ABSTRACT
The efficacy of Shirodkar cerclage was compared with that of the McDonald procedure
for the prevention of preterm birth (PTB) in women with a short cervix. Secondary
analysis using data from all published randomized trials including women with a short
cervical length (CL) was performed comparing the use of Shirodkar versus McDonald
sutures. Analysis was limited to singletons with short CL on transvaginal ultrasound.
The primary outcome measure was PTB < 33 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed
using bivariate and multivariable techniques. From 607 women randomly assigned in
the study, 277 met our inclusion criteria; 127 received Shirodkar and 150 women received
McDonald sutures. The mean ( ± standard deviation) gestational age at delivery was
35.0 ± 5.3 versus 36.3 ± 4.7 for the Shirodkar versus McDonald groups, respectively
(p < 0.02). PTB < 33 weeks was seen in 61 (22%) of 277 women; 26 (20%) of 127 in the
Shirodkar and 35 (23%) of 150 in the McDonald groups, respectively (odds ratio [OR],
0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5 to 1.6). On adjusting for confounders using
logistic regression modeling, no significant difference in PTB < 33 weeks was found
between the two groups (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.2 to 1.3). In women with short cervical
length randomly assigned to receiving cerclage, no significant difference in prevention
of PTB was observed using Shirodkar or McDonald's procedures.
KEYWORDS
Short cervix - cerclage - McDonald - Shirodkar - preterm prevention
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Anthony OdiboM.D.
Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound, Washington University School of
Medicine
660 South Euclid, Campus Box 8064, St. Louis, MO 63110