engleski

Incidence of cervical cerclage and preterm birth rates: A retrospective analysis of data from two centers in Croatia

Aim of the study: In recent period significant changes in the indications for cerclage procedure have emerged. Published trials caused shift in clinical practice with the reduction in the number of procedures worldwide. Analysis was undertaken to evaluate how did the more selective approach to patients who were candidates for cervical cerclage affect the preterm birth rates. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of women who underwent cerclage for prevention of preterm birth in two Croatia’s hospitals, University hospital Merkur (Zagreb) and University hospital Rijeka (Rijeka) over a 16-year period, from 1994 to 2009. Data from medical records were used to determine the total number of cervical cerclage procedures performed on singleton pregnancies and to calculate incidence rates. Annual hospital reports were used to calculate preterm birth rates in the same period. Results: From 1994 to 2009 in both centers there were 81800 singleton deliveries including 3847 preterm births (4.7%). Of all deliveries 977 women (1.19%) received cerclage and were included in the analysis. A significant linear decrease of cervical cerclage rate across the whole time from 1994 to 2009 was observed. Over the 16 year period there was no statistically significant change in the percentage of preterm births. Conclusion: More appropriate selection of patients who are candidates for cervical cerclage reduced the number of unnecessary procedures from 2.71% in 1994 to 0.69% in 2009 without significant increase in preterm birth rates.

Cerclage ; Preterm birth ; Incidence ; Hight risk pregnancy ; Pregnancy

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