Published online Jun 26, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i18.4553
Peer-review started: January 16, 2021
First decision: January 24, 2021
Revised: February 22, 2021
Accepted: March 4, 2021
Article in press: March 4, 2021
Published online: June 26, 2021
Processing time: 145 Days and 22.7 Hours
Twins are at higher risk of preterm labor and delivery. As a result of being born too early, twins may be born with a higher risk of complications. Detection should be performed in pregnant women to reduce the risk of preterm birth.
Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (phIGFBP-1) test were two approaches used for the prediction of preterm birth. This study researched the accuracy of these two tests in determining the chances of preterm birth occurrence.
This study studied the feasibility of cervical length and phIGFBP-1 test for the prediction of preterm birth in twin pregnancy.
A total of 254 pregnant women with twin pregnancies were included in the study. Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length and the phIGFBP-1 test were performed on all of the participants. The test results were compared with the actual pregnancy outcomes of these women and the relevant data were analyzed.
In women with a positive phIGFBP-1 test result, preterm birth rate was higher in those with cervical length ≤ 25 mm than those with cervical length > 25 mm (all P < 0.05). Moreover, in women with a negative phIGFBP-1 test result, preterm birth rate was higher in women with cervical length ≤ 25 mm than those whose cervical length > 25 mm (all P < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predict value and negative predictive values of phIGFBP-1 test combined with cervical length were 95.71%, 91.21%, 95.12% and 92.22%, respectively, for the prediction of preterm birth.
Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length combined with the phIGFBP-1 test may effectively predict the possibility of preterm birth in twin pregnancy.
Detection of multiple biochemical indices may help to predict preterm birth and reduce the risk in twin pregnancies. Larger studies are warranted to further discuss the accuracy of these biochemical indices and to reduce the screening test-associated harms to mothers and their babies.