Uterocervical Angle Anterior, Posterior, and Cervical Length Ultrasound as a Predictors for Successful Delay in Labor of Pregnant Women with Threatened Preterm Birth (PTB)

Abstract

Introduction: To determine whether the examination of the uterocervical angle anterior, posterior, cervical length, and combination can be used as a predictor of successful delay in labor in patients with threatened preterm birth (PTB). Methods: This is a prospective cohort analytical observational study of 44 women admitted to our hospital gestational age 28-36 weeks diagnosed with threatened preterm birth. Cervical length, anterior uterocervical angle, and posterior uterocervical angle examinations were performed. Patient then observed for 2x24 hours whether there was a delay in labor or not. If there is a delay, the patient followed until delivery. Results: CL cut off value > 2.66 cm delaying labor for 2x24 hours and > 2.81 cm delaying labor until term. UCA posterior cut off value < 113.2o delaying labor for 2x24 hours and < 107.8o delaying labor until term. Anterior UCA cut off values < 103.2o delaying labor for 2x24 hours and < 93.1o delaying labor until term. Statistical Analysis showed that CL was significant as a single tool for predictor of delayed labor either 2x24 hours or up to term, while posterior and anterior UCA was not. But if this 3 single tools combinate, CL, anterior UCA, and posterior UCA was statistically significant as a predictor of delay in labor either 2x24 hours or until term, with the best predictive value is a combination of CL and posterior UCA of 25.2% for predicting delay of labor 2x24 hours and the combination of CL, posterior, and anterior UCA was 24.6% for predicting delay labor until term. Conclusion: Cervical length ultrasound examination and the combination of CL, anterior UCA, and posterior UCA can be predictors of delayed labor in patients with threatened preterm birth but not for anterior and posterior uterocervical angle as a single tool. Key words: Threatened Preterm Birth (PTB), Preterm Delivery, Cervical Length, Uterocervical Angle Anterior, Uterocervical Angle Posterior