Predictive value of cervical length measurement on transvaginal ultrasonography in determination of preterm delivery in a Nigerian South Western Tertiary Hospital

Introduction: There has been an upsurge in the prevalence of preterm delivery globally and short cervix has been strongly associated with it. However, studies have shown that when it is detected early in mid-second trimester, preventive measures could be taken to forestall pregnancy loss. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women who presented for mid-trimester anomaly ultrasound scan between 18 and 24 weeks at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. The cervical length was measured with ultrasound machine through the transvaginal route and the patients were subsequently followed up till delivery. Results: One hundred and seventy-seven pregnant women with an age range between 21 and 44 years were recruited for the study. The incidence rate of mid-pregnancy short cervical length among the patients was 7.9%. The preterm delivery rate was 14.1%, and the association between it and short cervical length was statistically significant. The positive predictive value for preterm delivery when the <2.5 cm cervical length cut-off was used was 44%, the negative predictive value was 97.3%. Conclusion: The incidence of preterm delivery due to ultrasonographically detected short cervical length was significant among the women attending antenatal clinic in UCH, and there was a significant association with some of the risk factors such as previous preterm delivery and previous preterm premature rupture of membranes.