The New Indian Journal of OBGYN 4(1)
Assessment of cervicovaginal HCG and cervical length in prediction of labour
Noopur Mishra, Uzma Kausar
ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate cervicovaginal β- HCG and cervical length as a diagnostic marker of preterm delivery. Methodology: This prospective study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GSVM Medical College Kanpur from 2012 to 2013. The sample consisted of 100 women with singleton foetus with gestational age between 24-28 weeks. Study group (n=50) had risk factors for preterm delivery, and control group (n=50) had no risk factors. Results: Highest incidence of preterm labour occurred in age group of 22-26 years (56%) and in multiparous women. Both range and mean β-HCG level in study group was significantly higher than control group. The mean cervical length (CL) in study group was significantly lower than control group. In study group, more cases were β- HCG positive and had CL <2.5 cm than control group and this difference was statistically significant. In study group, more cases who was β- HCG positive and who had CL <2.5 cm delivered preterm and this difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Cervicovaginal β- HCG and cervical length can prove to be useful markers in predicting preterm delivery.