Beyond cervical length: emerging technologies for assessing the pregnant cervix.
Publication/Presentation Date
11-1-2012
Abstract
Spontaneous preterm birth is a heterogeneous phenotype. A multitude of pathophysiologic pathways culminate in the final common denominator of cervical softening, shortening, and dilation that leads to preterm birth. A precise description of specific microstructural changes to the cervix is imperative if we are to identify the causative upstream molecular processes and resultant biomechanical events that are associated with each unique pathway. Currently, however, we have no reliable clinical tools for quantitative and objective evaluation, which likely contributes to the reason the singleton spontaneous preterm birth rate has not changed appreciably in >100 years. Fortunately, promising techniques to evaluate tissue hydration, collagen structure, and/or tissue elasticity are emerging. These will add to the body of knowledge about the cervix and facilitate the coordination of molecular studies and ultimately lead to novel approaches to preterm birth prediction and, finally, prevention.
Volume
207
Issue
5
First Page
345
Last Page
354
ISSN
1097-6868
Published In/Presented At
Feltovich, H., Hall, T. J., & Berghella, V. (2012). Beyond cervical length: emerging technologies for assessing the pregnant cervix. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 207(5), 345–354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2012.05.015
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
22717270
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article