Trial to assess ultrasound indicated cerclage
“Expectant management with no cerclage is the current standard of care for these women,” Dr. Roman and coauthors wrote. “Despite small sample size, we were able to show a significant benefit to physical exam–indicated cerclage.”
Inability to place the cerclage in one patient due to friable cervix was the only intraoperative complication. “Larger cohorts in singleton pregnancies have informed a 10%-20% risk of intraoperative rupture of the membranes, cervical laceration, and bleeding during the procedure,” the researchers noted.
All women who received cerclage also received indomethacin and antibiotics, although these elements of management were not prespecified. Given the relatively small sample size, it is unclear what role factors such as indomethacin, which was administered to 82% of the cerclage group versus 31% of the no-cerclage group, and antibiotics may have played, said Dr. Turan.
Prospective studies may help clarify how the degree of cervical dilation, gestational age, use of progesterone, or surgical techniques may influence outcomes. In addition, the researchers are enrolling patients in another trial. That study aims to assess whether cerclage reduces the incidence of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic women with twin gestations and cervical length of 15 mm or less diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound between 16 and 24 weeks of gestation.
The study had no external financial support. The authors had no conflicts of interest. Dr. Turan said he had no relevant financial disclosures.
SOURCE: Roman A et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Jun. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.06.047.