European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Abstract: Background –Labour can be induced for various indications. This is done when
it appears that benefits of induction outweigh its risk. Bishop score is the gold standard
that is used to determine whether labour can be induced. However, the assessment of the
cervix with digital examination is subjective and less reproducible. Elastography is an
upcoming modality which is an ultrasound-based imaging technique used for assessing
elasticity of tissues. It is based on the premise that softer tissues get more compressed than
harder tissues when pressure is applied with ultrasound probe. Thereafter colour mapping
is done depending on the gradient values of strain.
Aim - to assess whether elastography findings of uterine cervix can be used to predict
successful induction of labour.
Objectives -
1) To examine the cervix by digital examination.
2) To determine the length of the cervix with the help of trans-vaginal ultrasound.
3) To perform strain elastography of the cervix.
4) To observe within how many hours labour starts after induction.
Materials & methods –
A prospective observational study will be done at AVBRH over a three years period from
October 2018 to October 2021. Inclusion criteria - Pregnant women with gestation of 36-41
weeks, having no contraindication for labour induction, will be included in the study.
Sampling procedure –Simple Random Sampling. Sample size – estimated sample size for
study is 80 cases. Strain Elastography of the cervix will be performed before labour
induction in the sample population and the outcome will be assessed. A score will be
devised based on the colour mapping of elastography.
Results-
Up till now we have had encouraging results. A colour map showing various colours from
blue/purple through green/ yellow and then orange/red were noted. The colour red