Diagnostic value of cervical length measured by transvaginal ultrasound in predicting and preventing preterm birth
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26871/killkana_salud.v10i1.1646Keywords:
Preterm Birth, Cervical Length Measurement, Prenatal Ultrasonography, Risk AssessmentAbstract
Objective: To evaluate the available scientific evidence on the diagnostic value of measuring cervical length using transvaginal ultrasound in predicting and preventing preterm birth. Methodology: A review of the scientific literature was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Observational studies, randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that analyzed the relationship between cervical length measured by transvaginal ultrasound and the incidence of preterm birth, as well as the effectiveness of associated preventive interventions, were included. Results: The analyzed evidence demonstrates that a cervical length of less than 25 mm, measured between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation, is significantly associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. In pregnant women identified with a short cervix, interventions such as vaginal progesterone administration and cervical cerclage have shown a significant reduction in the incidence of preterm birth. Nevertheless, the implementation of these strategies is limited by factors such as unequal access to transvaginal ultrasound, economic barriers, and insufficient training of healthcare personnel, particularly in low-resource settings. Conclusions: Measuring cervical length using transvaginal ultrasound is an effective diagnostic tool for early identification of the risk of preterm birth. Its use allows for the implementation of timely preventive interventions that improve perinatal outcomes; however, it is necessary to strengthen the availability of resources and professional training to maximize its impact on reducing preterm birth in high-risk populations.
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