History-indicated cerclage: the association between previous preterm history and cerclage outcome

OBJECTIVE: Our hospital's policy is to perform history-indicated cerclage (HIC) for pregnant patients with 1 or more second-trimester pregnancy losses. Recently, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guideline regarding indications for HIC was changed from 3 or more previous second-trimester fetal losses to one or more. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the revised guideline and to investigate the association between previous preterm history and cerclage outcome. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of cases of HIC in singleton pregnancies performed at our hospital between January 2007 and June 2016. We compared the perioperative complications and incidences of preterm delivery in patients with one previous second-trimester pregnancy loss against those in patients with ≥2 losses. RESULTS: The incidence of preterm delivery (< 32 weeks) was significantly lower in patients with one previous second-trimester pregnancy loss than in those with ≥2 losses (15/194 [8%] vs. 28/205 [14%]). In the 1 loss and ≥2 losses groups, the rates of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) were 7% and 8%, the rates of PPROM at < 32 weeks 2.1% and 3.4%, and the ratios of neonatal intensive care unit admission 10% and 17%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Comparison of HIC in one previous second-trimester pregnancy loss group with HIC in the 2 or more previous second-trimester pregnancy loss group found no difference in pregnancy outcome. This finding supports the amended ACOG guideline for HIC indications. Based on our results, we also propose development of a new protocol for HIC-related complications.

Emergency cerclage in cervical incompetence / 대한산부인과학회지

Emergency cerclage is the only way to prolong pregnancy for women with advanced cervical dilatation with or without prolapsed membrane. Without cerclage, miscarriage is almost always inevitable. Emergency cerclage should be performed after considering indications, contraindications, benefits and risks. Further researches on advanced operative skill, prognostic factors and postoperative medical treatment will improve the outcome of emergency cerclage.