Enhanced Identification of At-Risk Women for Preterm Birth via Quantitative Ultrasound: A Prospective Cohort Study
Abstract
Background: Historically, clinicians have relied upon medical risk factors and clinical symptoms for preterm birth risk assessment. In nulliparous women, clinicians may rely solely on the reported symptoms to assess for the risk of preterm birth. The routine use of ultrasound during pregnancy offers the opportunity to incorporate Quantitative Ultrasound scanning of the cervix to potentially improve the precision of preterm birth risk. Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate the efficiency of Quantitative Ultrasound measurements at relatively early stages during pregnancy to enhance identification of women who might be at risk for spontaneous preterm birth. Study Design: A prospective cohort study of pregnant women was conducted with volunteer participants receiving care from the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Participants received a standard clinical screening followed by two research screenings conducted at 20 ± 2 weeks and 24 ± 2 weeks. Quantitative Ultrasound scans were performed during research screenings by registered diagnostic medical sonographers using a standard cervical length approach. Quantitative Ultrasound features were computed from calibrated raw radiofrequency backscattered signals. Full-term birth outcomes and spontaneous preterm birth outcomes were included in the analysis. Medically indicated preterm births were excluded from the analysis. Using data from each visit, logistic regression with Akaike Information Criterion…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.
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