Qualitative glandular cervical score as a potential new sonomorphological parameter in screening for preterm delivery

This study compared diagnostic accuracy of sonographic assessment of cervical length (CL) and qualitative glandular cervical score (QGCS), in the second trimester regarding the prediction of preterm delivery (PTD) in the low-risk population. Cervical length ≤ fifth percentile for our population was defined as shortened. The parameters evaluated in QGCS were: cervical mucus area and deepest invasion of cervical glands, and score ≤ fifth percentile for our population was defined as low. Shortened CL was found in 6.1% whereas the low QGCS was found in 5.5%. The incidence of PTD < 34 completed wk was 2.1%, and between 34 to 37 wk it was 3%. Low QGCS in comparison with shortened CL had twofold higher likelihood ratio (LR) (23; 95% CI [12 to 43] versus 11; 95% CI [5 to 25]) for PTD < 34 completed wk and fourfold higher LR (12; 95%CI [5 to 28] versus 3; 95% CI [1 to 13]) for PTD between 34 to 37 wk. Low QGCS has the same if not better accuracy in comparison with shortened CL regarding the prediction of PTD in the low-risk population. (E-mail: ozreng@net.hr)