Is routine prophylactic cervical cerclage associated with significant prolongation of triplet gestation?

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine if routine prophylactic cervical cerclage was associated with a significant prolongation of triplet pregnancy.

Study design. A retrospective study of all women carrying triplet pregnancies at a single institution during a four-year period was carried out. Selected maternal characteristics and obstetric outcome measures in women who received prophylactic cerclage (PC) were compared to women who did not receive PC (no cerclage placed and emergency cerclage). Statistical comparison was done using the Mann–Whitney test for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables.

Results. Fifty-five women had PC and 40 had no PC. There was no significant difference between these two groups in mean maternal age or weight, nulliparity, history of or current sexually transmitted disease, cigarette smoking, history of cervical insufficiency, prior dilation and curettage, prior cervical surgery, prior preterm labor/prolonged preterm rupture of membranes (PTL/PPROM), medical complications in pregnancy, current PTL/PPROM, gestational age at delivery, delivery prior to 28 weeks, delivery prior to 32 weeks, or delivery of an infant weighing less than 1000 or 1500 grams. Thirteen women in the no PC group (32.5%) required emergency cerclage.

Conclusion. PC was not associated with significant prolongation of triplet pregnancy.

Keywords:

• Multiple gestation
• triplets
• cervical cerclage