The effect of polyhydramnios on cervical length in twins: a controlled intervention study in complicated monochorionic pregnancies.

Abstract

ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that cervical shortening in polyhydramnios reflects the degree of excess amniotic fluid, and increases with normalisation of amniotic fluid volume.Study designProspective cohort study of 40 women with monochorionic twins undergoing interventional procedures between 16-26 weeks. Cervical length was assessed via transvaginal sonography pre-procedure, 1 and 24 hours post-procedure, and results compared between amnioreduction and control procedures. Amniotic fluid index (AFI) was measured pre- and post-procedure.ResultsPre-procedural cervical length correlated with AFI (linear fit = 5.07 -0.04x, R(2) = 0.17, P = 0.03) in patients with polyhydramnios (n = 28). Drainage of 2000 ml fluid (range 700-3500 ml), reduced AFI from 42 cm to 21 cm (PConclusionCervical shortening in twins with polyhydramnios does not appear to be an acute process; cervical length can be measured before or after therapeutic procedures.