Can myometrial elasticity as determined by elastography at 18 22 weeks of gestation predict preterm delivery

OpenAlex İngilizce

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to determine whether elastographic evaluation of uterine myometrium can predict preterm delivery. Methods This study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gaziosmanpasa University Hospital, Tokat, Turkey. A total of 148 pregnant women matching the inclusion criteria between January 2014 and January 2015 were enrolled. Elastographic measurements were obtained between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation, on real‐time images by a radiologist. Patients were followed up until delivery. A receiver–operator curve was used to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of the elastographic outcomes. All analyses were completed by spss 20.0. Results A negative correlation existed between the ratio of myometrium strain to fat tissue strain and delivery week (r = −0.300, P = 0.000214). In addition, a positive correlation was found between the ratio of myometrium strain to fat tissue strain and presence of preterm delivery (r = 0.223, P = 0.006). The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the ratio of myometrium strain to fat tissue strain (β = 0.233, P = 0.006) was the significant predictor for preterm delivery. Conclusion The ratio of myometrium strain to fat tissue strain showed a trend towards significance to predict preterm delivery.