Effect of 2 stitches vs 1 stitch on the prevention of preterm birth in women with singleton pregnancies who undergo cervical cerclage.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates whether 2 cerclage stitches are more effective than 1 stitch in the prevention of preterm birth.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of 150 singleton pregnancies that underwent cervical cerclage. Gestational age at delivery and clinical characteristics were compared.

RESULTS: One hundred twelve patients (74.7%) received 1 stitch, and 38 patients (25.3%) received 2 stitches. There were no baseline differences between the groups. Analysis showed no significant difference in gestational age at delivery between the 1 vs 2 cerclage groups overall (median, 38.0 vs 38.3 weeks of gestation, respectively; P = .356) or for a given gestational age cut-off (<37 weeks of gestation: 37.4% vs 34.2% [P = .727]; <34 weeks of gestation: 16.8% vs 18.4% [P = .823]; <28 weeks of gestation: 9.4% vs 2.6% [P = .179]).

CONCLUSION: This study shows no measurable benefit to the placement of 2 stitches over 1 stitch during cervical cerclage in singleton pregnancies; however, further study of preterm birth at <28 weeks of gestation and postcerclage outcomes among a larger cohort is merited.