Primary and secondary cerclage in high-risk pregnant women: Influence on prolongation of pregnancy and preterm birth

Introduction The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cerclage in women with previous late miscarriages or premature births. The primary aim was to prolong pregnancy and achieve a term delivery. Secondarily, it was investigated whether an intervention after an early pathological 75-g-oGTT result influences these endpoints. Methods A total of 133 cases were analyzed retrospectively. 80 women underwent primary cerclage between the 14th and 16th week of pregnancy; 53 women underwent secondary cerclage after cervical shortening of less than 25 mm. This group was further subdivided into therapeutic and emergency cerclage groups. Women with early pathologic 75-g-oGTT were treated diabetologically. Results Primary cerclage prolonged pregnancy by 20.6 weeks and led to a term delivery in 51 women (63.8%). In the group with secondary cerclage, 25 women (47.2%) had a term delivery with a prolongation of 20.1 weeks. For amniotic sac prolapse, the prolongation was 7.9 weeks. Pathological 75-g-oGTT results were found in 63 women. Early intervention had no significant effect on prolongation and term delivery. Conclusion Primary cerclage was more effective in achieving term delivery. Women with therapeutic cerclage without amniotic sac prolapse also benefited. With cervical shortening without prolapse, the prolongation was the same in both groups. The worst outcome was observed in emergency cerclage with amniotic sac prolapse. An early 75-g-oGTT is important in order to recognize and treat gestational diabetes in time.