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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2005. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xv, 95 p.; also includes graphics (some col.) Includes bibliographical references (p. 85-95). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center

Cheung Kwok Lung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 123-136). / ABSTRACT (English) --- p.i / ACKNOWLEDGMENTS --- p.1 / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.3 / LIST OF TABLES --- p.5 / LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS --- p.7 / Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES --- p.8 / Chapter II. --- LITERATURE REVIEWS --- p.11 / Chapter II.A. --- Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein Screeningin Singleton Pregnancies --- p.11 / Chapter II.A.1. --- Physiology of Alpha-fetoprotein --- p.12 / Chapter II.A.2. --- Historical Background of Screening by Alpha- fetoprotein --- p.12 / Chapter II.A.3. --- Factors that Influence Maternal Serum Alpha- fetoprotein Concentration --- p.13 / Chapter ILA.4. --- Elevated Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein Concentration and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Complications --- p.14 / Chapter II.A.4.a. --- Low Birth Weight --- p.16 / Chapter II.A.4.b. --- Fetal Loss --- p.17 / Chapter II.A.4.c. --- Pregnancy Induced Hypertension --- p.18 / Chapter II.B. --- Maternal Serum Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Screening in Singleton Pregnancies --- p.18 / Chapter II.B.1. --- Physiology of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin --- p.18 / Chapter II.B.2. --- Historical Background of Screening by Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin --- p.20 / Chapter II.B.3. --- Factors that Influence Maternal Serum Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin --- p.21 / Chapter II.B.4. --- Elevated Maternal Serum Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Concentration and Pregnancy Complications --- p.21 / Chapter II.B.5. --- Maternal Serum AFP and hCG Concentrations and Adverse Outcomes or Complications in Twin Pregnancies --- p.23 / Chapter II.C. --- Mechanism for the Association between Adverse Outcomes and Elevated Maternal Serum Alpha- fetoprotein and Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin --- p.25 / Chapter III. --- METHODS --- p.28 / Chapter III.A. --- Study Population --- p.28 / Chapter III.B. --- Sample Collection and Analysis --- p.29 / Chapter III.C. --- Clinical Information --- p.30 / Chapter III.D. --- Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay --- p.30 / Chapter III.D.1. --- Principles --- p.30 / Chapter III.D.1.a. --- Reaction Process --- p.31 / Chapter III.D.1.b. --- MEIA Assembly --- p.33 / Chapter III.D.1.c. --- Operation --- p.34 / Chapter III.D.2. --- AFP Assay --- p.34 / Chapter III.D.2.a. --- AFP Reagents --- p.34 / Chapter III.D.2.b. --- Sample Dilution --- p.36 / Chapter III.D.3. --- Total p-hCG Assay --- p.37 / Chapter III.D.3.a. --- Total p-hCG Reagents --- p.37 / Chapter III.D.3.b. --- Sample Dilution --- p.39 / Chapter III.D.4. --- Intra- and Inter-assay Variation --- p.39 / Chapter III.E. --- Data Handling --- p.42 / Chapter III.F. --- Statistical Analysis --- p.42 / Chapter III.F.1. --- Calculations of Median Values of Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein and Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Concentrations --- p.42 / Chapter III.F.2. --- Analysis for Adverse Outcomes or Complications --- p.43 / Chapter III.F.3. --- Adjustment of Alpha-fetoprotein and Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin for Gestational Age and Maternal Weight --- p.46 / Chapter IV. --- RESULTS --- p.48 / Chapter IV.A. --- Median Values of Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin --- p.48 / Chapter IV.B. --- Prediction of Adverse Outcomes by Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein and Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin --- p.60 / Chapter IV.B. l. --- Preterm Delivery --- p.60 / Chapter IV.B.2. --- Spontaneous Preterm Delivery --- p.64 / Chapter IV.B.3. --- Premature Delivery --- p.68 / Chapter IV.B.4. --- Spontaneous Premature Delivery --- p.68 / Chapter IV.B.5. --- Other Outcomes or Complications --- p.72 / Chapter IV.B.6. --- Single Predictor for Most Adverse Outcomes --- p.74 / Chapter IV.C. --- Adjustment of Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein and Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin for Maternal Weight and Gestational Age --- p.75 / Chapter IV.C.1. --- Distribution of Alpha-fetoprotein and Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin during Mid-trimester --- p.76 / Chapter IV.C.2. --- Adjustment of Alpha-fetoprotein for Maternal Weight and Gestational Age --- p.79 / Chapter IV.C.3. --- Adjustment of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin for Maternal Weight and Gestational Age --- p.80 / Chapter IV.D. --- Predictiveness of Alpha-fetoprotein and Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin for Adverse Outcomes after Adjusted for Maternal Weight and Gestational Age --- p.83 / Chapter IV.D.l. --- Preterm Delivery --- p.86 / Chapter IV.D.2. --- Spontaneous Preterm Delivery --- p.86 / Chapter IV.D.3. --- Premature Delivery --- p.92 / Chapter IV.D.4. --- Spontaneous Premature Delivery --- p.92 / Chapter IV.D.5. --- Other Adverse Outcomes or Complications --- p.98 / Chapter IV.D.6. --- Single Predictor for Most Adverse Outcomes --- p.98 / Chapter V. --- DISCUSSIONS --- p.100 / Chapter V.A. --- Median Values of Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein and Human Chorionic Gonadtrophin --- p.100 / Chapter V.B. --- Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein and Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Screening for Adverse Outcomes --- p.103 / Chapter V.C. --- Adjustment of Alpha-fetoprotein and Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin for Maternal Weight and Gestational Age --- p.109 / Chapter V.D. --- Predictiveness of Alpha-fetoprotein and Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin for Adverse Outcomes after Maternal Weight and Gestational Age Adjustment --- p.112 / Chapter V.E. --- Conclusions --- p.113 / Chapter V.F. --- Future Directions --- p.116 / APPENDIX 1 DATA BASE OF CLINICAL INFORMATION --- p.117 / APPENDIX 2 SEVERITY AND CLASSIFICATION OF PREGNANCY INDUCED HYPERTENSION --- p.122 / REFERENCES --- p.123

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder of the CNS that typically affects young women of childbearing age. Due to the international published data, safety for pregnant women with MS can be assumed. However, no study has been published in the Czech Republic to address the effect of MS on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. Objective: Analysis of the clinical course of patients with MS during and after pregnancy, and perinatal outcomes in comparison with healthy pregnant women. Methods: A single centre prospective observational study in the period 2006-2015 was conducted. Complete data from 68 patients with MS were analyzed (85 deliveries) and were compared with a control cohort of 68 age- and parity - matched healthy pregnancies. Results: The comparison between relapse rate and EDSS before, during and after delivery showed no statistically significant difference (relapse in 7.4% and 9.5%, EDSS 1.27 and 1.49). Perinatal outcomes were comparable in both cohorts. The weight of newborns differed by 159 g, (p = 0.295), complications in pregnancy were represented in 16.2% in the group with MS and in 27.9% in controls (p = 0.295), caesarean section was performed in 16.2% in patients with MS and in 23.5% of controls (p = 0.629), 79.4% of patients with MS were breast-feeding. In the MS...

Objetivo: Comparar características clínicas e resultados de gestações múltipla com mola completa e feto normal coexistente (MHCFC) no New England Trophoblastic Disease Center (NETDC) e em centros de doença trofoblástica (CDT) brasileiros. Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva composta por pacientes com MHCFC provenientes do NETDC (1966-2015) e quatro CDT brasileiros (1990- 2015). Foram realizadas comparações referentes à localização geográfica (NEDTC vs CDT brasileiros), períodos diferentes no NETDC (1966-1989 vs 1990-2015) e quanto evolução para neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional (NTG). Resultados: No período, foram identificados 12.455 casos de doença trofoblástica gestacional, sendo 72 casos de MHCFC inclusos neste estudo. As características clínicas e resultados foram semelhantes entre os casos dos CDT brasileiros (n=46) e NETDC (n=13) entre 1990 e 2015, com exceção de um número significativamente maior de condições potencialmente letais no Brasil (p=0,046). Não houve diferença quanto à apresentação clínica ou aos resultados em dois períodos diferentes no NETDC (13 casos de 1966-1989 vs 13 casos de 1990-2015). Houve 10 casos de interrupção eletiva da gestação (14% das 70 gestações em que o resultado obstétrico estava disponível) e 36 nascimentos de fetos viáveis (60% das 60 gestações nas quais se optou por conduta expectante). A taxa de NTG foi de 46% (31 de 68 casos em que o resultado quanto evolução para NTG estava disponível); os casos que progrediram para NTG apresentaram níveis mais elevados de gonadotrofina coriônica (250.000 mUI/mL vs 120.000 mUI/mL; p=0,026), menor idade gestacional no término da gravidez (17 semanas vs 28,5 semanas; p < 0,001), menor viabilidade fetal (27% vs 69%; p < 0,001), maior taxa de evolução para abortamento espontâneo (35% vs 9%; p=0,020) e mais interrupções da gestação por conta de intercorrências clínicas graves (26% vs 0%; p=0,003). No entanto, a interrupção eletiva da gestação não teve associação com o desenvolvimento de NTG. Conclusões: A maior diferença regional nas MHCFC foi a presença de mais condições potencialmente letais no Brasil. Quando adotada conduta expectante, houve possibilidade de nascimento de feto viável na maior parte das MHCFC. Foi observada elevada taxa de evolução para NTG em MHCFC. A interrupção eletiva da gravidez não influenciou a progressão para NTG, porém interrupções da gestação por complicações clínicas graves, evolução da gestação para abortamento espontâneo, menor idade gestacional no término da gestação, menor viabilidade fetal e níveis elevados de gonadotrofina coriônica foram associados ao desenvolvimento de NTG em MHCFC / Objective: To determine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of multiple pregnancies with complete mole and coexisting normal fetus (CHMCF) in New England Trophoblastic Disease Center (NETDC) and Brazilian trophoblastic disease centers (BTDC). Methods: Retrospective non-concurrent cohorts comprised of CHMCF from NETDC (1966-2015) and four BTDC (1990-2015). Comparisons were made regarding: geographical location from 1990 to 2015 (NETDC vs BTDC), two different periods of time in NETDC (1966-1989 vs 1990-2015) and patients who developed gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) with the ones that spontaneously regressed. Results: From a total of 12,455 cases of gestational trophoblastic disease seen at the referral centers, 72 CHMCF were identified. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were similar between BTDC (n=46) and NETDC (n=13) from 1990 to 2015, apart from a much higher frequency of potentially life-threatening conditions in Brazil (p=0.046). There were no significant changes in the clinical presentation or outcomes in two different time periods in NETDC (13 cases in 1966-1989 vs 13 cases in 1990-2015). Ten pregnancies were electively terminated (14% of 70 cases with available obstetric outcome) and 36 resulted in viable live infants (60% of 60 pregnancies that were expectantly managed). The rate of GTN was 46% (31 out of 68 cases with available information on GTN development); the cases that progressed to GTN presented with higher chorionic gonadotropin levels (250.000 mIU/mL vs 120.000 mIU/mL; p=0.026), lower gestational age at the end of pregnancy (17 weeks vs 28,5 weeks; p < 0,001), lower fetal viability (27% vs 69%; p < 0,001), higher rate of spontaneous abortions (35% vs 9%; p=0.020) and higher frequency of termination of pregnancy due to medical complications (26% vs 0%; p=0.003) when compared to those with spontaneous remission. However, elective termination of pregnancy was not associated with GTN development. Conclusions: The main regional difference in CHMCF was related to a higher rate of potentially life-threatening conditions in Brazil. Most of the women with CHMCF who were managed expectantly delivered a viable fetus. CHMCF exhibited a high GTN rate. Elective termination of pregnancy did not influence the risk for GTN; however the need for termination due to severe medical complications, spontaneous abortions, lower gestational age at the end of pregnancy, lower fetal viability and higher hCG levels were associated with GTN progression in CHMCF

Objetivo: Comparar características clínicas e resultados de gestações múltipla com mola completa e feto normal coexistente (MHCFC) no New England Trophoblastic Disease Center (NETDC) e em centros de doença trofoblástica (CDT) brasileiros. Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva composta por pacientes com MHCFC provenientes do NETDC (1966-2015) e quatro CDT brasileiros (1990- 2015). Foram realizadas comparações referentes à localização geográfica (NEDTC vs CDT brasileiros), períodos diferentes no NETDC (1966-1989 vs 1990-2015) e quanto evolução para neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional (NTG). Resultados: No período, foram identificados 12.455 casos de doença trofoblástica gestacional, sendo 72 casos de MHCFC inclusos neste estudo. As características clínicas e resultados foram semelhantes entre os casos dos CDT brasileiros (n=46) e NETDC (n=13) entre 1990 e 2015, com exceção de um número significativamente maior de condições potencialmente letais no Brasil (p=0,046). Não houve diferença quanto à apresentação clínica ou aos resultados em dois períodos diferentes no NETDC (13 casos de 1966-1989 vs 13 casos de 1990-2015). Houve 10 casos de interrupção eletiva da gestação (14% das 70 gestações em que o resultado obstétrico estava disponível) e 36 nascimentos de fetos viáveis (60% das 60 gestações nas quais se optou por conduta expectante). A taxa de NTG foi de 46% (31 de 68 casos em que o resultado quanto evolução para NTG estava disponível); os casos que progrediram para NTG apresentaram níveis mais elevados de gonadotrofina coriônica (250.000 mUI/mL vs 120.000 mUI/mL; p=0,026), menor idade gestacional no término da gravidez (17 semanas vs 28,5 semanas; p < 0,001), menor viabilidade fetal (27% vs 69%; p < 0,001), maior taxa de evolução para abortamento espontâneo (35% vs 9%; p=0,020) e mais interrupções da gestação por conta de intercorrências clínicas graves (26% vs 0%; p=0,003). No entanto, a interrupção eletiva da gestação não teve associação com o desenvolvimento de NTG. Conclusões: A maior diferença regional nas MHCFC foi a presença de mais condições potencialmente letais no Brasil. Quando adotada conduta expectante, houve possibilidade de nascimento de feto viável na maior parte das MHCFC. Foi observada elevada taxa de evolução para NTG em MHCFC. A interrupção eletiva da gravidez não influenciou a progressão para NTG, porém interrupções da gestação por complicações clínicas graves, evolução da gestação para abortamento espontâneo, menor idade gestacional no término da gestação, menor viabilidade fetal e níveis elevados de gonadotrofina coriônica foram associados ao desenvolvimento de NTG em MHCFC / Objective: To determine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of multiple pregnancies with complete mole and coexisting normal fetus (CHMCF) in New England Trophoblastic Disease Center (NETDC) and Brazilian trophoblastic disease centers (BTDC). Methods: Retrospective non-concurrent cohorts comprised of CHMCF from NETDC (1966-2015) and four BTDC (1990-2015). Comparisons were made regarding: geographical location from 1990 to 2015 (NETDC vs BTDC), two different periods of time in NETDC (1966-1989 vs 1990-2015) and patients who developed gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) with the ones that spontaneously regressed. Results: From a total of 12,455 cases of gestational trophoblastic disease seen at the referral centers, 72 CHMCF were identified. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were similar between BTDC (n=46) and NETDC (n=13) from 1990 to 2015, apart from a much higher frequency of potentially life-threatening conditions in Brazil (p=0.046). There were no significant changes in the clinical presentation or outcomes in two different time periods in NETDC (13 cases in 1966-1989 vs 13 cases in 1990-2015). Ten pregnancies were electively terminated (14% of 70 cases with available obstetric outcome) and 36 resulted in viable live infants (60% of 60 pregnancies that were expectantly managed). The rate of GTN was 46% (31 out of 68 cases with available information on GTN development); the cases that progressed to GTN presented with higher chorionic gonadotropin levels (250.000 mIU/mL vs 120.000 mIU/mL; p=0.026), lower gestational age at the end of pregnancy (17 weeks vs 28,5 weeks; p < 0,001), lower fetal viability (27% vs 69%; p < 0,001), higher rate of spontaneous abortions (35% vs 9%; p=0.020) and higher frequency of termination of pregnancy due to medical complications (26% vs 0%; p=0.003) when compared to those with spontaneous remission. However, elective termination of pregnancy was not associated with GTN development. Conclusions: The main regional difference in CHMCF was related to a higher rate of potentially life-threatening conditions in Brazil. Most of the women with CHMCF who were managed expectantly delivered a viable fetus. CHMCF exhibited a high GTN rate. Elective termination of pregnancy did not influence the risk for GTN; however the need for termination due to severe medical complications, spontaneous abortions, lower gestational age at the end of pregnancy, lower fetal viability and higher hCG levels were associated with GTN progression in CHMCF

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo é comparar o poder da medida do comprimento do colo uterino quando obtida no período de 18-21 semanas com a obtida no período de 22-25 semanas de gestação na predição do parto prematuro espontâneo em gestações gemelares e analisar o valor do encurtamento cervical observado entre essas duas medidas. MÉTODO: estudo retrospecto envolvendo 383 gestantes gemelares que foram avaliadas entre a 18ª e a 21ª semanas (GRUPO 1- 241 pacientes) e a 22ª e a 25ª semanas de gestação (GRUPO 2- 266 pacientes). Esses dois períodos foram avaliados de maneira independente e as pacientes foram incluídas em um deles ou em ambos, com ao menos 3 semanas entre os exames. Pacientes incluídas nos dois períodos (GRUPO 3- 124 pacientes) permitiram a análise do encurtamento cervical. Não foram incluídas gestações com as seguintes complicações: síndrome da transfusão feto-fetal, poliidrâmnio, malformação fetal, patologia uterina, gestações submetidas a procedimento invasivo, cerclagem uterina, parto prematuro eletivo e os casos em que não foi possível obter o desfecho da gestação. O parâmetro avaliado foi o comprimento do colo. Curvas ROC foram usadas para comparar a capacidade de predição do parto prematuro. Na determinação de sensibilidade, especificidade, VPP e VPN foi usado como ponto de corte o 5º percentil do comprimento do colo determinado por Fujita et al (2002) em nossa população. RESULTADO: GRUPO 1- o comprimento médio do colo com 19,5 semanas (IG média no grupo) foi 38,2 ±8,7 mm. A taxa de PPE (parto prematuro espontâneo) abaixo de 28, 30, 32 e 34 semanas de gestação foi 3,7%, 6,2%, 7,8% e 16,1%, respectivamente. A incidência de colo curto foi (14/241) 5,8%. Análise da curva ROC revelou área sob a curva de 0,64 (CI95% 0,53-0,75). Sensibilidade de 33,3%, 33,3%, 30% e 23% e VPN de 97,3%, 95,6%, 93,8% e 86,8% para parto abaixo de 28, 30, 32, e 34 semanas de gestação foram obtidos. GRUPO 2- o comprimento médio do colo com 23,3 semanas (IG média no grupo) foi 35,6 ±10,5 mm. A taxa de PPE abaixo de 28, 30, 32 e 34 semanas de gestação foi 2,6%, 5,2%, 7,1% e 12,8%, respectivamente. A incidência de colo curto foi (22/266) 8,2%. Análise da curva ROC revelou área sob a curva de 0,80 (CI95% 0,72-0,88), e essa área é maior do que a do GRUPO 1 (p0,001). Sensibilidade de 71,4%, 57,1%, 52,6% e 38,2% e VPN de 99,1%, 97,5%, 96,3% e 91,4% para parto abaixo de 28, 30, 32, e 34 semanas de gestação foram obtidos. GRUPO 3- Análise da curva ROC revelou área sob a curva de 0,81 (CI95% 0,73-0,89). O melhor ponto de corte para encurtamento cervical foi dado pelo joelho de curva e foi 2 mm/semana. Sensibilidade de 80%, 90%, 78,5% e 60,8% e VPN de 98,9%, 98,9%, 96,8% e 90,6% para parto abaixo de 28, 30, 32, e 34 semanas de gestação. CONCLUSÃO: nas gestações gemelares, a medida do colo uterino entre 22-25 semanas de gestação é melhor preditora do parto prematuro abaixo de 34 semanas do que a medida obtida entre 18-21 semanas. O encurtamento cervical 6mm/3 semanas entre 18 e 25 semanas de gestação é bom preditor de parto prematuro em subgrupo de alto risco. / OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to compare the value of cervical assessment in twin pregnancies in predicting risk of spontaneous preterm delivery when performed at 18-21 weeks and 22-25 weeks gestation and to examine the value of cervical shortening observed between both periods. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 383 women carrying twins who were scheduled between 18-21 completed weeks (GROUP 1- 241 patients) and 22-25 completed weeks of gestation (GROUP 2- 266 patients). These two periods were assessed independently, and patients could be included in one or both with at least three weeks between the exams, whose delivery data was obtained. Patients included in both periods (GROUP 3- 124 patients) allowed the analysis of cervical shortening. Pregnancies presenting with the following complications where not included in the analyses: twin-twin transfusion syndrome, polihidramnius, fetal malformation, uterine patology; cases that underwent invasive procedures or uterine cerclage, premature delivery indicated for maternal or fetal complications and cases in which pregnancy outcome was impossible to obtain. Cervical length was the analyzed parameter. Area under the ROC curve was used to compare the predictive capacity of spontaneous preterm birth. To determine sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV, cervical length cut-off for short cervix was determined by Fujita et al (2002) curve, designed in our population. RESULTS: GROUP 1- The mean cervical length at 19.5 weeks (mean gestational age in the group) was 38.2 +- 8.7 mm. The rate of spontaneous preterm delivery (SPD) < 28, <30, <32 and < 34 weeks of gestation was 3.7%, 6.2%, 7.8% and 16.1%, respectively. The incidence of short cervix in the group was (14/241) 5.8%. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed area under the curve 0.64 (CI95% 0.53-0.75). Sensitivities of 33.3%, 33.3%, 30% and 23% and negative predictive values of 97.3%, 95.6%, 93.8% and 86.8% for delivery at <28, <30, <32, and <34 weeks gestation were achieved. GROUP 2- The mean cervical length at 23.3 weeks (mean gestational age in the group) was 35.6 +- 10.5 mm. The rate of SPD < 28, <30, <32 and < 34 weeks of gestation was 2.6%, 5.2%, 7.1% and 12.8%, respectively. The incidence of short cervix was (22/266) 8.2%. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed area under the curve 0.80 (CI95% 0.72-0.88), and this is larger than GROUP 1 area (p0,001). Sensitivities of 71.4%, 57.1%, 52.6% and 38.2% and negative predictive values of 99.1%, 97.5%, 96.3% and 91.4% for delivery at <28, <30, <32, and <34 weeks gestation were achieved. GROUP 3- Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed area under the curve 0.81 (CI95% 0.73-0.89). The best cut-off for cervical shortening was reveled by the inflection point of the curve and was 2 mm/week. Sensitivities of 80%, 90%, 78.5% and 60.8% and negative predictive values of 98.9%, 98.9%, 96.8% and 90.6% for delivery at <28, <30, <32, and <34 weeks gestation were achieved. CONCLUSION: In twin gestations, assessment of cervical length at 22-25 weeks is better than __________________________________________________________________ assessment at 18-21 weeks to predict preterm delivery before 34 weeks. Cervical shortening of 6 mm/ 3weeks between 18 and 25 weeks gestation was a good predictor of spontaneous preterm birth in high risk population.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo é comparar o poder da medida do comprimento do colo uterino quando obtida no período de 18-21 semanas com a obtida no período de 22-25 semanas de gestação na predição do parto prematuro espontâneo em gestações gemelares e analisar o valor do encurtamento cervical observado entre essas duas medidas. MÉTODO: estudo retrospecto envolvendo 383 gestantes gemelares que foram avaliadas entre a 18ª e a 21ª semanas (GRUPO 1- 241 pacientes) e a 22ª e a 25ª semanas de gestação (GRUPO 2- 266 pacientes). Esses dois períodos foram avaliados de maneira independente e as pacientes foram incluídas em um deles ou em ambos, com ao menos 3 semanas entre os exames. Pacientes incluídas nos dois períodos (GRUPO 3- 124 pacientes) permitiram a análise do encurtamento cervical. Não foram incluídas gestações com as seguintes complicações: síndrome da transfusão feto-fetal, poliidrâmnio, malformação fetal, patologia uterina, gestações submetidas a procedimento invasivo, cerclagem uterina, parto prematuro eletivo e os casos em que não foi possível obter o desfecho da gestação. O parâmetro avaliado foi o comprimento do colo. Curvas ROC foram usadas para comparar a capacidade de predição do parto prematuro. Na determinação de sensibilidade, especificidade, VPP e VPN foi usado como ponto de corte o 5º percentil do comprimento do colo determinado por Fujita et al (2002) em nossa população. RESULTADO: GRUPO 1- o comprimento médio do colo com 19,5 semanas (IG média no grupo) foi 38,2 ±8,7 mm. A taxa de PPE (parto prematuro espontâneo) abaixo de 28, 30, 32 e 34 semanas de gestação foi 3,7%, 6,2%, 7,8% e 16,1%, respectivamente. A incidência de colo curto foi (14/241) 5,8%. Análise da curva ROC revelou área sob a curva de 0,64 (CI95% 0,53-0,75). Sensibilidade de 33,3%, 33,3%, 30% e 23% e VPN de 97,3%, 95,6%, 93,8% e 86,8% para parto abaixo de 28, 30, 32, e 34 semanas de gestação foram obtidos. GRUPO 2- o comprimento médio do colo com 23,3 semanas (IG média no grupo) foi 35,6 ±10,5 mm. A taxa de PPE abaixo de 28, 30, 32 e 34 semanas de gestação foi 2,6%, 5,2%, 7,1% e 12,8%, respectivamente. A incidência de colo curto foi (22/266) 8,2%. Análise da curva ROC revelou área sob a curva de 0,80 (CI95% 0,72-0,88), e essa área é maior do que a do GRUPO 1 (p0,001). Sensibilidade de 71,4%, 57,1%, 52,6% e 38,2% e VPN de 99,1%, 97,5%, 96,3% e 91,4% para parto abaixo de 28, 30, 32, e 34 semanas de gestação foram obtidos. GRUPO 3- Análise da curva ROC revelou área sob a curva de 0,81 (CI95% 0,73-0,89). O melhor ponto de corte para encurtamento cervical foi dado pelo joelho de curva e foi 2 mm/semana. Sensibilidade de 80%, 90%, 78,5% e 60,8% e VPN de 98,9%, 98,9%, 96,8% e 90,6% para parto abaixo de 28, 30, 32, e 34 semanas de gestação. CONCLUSÃO: nas gestações gemelares, a medida do colo uterino entre 22-25 semanas de gestação é melhor preditora do parto prematuro abaixo de 34 semanas do que a medida obtida entre 18-21 semanas. O encurtamento cervical 6mm/3 semanas entre 18 e 25 semanas de gestação é bom preditor de parto prematuro em subgrupo de alto risco. / OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to compare the value of cervical assessment in twin pregnancies in predicting risk of spontaneous preterm delivery when performed at 18-21 weeks and 22-25 weeks gestation and to examine the value of cervical shortening observed between both periods. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 383 women carrying twins who were scheduled between 18-21 completed weeks (GROUP 1- 241 patients) and 22-25 completed weeks of gestation (GROUP 2- 266 patients). These two periods were assessed independently, and patients could be included in one or both with at least three weeks between the exams, whose delivery data was obtained. Patients included in both periods (GROUP 3- 124 patients) allowed the analysis of cervical shortening. Pregnancies presenting with the following complications where not included in the analyses: twin-twin transfusion syndrome, polihidramnius, fetal malformation, uterine patology; cases that underwent invasive procedures or uterine cerclage, premature delivery indicated for maternal or fetal complications and cases in which pregnancy outcome was impossible to obtain. Cervical length was the analyzed parameter. Area under the ROC curve was used to compare the predictive capacity of spontaneous preterm birth. To determine sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV, cervical length cut-off for short cervix was determined by Fujita et al (2002) curve, designed in our population. RESULTS: GROUP 1- The mean cervical length at 19.5 weeks (mean gestational age in the group) was 38.2 +- 8.7 mm. The rate of spontaneous preterm delivery (SPD) < 28, <30, <32 and < 34 weeks of gestation was 3.7%, 6.2%, 7.8% and 16.1%, respectively. The incidence of short cervix in the group was (14/241) 5.8%. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed area under the curve 0.64 (CI95% 0.53-0.75). Sensitivities of 33.3%, 33.3%, 30% and 23% and negative predictive values of 97.3%, 95.6%, 93.8% and 86.8% for delivery at <28, <30, <32, and <34 weeks gestation were achieved. GROUP 2- The mean cervical length at 23.3 weeks (mean gestational age in the group) was 35.6 +- 10.5 mm. The rate of SPD < 28, <30, <32 and < 34 weeks of gestation was 2.6%, 5.2%, 7.1% and 12.8%, respectively. The incidence of short cervix was (22/266) 8.2%. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed area under the curve 0.80 (CI95% 0.72-0.88), and this is larger than GROUP 1 area (p0,001). Sensitivities of 71.4%, 57.1%, 52.6% and 38.2% and negative predictive values of 99.1%, 97.5%, 96.3% and 91.4% for delivery at <28, <30, <32, and <34 weeks gestation were achieved. GROUP 3- Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed area under the curve 0.81 (CI95% 0.73-0.89). The best cut-off for cervical shortening was reveled by the inflection point of the curve and was 2 mm/week. Sensitivities of 80%, 90%, 78.5% and 60.8% and negative predictive values of 98.9%, 98.9%, 96.8% and 90.6% for delivery at <28, <30, <32, and <34 weeks gestation were achieved. CONCLUSION: In twin gestations, assessment of cervical length at 22-25 weeks is better than __________________________________________________________________ assessment at 18-21 weeks to predict preterm delivery before 34 weeks. Cervical shortening of 6 mm/ 3weeks between 18 and 25 weeks gestation was a good predictor of spontaneous preterm birth in high risk population.