Navigation auf zora.uzh.ch

Search ZORA

ZORA (Zurich Open Repository and Archive)

Aspiration technique-based device is more reliable in cervical stiffness assessment than digital palpation

Badir, Sabrina; Bernardi, Laura; Feijó Delgado, Francisco; Quack Loetscher, Katharina; Hebisch, Gundula; Hoesli, Irene (2020). Aspiration technique-based device is more reliable in cervical stiffness assessment than digital palpation. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 20:391.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare the reliability and reproducibility of the traditional qualitative method of assessing uterine cervical stiffness with those of a quantitative method using a novel device based on the aspiration technique.

METHODS

Five silicone models of the uterine cervix were created and used to simulate different cervical stiffnesses throughout gestation. The stiffness of the five cervix models was assessed both by digital palpation (firm, medium and soft) and with the Pregnolia System. Five self-trained participants conducted the device-based assessment, whereas 63 obstetricians and midwives, trained in digital palpation, conducted the cervical palpation.

RESULTS

The results of the two methods were analyzed in terms of inter-and intra-observer variability. For digital palpation, there was no common agreement on the assessment of the stiffness, except for the softest cervix. When assessing the same cervix model for a second time, 76% of the obstetricians and midwives disagreed with their previous assessment. In contrast, the maximum standard deviation for the device-based stiffness assessment for intra- and inter-observer variability was 3% and 3.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has shown that a device based on the aspiration technique provides obstetricians and midwives with a method for objectively and repeatably assess uterine cervical stiffness, which can eliminate the need to rely solely on a subjective interpretation, as is the case with digital palpation.

Additional indexing

Item Type:Journal Article, refereed, original work
Communities & Collections:04 Faculty of Medicine > University Hospital Zurich > Clinic for Obstetrics
Dewey Decimal Classification:610 Medicine & health
Scopus Subject Areas:Health Sciences > Obstetrics and Gynecology
Language:English
Date:6 July 2020
Deposited On:04 Jan 2021 08:53
Last Modified:24 Oct 2024 01:38
Publisher:BioMed Central
ISSN:1471-2393
OA Status:Gold
Free access at:PubMed ID. An embargo period may apply.
Publisher DOI:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-03080-x
PubMed ID:32631265
Download PDF  'Aspiration technique-based device is more reliable in cervical stiffness assessment than digital palpation'.
Preview
  • Content: Published Version
  • Licence: Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Metadata Export

Statistics

Citations

Dimensions.ai Metrics
5 citations in Web of Science®
6 citations in Scopus®
Google Scholar™

Altmetrics

Downloads

19 downloads since deposited on 04 Jan 2021
7 downloads since 12 months
Detailed statistics

Authors, Affiliations, Collaborations

Similar Publications