Dissertation (MMED Obstetrics and Gynaecology)
Short cervical length remain to be important predictor of cervical insufficiency. The incidence of cervical insufficiency continue to increase in both developing and developed countries. Cervical length varies between different geographical location and ethnic groups. To determine and compare mean cervical length and to assess risk factors of the short cervix in women with and without cervical insufficiency. A case-control study was conducted between June 2020 and December 2020. Trans abdominal ultrasound was used to measure the cervical length between gestation age of 14+0 and 19+6 weeks. Only multigravida women in their second-trimester were included. Demographic characteristics and risk factors for short cervical length were included. The primary outcome was mean cervical length. The study included 156 participants, 52 (33.0%) were cases and 104 (67.0%) were control. The mean cervical length was found to be 2.3cm ± 0.8 in the case group while in the controls was 4.7cm ± 1.2. The difference of means in the two groups was found to be significant P value of < 0.001. In women with D&C 24 (80%) had short cervical length and 6 (20%) had normal cervical length. History of D&C found to increase the risk of short cervical length with OR of 6.7, with a P-value of <0.001. Cervical length was found to be shorter in the case group compared to cervical length in the control group. Pregnant women should undergo evaluation of cervical length during ANC visits.