elevadas taxas de morbimortalidade neonatal. A sua prevalência não tem alterado na última década, sendo esencial determinar uma forma de rastreio e tratamento eficaz. A medição ecográfica transvaginal do comprimento cervical tem sido proposta como um método eficaz de rastreio das grávidas com risco aumentado de PPT. Objetivo Avaliar a aplicabilidade e utilidade da medição ecográfica transvaginal do comprimento cervical na previsão de PPT numa amostra de grávidas portuguesas. Método Estudo de coorte retrospectivo incluindo todas as grávidas com gestação unifetal que realizaram ecografia do 2° trimestre (de 18 a 22semanasþ6 dias) no Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João entre janeiro de 2013 e outubro de 2017. Resultados A nossa amostra incluiu 4.481 mulheres. A prevalência de PPT espontâneo foi de 4,0%, sendo que 0,7% ocorreu antes das 34 semanas de gestação. A média do comprimento cervical por ecografia transvaginal foi 33,8mm, e os percentis 3, 5 e 10 da amostra corresponderam a comprimentos cervicais de 25,0mm, 27,0mm e 29,0mm, respetivamente. A regressão logística múltipla, que incluiu a idade materna, PPT anterior e antecedentes de conização, demonstrou uma associação estatisticamente significativa entre o comprimento cervical e o risco de PPT, com um risco relativo de 0,92 (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%]: 0.90-0.95; p<0.001). A utilização de um valor de referência de comprimento cervical de 20mm, quando comparado com o valor de referência de 25 mm, melhora a previsão do risco de PPT. Conclusão Este estudo demostra uma associação entre o comprimento cervical avaliado por ecografia tranasvaginal e o risco de PPT, e salienta que a inclusão de outros fatores de risco, como idade materna, PPT anterior e antecedentes de conização podem melhorar o algoritmo de rastreio. Realça ainda que o valor de comprimento cervical utilizado para definir "colo curto" varia de acordo com a população em estudo.

Association of genitourinary infections and cervical length with preterm childbirth

A prospective cohort study was conducted on a convenience sample of 1370 pregnant women with a gestational age of 20 to 25 weeks in the city of Ribeirão Preto. Data on obstetrical history, maternal age, parity, smoking habit, and a history of preterm delivery was collected with the application of a sociodemographic questionnaire. Cervical length was determined by endovaginal ultrasound, and urine and vaginal content samples were obtained to determine urinary tract infection (UTI) and bacterial vaginosis (BV), respectively. The aim of this study was to verify the association of cervical length and genitourinary infections with preterm birth (PTB). Ultrasound showed no association of UTI or BV with short cervical length. PTB rate was 9.63%. Among the women with PTB, 15 showed UTI (RR: 1.55, 95%CI: 0.93-2.58), 19 had BV (RR: 1.22, 95%CI: 0.77-1.94), and one had both UTI and BV (RR: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.13-5.62). Nineteen (14.4%) PTB occurred in women with a cervical length ≤2.5 cm (RR: 2.89, 95%CI: 1.89-4.43). Among the 75 patients with PTB stratified as spontaneous, 10 showed UTI (RR: 2.02, 95%CI: 1.05-3.86) and 14 had a diagnosis of BV (RR: 1.72, 95%CI: 0.97-3.04). A short cervical length between 20 and 25 weeks of pregnancy was associated with PTB, whereas UTI and BV determined at this age were not associated with short cervical length or with PTB, although UTI, even if asymptomatic, was related to spontaneous PTB.

Cervical pessary plus progesterone for twin pregnancy with short cervix compared to unselected and non-treated twin pregnancy: a historical equivalence cohort study (EPM twin pessary study) / Pessário cervical associado a progesterona em gestações gemelares com colo curto comparado a gestações gemelares não selecionadas e não tratadas: estudo de coorte histórica de equivalência (Estudo de Pessário em Gêmeos EPM)

Abstract Objective The present study aims to determine if the use of cervical pessary plus progesterone in short-cervix (≤ 25 mm) dichorionic-diamniotic (DC-DA) twin pregnancies is equivalent to the rate of preterm births (PBs) with no intervention in unselected DC-DA twin pregnancies. Methods A historical cohort study was performed between 2010 and 2018, including a total of 57 pregnant women with DC-DA twin pregnancies. The women admitted from 2010 to 2012 (n = 32) received no treatment, and were not selected by cervical length (Non-Treated group, NTG), whereas those admitted from 2013 to 2018 (n = 25), were routinely submitted to cervical pessary plus progesterone after the diagnosis of short cervix from the 18th to the 27th weeks of gestation (Pessary-Progesterone group, PPG). The primary outcome analyzed was the rate of PBs before 34 weeks. Results There were no statistical differences between the NTG and the PPG regarding PB < 34 weeks (18.8%; versus 40.0%; respectively; p = 0.07) and the mean birthweight of the smallest twin (2,037 ± 425 g versus 2,195 ± 665 g; p = 0.327). The Kaplan-Meyer Survival analysis was performed, and there were no differences between the groups before 31.5 weeks. Logistic regression showed that a previous PB (< 37 weeks) presented an odds ratio (OR) of 15.951 (95%; confidence interval [95%;CI]: 1.294-196.557; p = 0.031*) for PB < 34 weeks in the PPG. Conclusion In DC-DA twin pregnancies with a short cervix, (which means a higher risk of PB), the treatment with cervical pessary plus progesterone could be considered equivalent in several aspects related to PB in the NTG, despite the big difference between these groups.

Resumo Objetivo Este estudo tem como objetivo determinar se o uso de pessário cervical associado a progesterona em gestações de gêmeos dicoriônicos-diamnióticos (DC-DAs) com colo do útero curto (≤ 25 mm) apresenta taxa de parto prematuro (PP) equivalente à de gestações gemelares DC-DA sem nenhuma intervenção/não selecionadas. Métodos Um estudo de coorte histórica foi realizado entre 2010 e 2018, incluindo um total de 57 mulheres grávidas com gestações gemelares DC-DA. As mulheres admitidas de 2010 a 2012 (n = 32) não receberam tratamento, e não foram selecionadas pelo comprimento cervical (grupo Não Tratado, GNT), enquanto as admitidas de 2013 a 2018 (n = 25) receberam pessário cervical rotineiramente associado a progesterona após o diagnóstico de colo curto entre a 18a e a 27ª semanas de gestação (grupo Pessário-Progesterona, GPP). O desfecho primário analisado foi a taxa de PP antes de 34 semanas. Resultados Não houve diferenças estatísticas entre o GNT e o GPP em relação ao PP < 34 semanas (respectivamente, 18,8%; versus 40,0%;; p = 0,07) e ao peso médio ao nascer do gêmeo menor (2.037 ± 425 g versus 2.195 ± 665 g; p = 0,327). A análise de Kaplan-Meyer foi realizada, e não houve diferenças entre os grupos antes de 31,5 semanas. A regressão logística demonstrou que o nascimento prematuro anterior (< 37 semanas) apresentou razão de probabilidades (odds ratio, OR) de 15,951 (intervalo de confiança de 95%; [IC95%;]: 1,294-196,557; p = 0,031*) para o nascimento prematuro < 34 semanas no GPP. Conclusão Em gêmeos DC-DA com colo uterino curto (o que significa maior risco de nascimento prematuro), o tratamento com pessário cervical associado a progesterona pode ser considerado equivalente em diversos aspectos relacionados à prematuridade no GNT, apesar da grande diferença entre os grupos.

Women's obstetric history and midtrimester cervical length measurements by 2d/3d and doppler ultrasound / História obstétrica e medida do comprimento do colo uterino de mulheres no segundo trimestre gestacional por ultrassonografia bi/tridimensional e Doppler

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to compare the obstetric history and both two- and tri-dimensional ultrasound parameters according to different cervical lengths. Methods The present cross-sectional study analyzed 248 midtrimester pregnant women according to cervical length and compared the data with the obstetric history and 2D/3D ultrasound parameters. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to cervical length: The Short Cervix group for cervical lengths ≥ 15mm and< 25mm(n= 68), the Very Short Cervix group for cervical lengths< 15mm (n = 18) and the Control group, composed of 162 pregnant women with uterine cervical lengths ≥ 25mm. Results When analyzing the obstetric history of only non-nulliparous patients, a significant association between the presence of a short cervix in the current pregnancy and at least one previous preterm birth was reported (p = 0.021). Cervical length and volume were positively correlated (Pearson coefficient = 0.587, p < 0.0001). The flow index (FI) parameter of cervical vascularization was significantly different between the Control and Very Short Cervix groups. However, after linear regression, in the presence of volume information, we found no association between the groups and FI. Uterine artery Doppler was also not related to cervical shortening. Conclusion The present study showed a significant association between the presence of a short cervix in the current pregnancy and at least one previous preterm birth. None of the vascularization indexes correlate with cervical length as an independent parameter. Uterine artery Doppler findings do not correlate with cervical length.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a história obstétrica e os parâmetros bi- e tridimensionais ultrassonográficos de acordo com os diferentes comprimentos cervicais. Métodos O presente estudo transversal analisou 248 gestantes no segundo trimestre de acordo com o comprimento cervical e comparou os dados com a história obstétrica e os parâmetros ultrassonográficos 2D/3D. As pacientes foram divididas em 3 grupos de acordo com o comprimento do colo uterino: grupo Colo Curto para comprimentos cervicais ≥ 15mm e < 25mm (n = 68), grupo Colo Muito Curto para comprimentos cervicais < 15mm (n = 18) e grupo Controle, composto por 162 gestantes com comprimento cervical uterino ≥ 25 mm. Resultados Ao analisar a história obstétrica apenas de pacientes não nulíparas, foi relatadauma associação significativa entre a presença de colo uterino curto na gravidez atual e pelo menos um episódio de parto prematuro anterior (p = 0,021). Comprimento e volume do colo uterino foram correlacionados positivamente (coeficiente de Pearson = 0,587, p < 0,0001). O parâmetro índice de fluxo (IF) da vascularização cervical foi significativamente diferente entre os grupos Controle e Colo Muito Curto. Entretanto, após regressão linear, na presença de informações de volume, não encontramos associação entre os grupos e o parâmetro IF. Também não foi encontrada relação entre o Doppler da artéria uterina e o encurtamento cervical. Conclusão O presente estudo mostrou uma associação significativa entre a presença de colo uterino curto na gravidez atual e pelo menos um episódio de parto prematuro anterior. Nenhum dos índices de vascularização se correlaciona com o comprimento cervical como parâmetro independente, assim como o Doppler da artéria uterina também não está relacionado ao comprimento do colo uterino.

Ultrasound evaluation of the cervix to predict failed labor induction / Avaliação ultrassonográfica do colo uterino na predição do insucesso na indução do parto

Abstract Objective Labor induction does not always result in vaginal delivery, and can expose both the mother and the fetus to the risks inherent to the induction procedure or a possible cesarean section. Transvaginal sonography (TVS) of the cervix is a useful tool to predict prematurity; in the present study, this tool was used to evaluate postterm induction. Methods We evaluated the ultrasound characteristics of the cervix (cervical length, cervical funneling, internal os dilation, the presence or absence of the cervical gland area [CGA], and the morphological changes of the cervix as a result of applying fundal pressure) before the onset of labor induction among women with postterm pregnancy to identify the possible predictors of failed labor induction. The Bishop score (BS) was used for comparison purposes. Three groups were evaluated: successful versus unsuccessful induction; vaginal delivery versus cesarean delivery (excluding cases of acute fetal distress [AFD]); and vaginal delivery versus cesarean delivery (including cases of AFD). A fourth group including only the primiparous women from the three previous groups was also evaluated. Results Based on the studied characteristics and combinations of variables, a cervical length ≥ 3.0 cm and a BS ≤ 2 were the best predictors of induction failure. Conclusion Although TVS is useful for screening for induction failure, this tool should not be used as an indication for cesarean section.

Resumo Objetivo Nem sempre a indução do parto termina emparto vaginal, expondo tanto a mãe quanto o feto aos riscos inerentes ao procedimento de indução, ou a uma possível cesárea. A ultrassonografia transvaginal (UTV) semostrou interessante instrumento na predição da prematuridade e, neste estudo, utilizamos este instrumento na situação inversa: indução do parto no pós-datismo. Métodos Avaliamos variáveis ultrassonográficas do colo uterino (comprimento, presença de afunilamento, dilatação do orifício interno do colo, eco glandular endocervical [EGE] evidente ou não, e alterações morfológicas do colo uterino à compressão fúndica uterina) antes do início da indução em gestantes com pósdatismo, na tentativa de encontrar um possível preditor de falha de indução. O índice de Bishop (IB) também foi utilizado para fins de comparação. Três grupos foram avaliados: indução bem-sucedida x malsucedida; parto vaginal x cesárea (excluindo casos de sofrimento fetal agudo[SFA]); e parto vaginal x cesárea (incluindo casos de SFA). Além disso, um quarto grupo composto apenas pelas primíparas dos outros três grupos também foi avaliado. Resultados Com base em todas as características estudadas e combinações de variáveis, o comprimento do colo uterino ≥ 3,0 cm e IB ≤ 2 foram os melhores preditores em todos os grupos analisados. Conclusão Apesar de a UTV do colo uterino ser um bomexame para rastreamento de indução malsucedida, não deve ser usado para se indicar uma cesariana.

Factors associated with intrapartum cesarean section in women submitted to labor induction / Fatores associados à cesárea intraparto em mulheres submetidas a indução do parto

Abstract Objective To evaluate the results of induced labor and to determine the main factors associated with intrapartum cesarean section after patients being submitted to this procedure at the Hospital Universitário of the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (HU/UFSC, in the Portuguese acronym), Florianópolis, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study that included all the pregnancies that resulted in single-fetus births, whose gestational-age was > 22 weeks and that had been submitted to labor induction at the HU/UFSC in the period from 2013 to 2016. Results During the proposed period, 1,491 pregnant women were submitted to the labor induction protocol. In 1,264 cases (84.8%), induction resulted in labor, with 830 (65.7%) progressing to vaginal delivery. Gestational age ≥ 41 + 0 weekswas themost common indication for induced labor (55.2%), and vaginal administration of misoprostol was themost commonly usedmethod (72.0%). Among these pregnant women, the cesarean section rate was of 34.3%. Considering the cases of induction failure, the cesarean section rate rose to 44.3%. The factors associated with cesarean section were: previous history of cesarean delivery (PR [prevalence ratio] = 1.48; 95%CI [confidence interval]: 1.51-1.88), fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (PR = 1.82; 95%CI: 1.32-2.19), Bishop score ≤ 6 (PR = 1.33; 95%CI: 1.01-1.82), and induction time either < 12 hours (PR = 1.44; 95%CI: 1.17-1.66) or > 36 hours (PR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.22-1.92) between the beginning of the induction and the birth. Conclusion Labor induction was successful inmost patients. In the cases in which the final outcome was a cesarean section, the most strongly associated factors were: previous history of cesarean delivery, presence of fetuses with IUGR, and either excessively short or excessively long periods of induction.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os resultados da indução de trabalho de parto e determinar os principais fatores associados à realização de cesarianas intraparto em pacientes do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (HU-UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brasil. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico transversal que incluiu todas as gestantes de feto único e comidade gestacional > 22 semanas, submetidas a indução de trabalho de parto no HU-UFSC no período de 2013 a 2016. Resultados No período proposto, 1.491 gestantes foram submetidas ao protocolo de indução. Em 1.264 casos (84,8%), a indução resultou em trabalho de parto, com 830 (65,7%) progredindo para o parto vaginal. Gestação ≥ 41 + 0 semanas foi a causa mais comumde indicação de indução de trabalho de parto (55,2%),emisoprostol foi o método mais utilizado (72,0%). Nessas gestantes, o índice de cesariana foi de 34,3%. Considerando os casos de falha de indução, o índice de cesariana sobe para 44,3%. Os fatores associados às cesarianas foram: história prévia de cesárea (RP [razão de prevalência] = 1,48; IC [índice de confiança]: 95% 1,51-1,88), fetos com restrição de crescimento intrauterino (RP = 1,82; IC95%: 1,32-2,19), índice de Bishop ≤ 6 (RP = 1,33; IC95%: 1,01-1,82) e tempo de indução < 12 horas (RP = 1,44; IC95%: 1,17-1,66), ou > 36 horas (RP = 1,51; IC95%: 1,22-1,92) entre o início da indução e o parto. Conclusão A indução de trabalho de parto foi bem-sucedida na maioria das pacientes. Naquelas em quem o desfecho final foi a cesariana, os fatores mais fortemente associados foram: história prévia de cesárea, presença de fetos com restrição de crescimento intrauterino, e tempos muito curtos ou muito longos de indução.

Reference Ranges for Ultrasonographic Measurements of the Uterine Cervix in Low-Risk Pregnant Women / Valores de referência das medidas ultrassonográficas do colo uterino em gestantes de baixo risco

Abstract Objective To define transvaginal ultrasound reference ranges for uterine cervix measurements according to gestational age (GA) in low-risk pregnancies. Methods Cohort of low-risk pregnantwomen undergoing transvaginal ultrasound exams every 4 weeks, comprisingmeasurements of the cervical length and volume, the transverse and anteroposterior diameters of the cervix, and distance fromthe entrance of the uterine artery into the cervix until the internal os. The inter- and intraobserver variabilities were assessed with the linear correlation coefficient and the Student t-test. Within each period of GA, 2.5, 10, 50, 90 and 97.5 percentiles were estimated, and the variation by GA was assessed with analysis of variance for dependent samples. Mean values and Student t-test were used to compare the values stratified by control variables. Results After confirming the high reproducibility of the method, 172 women followed in this cohort presented a reduction in cervical length, with an increase in volume and in the anteroposterior and transverse diameters during pregnancy. Smaller cervical lengths were associated with younger age, lower parity, and absence of previous cesarean section (C-section). Conclusion In the studied population, we observed cervical length shortening throughout pregnancy, suggesting a physiological reduction mainly in the vaginal portion of the cervix. In order to better predict pretermbirth, cervical insufficiency and premature rupture of membranes, reference curves and specific cut-off values need to be validated.

Resumo Objetivo Elaborar curvas de referências de medidas ultrassonográficas de colo uterino por idade gestacional (IG) em gestações de baixo risco. Métodos Coorte de gestantes de baixo risco, submetidas a ultrassom transvaginal repetido a cada 4 semanas, com medida do comprimento, dos diâmetros anteroposterior e transverso, da distância entre a entrada da artéria uterina no colo e o orifício interno, e do volume do colo. Foi avaliada a variabilidade inter e intraobservador entre as medidas com o coeficiente de correlação linear e teste t de Student. Para cada faixa de IG, estimaram-se os percentis 2,5, 10, 50, 90 e 97,5 dos valores das medidas, com a variação por IG avaliada por análise de variância para amostras dependentes. As comparações dos valores por variáveis de controle foram feitas por meio dos cálculos de médias e teste t de Student. Resultados Assegurada a alta reprodutibilidade do método, as 172 mulheres acompanhadas na coorte apresentaram redução das medidas de comprimento de colo com o decorrer da gestação, com aumento de volume e dos diâmetros anteroposterior e transverso. O menor comprimento cervical foi associado à menor idade materna, menor paridade, e ausência de cesárea prévia. Conclusão Na população estudada foi observada redução no comprimento cervical com o decorrer da gestação, sugerindo encurtamento fisiológico principalmente à custa da porção vaginal do colo. Há a necessidade de validar tais curvas de referência e pontos de corte específicos para uma melhor predição de risco de parto pré-termo, insuficiência cervical, e amniorrexe prematura.

Relato de caso: Linfoma difuso de grandes células B no colo uterino / Case report: Diffuse large B cells lymphoma in the cervix

Relatamos o caso de mulher, 32 anos, branca, previamente hígida, atendida com corrimento vaginal e metrorragia há 3 meses. Exame colpocitológico descreveu esfregaço intensamente hemorrágico e lesão intraepitelial de alto grau com displasia acentuada (NIC III). Ultrassonografia transvaginal e ressonância magnética da pelve caracterizaram aumento dimensional do colo uterino, exibindo aspecto em "barril", por processo expansivo difuso de aspecto infiltrativo. Estudo anatomopatológico e imunohistoquímico de biopsia do colo uterino revelou um linfoma não Hodgkin difuso de grandes células B. (AU)

We report the case of a woman, 32 years old, white, previously healthy, presenting vaginal discharge and metrorrhagia for three months. Pap smear described intensely hemorrhagic smear and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions with severe dysplasia (CIN III). Transvaginal ultrasound and MRI of the pelvis characterized an increase in the dimensions of the cervix, displaying aspect "barrel" due process of expansive diffuse infiltrative appearance. The histopathological and immunohistochemistry of the cervical biopsy showed a diffuse non-Hodgkin's lymphoma large B cell. (AU)

Sonographic Cervical Shortening after Labor Induction is a Predictor of Vaginal Delivery / Ultrassonografia para encurtamento do colo do útero após indução de parto é um preditor de parto normal

ABSTRACT Objective: Analyzing if the sonographic evaluation of the cervix (cervical shortening) is a prognostic marker for vaginal delivery. Methods: Women who underwent labor induction by using dinoprostone were enrolled. Before the induction and three hours after it, the cervical length was measured by ultrasonography to obtain the cervical shortening. The cervical shortening was introduced in logistic regression models among independent variables and for calculating receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: Each centimeter in the cervical shortening increases the odds of vaginal delivery in 24.4% within 6 hours; in 16.1% within 24 hours; and in 10.5% within 48 hours. The best predictions for vaginal delivery are achieved for births within 6 and 24 hours, while the cervical shortening poorly predicts vaginal delivery within 48 hours. Conclusion: The greater the cervical shortening 3 hours after labor induction, the higher the likelihood of vaginal delivery within 6, 24 and 48 hours.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar se a avaliação ultrassonográfica do colo do útero (encurtamento) é um marcador prognóstico para parto normal. Métodos: Consideramos mulheres com trabalho de parto induzido usando dinoprostona. Antes da indução e três horas após, a extensão cervical foi medida por ultrassonografia para obter o encurtamento do colo do útero. O encurtamento do colo do útero foi aplicado em modelos de regressão dentre variáveis independentes. Curvas de Característica de Operação do Receptor foram calculadas. Resultados: Cada centímetro no encurtamento do colo do útero aumenta as chances de parto normal para 24,4% dentro de 6 horas; 16,1% dentro de 24 horas; e 10,5% dentro de 48 horas. Os melhores preditores de parto normal são alcançados para partos dentre 6 e 24 horas, enquanto o encurtamento prevê mal o parto normal dentro de 48 horas.

A ausência do eco glandular endocervical e a presença de sludge no líquido amniótico podem ser consideradas imagens ultrassonográficas preditivas de parto prematuro? / Absent cervical gland area and amniotic fluid sludge may be considered predictive ultrasound images of preterm birth?

A prematuridade ainda é um grande desafio para a Obstetrícia, sendo considerada a principal causa de morbidade e mortalidade neonatal, com repercussões importantes na infância. Apesar dos avanços da medicina, ainda falhamos muitas vezes em predizer e prevenir o parto prematuro. Novos marcadores surgem a cada dia na tentativa de melhorar o arsenal médico para a predição da prematuridade, entre eles a ausência do eco glandular endocervical e o sludge no líquido amniótico, vistos em avaliações ultrassonográficas transvaginais. Para avaliar os estudos disponíveis sobre esses novos métodos, este estudo de revisão da literatura pesquisou nas bases de dados MEDLINE, PubMed, SciELO, LILACS e Biblioteca Cochrane os descritores "cervical gland area", "amniotic fluid sludge", "sludge", "preterm", "preterm labor" e "preterm birth" e selecionou 12 artigos com base em sua relevância e metodologia. Apesar de vários estudos publicados sugerirem a aplicação desses marcadores, é difícil comparar os resultados apresentados, pois as populações avaliadas são muito diferentes, a casuística ainda é pequena e faltam avaliações com melhor nível de evidência. Até que se consiga realmente comprovar o benefício do uso isolado desses marcadores, podemos associar os métodos propostos com os já utilizados, como fibronectina fetal e comprimento cervical, para tentar diminuir o número de partos prematuros em nossa prática médica. (AU)

Prematurity is still a challenge for Obstetrics, considered the leading cause of neonatal and childhood deaths worldwide, with serious repercussions in childhood. Despite advances in medicine, yet we often fail to predict and prevent preterm birth. New markers appear every day in an attempt to improve the medical arsenal for predicting prematurity, including two sonographic markers: the absence of cervical gland area and amniotic fluid sludge, seen in transvaginal sonographic evaluations. To evaluate the available studies on these new methods, this literature review study searched the databases MEDLINE, PubMed, SciELO, LILACS and the Cochrane Library the following descriptors: "cervical gland area", "amniotic fluid sludge", "sludge", "preterm", "preterm labor" e "preterm birth" and selected 12 articles based on their relevance and methodology. Despite all the published studies suggest the application of these markers, it is difficult to compare the results because the populations evaluated are very different, the sample is still small and we still lack reviews with best level of evidence. Until we can actually prove the benefit of using these markers separately, we can associate the proposed methods with the ones already used, such as fetal fibronectin and cervical length, in an attempt to reduce the number of premature births in our practice.(AU)

Screening of preterm labor in Yazd city: transvaginal ultrasound assessment of the length of cervix in the second trimester

Spontaneous preterm labor is one of the common obstetrics problems causing several physical, psychological and economical outcomes. Although due to these outcomes and the efficacy of cares for decreasing them, preterm labor screening is cost-effective and it is still one of the challenging issues in obstetrics. In this study preterm labor screening by using cervical transvaginal sonography was evaluated. This observational cohort study was performed in Yazd, Iran. Samples were selected from pregnant women at gestational age of 21-24 weeks who had single live fetus and referred to the obstetrics clinics of two selected hospitals in Yazd. Gestational age was estimated based on the sonography of the first trimester and cervical length measured by transvaginal sonography. Data analysis was done by using t and x2 test as well as ANOVA. Statistical significant level was considered as p<0.05. From 450 participants, 47 cases had preterm labor and 6 cases had positive funneling. Mean age of women with term labor was 26.09 +/- 4.13 years and that of women with preterm labor was 26.7 +/- 3.51 years [p=0.334]. Duration of pregnancy and cervical length significantly differed between women with and without funneling [p=0.001]. The sensitivity and specificity of screening based on cervical length of 25mm were 55.5% [50.9-60.1%] and 93.6% [91.2-96%] respectively. Based on the results of the present study, transvaginal ultrasound assessment of cervical length in low risk women has an acceptable reliability for screening of preterm labor

[Measurement of cervical length changes during normal pregnancy by endovaginal ultrasound device]

Cervical inability to preserve pregnancy is called cervical insufficiency. On-time diagnosis of cervical insufficiency is important for taking appropriate preventive actions. Endovaginal sonography is a powerful predictor for spontaneous preterm pregnancy loss. Importance of cervical length measurement is to diagnose cervical insufficiency and to decide on cerclage. In this study, we evaluated endovaginal sonography assessment of cervical length changes during a normal pregnancy. In a prospective cross-sectional study endovaginal sonography on 150 pregnant women [50 in every trimester] was performed to measure cervical length and mean of the cervical lengths in the three trimesters was compared together by one way ANOVA test. The patients were followed until labor. Twin pregnancies and cases with history of uterus curettage, cervical anomalies, preterm labor and cerclage were excluded from the study. Mean of the cervical length in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy respectively were 39, 40.7 and 39.3 mm respectively. In addition, the minimum and maximum length of cervix in the same trimesters were 28 and 56 mm, 26 and 52 mm, 27 and 52 mm respectively. Minimum cervical length was seen in the first pregnancy and maximum cervical length was seen in past NVD. No significant statistical differences were seen between the means of cervical length in the three trimesters of pregnancy or maternal age. However, there was a significant statistical difference between mean cervical length and maternal parity [p=0.05]. The mean cervical length in three trimesters was 39 mm and considered as an accepted value for mean cervical length in different trimesters. According to presence significant correlation between cervical mean lengths and multiparity with no preterm labor history, it may be safer if there is no preterm labor history in a multiparity pregnant woman

Role of transvaginal ultrasound in cervical length changes during normal pregnancy

The objectives of this study was to examine the relationship between cervical length and gestational age in normal pregnancy in nulliparous versus parous women. We studied a cross-sectional sample of 321 pregnant women, including 185 nulliparous and 136 multiparous women. The inclusion criteria were sonographic confirmation of gestational age within the 12th week, the absence of any risk factors for preterm birth, and uncomplicated pregnancy with expected delivery during the 38th to 42nd weeks. Cervical length was measured in a straight line if the cervix did not show any curvature; in the presence of cervical curvature, the measurement was broken down into 2 or more segments. It was found that there was a relationship between gestational age and cervical length, which could be described with a linear function [R = 0.92; R2 = 0.85; P<001]. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference between multiparous and nulliparous women. Our study shows that cervical length is comparable in nulliparous and multiparous women throughout pregnancy. In both groups, it actually shows a progressive, linear reduction between the 10th and 40th weeks. Reference ranges constructed for the whole gestational period might be more useful than a single cut off value for more efficient prevention and management of preterm birth

Transvaginal sonography and cervical length changes in normal pregnancy

Transvginal sonography [TVS] is the gold standard for investigating cervical Length. The aim of this study was investigation of cervical length changes during normal pregnancy by TVS. This epidemiotogical study was carried out from 22[en] April 2006 to 21[st] April 2007 on 150 pregnant women who had contacted Ahwaz Imam Khomani Hospital. Cervical Length changes in normal pregnancies were studied by TVS in three trimesters. Gestational age of studied population was 8 to 37 weeks. Anova and Chi Square tests were used for statistical analysis. In the 2[nd] trimester the cervical length was at minimum [26mm] and mean cervical length was [40.72 mm]. In the 1[st] trimester cervical length was the maximum of [56 mm] and mean cervical Length was [39.03 mm]. Mean cervical length was the shortest [37.83 mm] in the under 20 years and longest [40 mm] in the over 35 year's age group. Transvaginal Sonography is useful, for cervical length evaluations and management of preterm deliveries and cervical insufficiency

[Transvaginal ultrasound of the cervix in the estimation of severity of premature labour]

Premature labour is a frequent situation,it complicates about 6% of births, with increasing perinatal morbidity and mortality.The purpose of this study is to analyse the place of the ultrasound of the cervix in the coverage of a premature labour and the evaluation of the severity of the premature labour being able to have therapeutic implications. It is about a prospective study 56 patients presenting a premature labour between 28 and 34 weeks realized in the service of maternity in Mongi Slim hospital of Marsa for a period of 12 months going from January 2006 till January 2007. In our study 56 patients presented an ultrasonographic cervical length

Cervical Length and the Risk of Microbial Invasion of the Amniotic Cavity in Women with Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes

The aims of this study were to determine whether sonographically measured cervical length is of value in the identification of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and to compare its performance with maternal blood C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), and amniotic fluid (AF) WBC. This prospective observational study enrolled 50 singleton pregnancies with PPROM. Transvaginal ultrasound for measurement of cervical length was performed and maternal blood was collected for the determination of CRP and WBC at the time of amniocentesis. AF obtained by amniocentesis was cultured and WBC determined. The prevalence of a positive amniotic fluid culture was 26% (13/50). Patients with positive amniotic fluid cultures had a significantly shorter median cervical length and higher median CRP, WBC, and AF WBC than did those with negative cultures. Multiple logistic regression indicated that only cervical length had a significant relationship with the log odds of a positive AF culture. Transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length is valuable in the identification of microbial invasion of amniotic cavity in women with PPROM. Cervical length performs better than AF WBC, maternal blood CRP, and WBC in the identification of a positive amniotic fluid culture.

Transvaginal Ultrasonographic Cervical Measurement in Predicting Failed Labor Induction and Cesarean Delivery for Failure to Progress in Nulliparous Women

The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of transvaginal sonographic cervical measurement in predicting failed labor induction and cesarean delivery for failure to progress in nulliparous women. One hundred and sixty-one women scheduled for labor induction underwent transvaginal ultrasonography and digital cervical examinations. Logistic regression demonstrated that cervical length and gestational age at induction, but not the Bishop score, significantly and independently predicted failed labor induction. According to the receiver operating characteristic curves analysis, the best cut-off value of cervical length for predicting failed labor induction was 28 mm, with a sensitivity of 62% and a specificity of 60%. In terms of the likelihood of a cesarean delivery for failure to progress as the outcome variable, logistic regression indicated that maternal height and birth weight, but not cervical length or Bishop score, were significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery for failure to progress. Transvaginal sonographic measurements of cervical length thus independently predicted failed labor induction in nulliparous women. However, the relatively poor predictive performance of this test undermines its clinical usefulness as a predictor of failed labor induction. Moreover, cervical length appears to have a poor predictive value for the likelihood of a cesarean delivery for failure to progress.

[Transvaginal ultrasound of the cervix in the estimation of severity of premature labour]

Premature labour is a frequent situation it complicates about 6% of births, with increasing perinatal morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to analyze the place of the ultrasound of the cervix in the coverage of a premature labour and the evaluation of the severity of the premature labour, being able to have therapeutic implications. It is about a prospective study on 48 patients presenting a premature labour between 28 and 35 weeks realized in the service of maternity in Hddi Chaker hospital of Sfax for a period of 7 months going from January till July, 2005. In our study 23 patients presented an ultrasonographic cervical length