Cervical Volume by Three-Dimensional Ultrasound as a Predictor of Preterm Delivery

Completed

• Conditions: Pregnancy; Cervical Length Measurement; Preterm Birth

• Registration Number: NCT00342550
• Lead Sponsor: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

Brief Summary

Preterm labor is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Several investigators have reported that ultrasound evaluation of the cervix can predict the risk of preterm delivery. Three-dimensional ultrasound may provide additional information about how to best counsel parents about the chances of premature birth. This technology has the capability for accurate volume measurements of irregular structures that is superior to conventional ultrasound. Therefore, it is possible that three-dimensional ultrasound methods may better characterize cervical changes and the risk for preterm delivery.

Our protocol will attempt to identify prognostic indicators of adverse pregnancy outcome by three-dimensional ultrasound. A maximum of 680 pregnant women with the diagnosis of preterm labor will be prospectively studied to characterize cervical morphology and volume as predictors of preterm delivery risk. These results will be correlated with placental pathology and pregnancy outcome. We will also compare the performance of conventional two-dimensional endovaginal ultrasound with three-dimensional ultrasound findings. This information is expected to improve our understanding about the nature and timing of cervical volume changes in relation to pregnancy outcome.

Detailed Description

Preterm labor is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Several investigators have reported that ultrasound evaluation of the cervix can predict the risk of preterm delivery. Three-dimensional ultrasound may provide additional information about how to best counsel parents about the chances of premature birth. This technology has the capability for accurate volume measurements of irregular structures that is superior to conventional ultrasound. Therefore, it is possible that three-dimensional ultrasound methods may better characterize cervical changes and the risk for preterm delivery.

Our protocol will attempt to identify prognostic indicators of adverse pregnancy outcome by three-dimensional ultrasound. A maximum of 680 pregnant women with the diagnosis of preterm labor will be prospectively studied to characterize cervical morphology and volume as predictors of preterm delivery risk. These results will be correlated with maternal and fetal biological markers, placental pathology and pregnancy outcome. We will also compare the performance of conventional two-dimensional endovaginal ultrasound with three-dimensional ultrasound findings. This information is expected to improve our understanding about the nature and timing of cervical volume changes in relation to pregnancy outcome.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 1998-03-11
• Study First Submitted: 2006-06-19
• Study First Submitted QC: 2006-06-19
• Study First Posted: 2006-06-21
• Primary Completion: 2008-05-01
• Study Completion: 2008-05-01
• Status Verified: 2023-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2023-02-22
• Last Update Posted: 2023-02-24

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 648

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Document cervical volume and funneling changes in women with preterm labor. Determine the relationship between cervical volume and funneling changes to the risk of preterm delivery.	Ongoing	Data analysis is ongoing

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Hutzel Women's Hospital; 🇺🇸 Detroit, Michigan, United States