open access

Vol 94, No 12 (2023)
Research paper
Published online: 2023-08-24
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Investigating the predictive role of uterocervical angle in predicting preterm labor in singleton pregnancies: a meta-analysis

Nefise Nazli Yenigul1, Burcu Dincgez1, Arda Uzunoglu2, Iker Ercan2
·
Pubmed: 37642249
·
Ginekol Pol 2023;94(12):990-996.
Affiliations
  1. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Health Sciences University, Bursa Yüksek Ihtisas Research and Training Hospital, Türkiye
  2. Department of Biostatistics, Uludağ University, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Türkiye

open access

Vol 94, No 12 (2023)
ORIGINAL PAPERS Obstetrics
Published online: 2023-08-24

Abstract

Objectives: In this meta-analysis, we aimedto demonstrate the relationship between uterocervical angle and preterm labor in singleton pregnancies more clearly and reliablywith this meta-analysis. Material and metods: In this study, we use keywords such as "uterocervical angle," "cervical angle," "angle," "cervix," "cervical," "preterm," and "preterm labour." We searched various databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, ClinicalKey, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search encompassed the period from January 1, 2010, to December 27, 2020. As a result of the literature review, a total of 585 articles were identified. After the screening and selection process, six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. These six studies were deemed relevant and provided valuable information on the research topic. Results: When the Egger test (p = 0.020) and Begg test (p = 0.188) were performed, no significant publication bias was found in the studies examined. These statistical tests assess publication bias, and the resulting p-values indicate a low probability of bias in the included studies. Cochran's Q test revealed the presence of heterogeneity among the included studies. Heterogeneity indicates variability in the results beyond what would be expected by chance alone. This finding suggests that the studies may differ in methodologies, populations, or other factors, which could impact the overall results and require further investigation. There was a significant difference between the patient and control groups (p < 0.001). This result provides strong evidence to support the importance of the difference between the two groups compared. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, a wider uterocervical angle appeared to be significantly associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery in overall effect. It concluded that a wide uterocervical angle may be a potential risk factor for preterm delivery. Moreover, the study revealed a significant association between wider uterocervical angles and an elevated risk of preterm labour in singleton pregnancies. In this study, the definition of preterm birth accepts as birth before 37 weeks of gestation. These results highlight the potential significance of evaluating the uterocervical angle as a meaningful predictor for identifying the propensity of preterm labour in singleton pregnancies.

Abstract

Objectives: In this meta-analysis, we aimedto demonstrate the relationship between uterocervical angle and preterm labor in singleton pregnancies more clearly and reliablywith this meta-analysis. Material and metods: In this study, we use keywords such as "uterocervical angle," "cervical angle," "angle," "cervix," "cervical," "preterm," and "preterm labour." We searched various databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, ClinicalKey, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search encompassed the period from January 1, 2010, to December 27, 2020. As a result of the literature review, a total of 585 articles were identified. After the screening and selection process, six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. These six studies were deemed relevant and provided valuable information on the research topic. Results: When the Egger test (p = 0.020) and Begg test (p = 0.188) were performed, no significant publication bias was found in the studies examined. These statistical tests assess publication bias, and the resulting p-values indicate a low probability of bias in the included studies. Cochran's Q test revealed the presence of heterogeneity among the included studies. Heterogeneity indicates variability in the results beyond what would be expected by chance alone. This finding suggests that the studies may differ in methodologies, populations, or other factors, which could impact the overall results and require further investigation. There was a significant difference between the patient and control groups (p < 0.001). This result provides strong evidence to support the importance of the difference between the two groups compared. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, a wider uterocervical angle appeared to be significantly associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery in overall effect. It concluded that a wide uterocervical angle may be a potential risk factor for preterm delivery. Moreover, the study revealed a significant association between wider uterocervical angles and an elevated risk of preterm labour in singleton pregnancies. In this study, the definition of preterm birth accepts as birth before 37 weeks of gestation. These results highlight the potential significance of evaluating the uterocervical angle as a meaningful predictor for identifying the propensity of preterm labour in singleton pregnancies.

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Keywords

meta-analysis; preterm labor; singleton pregnancy; uterocervical angle

About this article
Title

Investigating the predictive role of uterocervical angle in predicting preterm labor in singleton pregnancies: a meta-analysis

Journal

Ginekologia Polska

Issue

Vol 94, No 12 (2023)

Article type

Research paper

Pages

990-996

Published online

2023-08-24

Page views

444

Article views/downloads

264

DOI

10.5603/gpl.95194

Pubmed

37642249

Bibliographic record

Ginekol Pol 2023;94(12):990-996.

Keywords

meta-analysis
preterm labor
singleton pregnancy
uterocervical angle

Authors

Nefise Nazli Yenigul
Burcu Dincgez
Arda Uzunoglu
Iker Ercan

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