(392) Association between transvaginal cerclage suture type and pregnancy outcomes

We sought to investigate the association between transvaginal cerclage suture type and pregnancy outcomes.


Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study of women with singleton gestations who had a transvaginal cervical cerclage at a single tertiary care center between 2016-2021. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between those who had a cerclage with a 5 mm braided polyester fiber (Mersilene tape) versus those with a thin polypropylene non-braided monofilament (Prolene). Primary outcome was gestational age at delivery. Secondary outcomes were preterm birth (PTB) at < 28, < 34 and < 37 weeks (w), infection (chorioamnionitis and/or endometritis) and a composite neonatal outcome (admission to NICU, APGAR < 7 at 1 minute, arterial pH < 7.2 and neonatal morbidity or mortality).


Results:

A total of 252 women underwent a cervical cerclage during the study period; 134 (53.2%) history-indicated, 104 (41.2%) ultrasound-indicated and 14 (5.6%) physical exam-indicated. 117 women (46.4%) had cerclage with Prolene and 135 (53.6%) with Mersilene tape. There was no difference in patient characteristics, cerclage indication or cerclage technique between the two groups. Women in the Prolene group had similar gestational age at delivery compared those in the Mersilene tape group (34.8w vs 33.9w, p > 0.05). There were no differences in PTB < 28, 34 and 37w, infection and the composite neonatal outcome.


Conclusion:

In our cohort, different suture types when performing a transvaginal cervical cerclage were not associated with rates of preterm birth or other adverse pregnancy outcomes.