Uterocervical angle (UCA) to predict preterm labor: What’s the correct angle?

Background: Commonly cervical length is measured as a predictor of preterm labour. Recently UCA has been suggested as a predictor of preterm labour. Recently UCA has been suggested a predictor of preterm labour. The purpose of this study to find out the role of UCA as a predictor of preterm labour. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study. All women who entered the study had the UCA done in second trimester. They were followed up and incidence of preterm labour noted, A ROC curve was constructed to predict the ability of UCA to predict preterm labbour. Sensitivity and specificity of UCA to predict preterm labour was calculated. Results: A total 699 cases were recruited for the study. However we could analyse only 668 women as rest were lost to follow up. There were a total of 144 preterm deliveries. ROC curve was constructed and at value of 140 degrees the sensitivity to predict preterm labour was 27.8% and specificity was 79.6%. Conclusion: UCA has a high specificity but low sensitivity in predicting preterm labour.