Transvaginal ultrasound cervical length for prediction of spontaneous labor at term: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the predictive accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) cervical length (CL) for spontaneous onset of labor in singleton gestation enrolled at term by a meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This protocol established in this study has been reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for all clinical trials assessing the accuracy of TVU CL in prediction of spontaneous onset of labor in singleton gestations with vertex presentation who were enrolled at term until August 15, 2020. We will use a combination of Medical Subject Heading and free-text terms with various synonyms to search based on the eligibility criteria. Two investigators independently reviewed the included studies and extracted relevant data. The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of was used as effect estimate. I-square (I(2)) test, substantial heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias assessment will be performed accordingly. Stata 15.0 and Review Manger 5.3 are used for meta-analysis and systematic review. RESULTS: The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSION: The results of this review will be widely disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. This evidence may also assess the accuracy of TVU CL in prediction of spontaneous onset of labor in singleton gestations with vertex presentation. REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202080065