Cervical cerclage for preventing premature birth in high-risk pregnancies

Cervical Cerclage for Short Cervix at 24-26 Weeks of Gestation: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Thomas Jefferson University · NCT06036446

This study is testing if a procedure called cervical cerclage can help prevent early birth in pregnant people who are at high risk due to a short cervix.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment329 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexFemale
SponsorThomas Jefferson University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06036446 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cervical cerclage in reducing the risk of preterm birth among singleton pregnancies identified as high-risk due to a short cervical length of 25mm or less. Pregnant individuals between 24 and 26 weeks of gestation will be screened and randomized to receive either cervical cerclage or no cerclage, while all participants will also be recommended to use vaginal progesterone. The primary outcome measured will be the incidence of preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation. This approach seeks to provide a potential intervention for those at significant risk of early delivery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant individuals aged 18-50 with singleton pregnancies and a cervical length of 25mm or less between 24 and 26 weeks of gestation.

Not a fit: Patients with multifetal pregnancies, active preterm labor, or other contraindications to cerclage placement may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the incidence of preterm births in high-risk pregnancies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying degrees of success with cervical cerclage in preventing preterm birth, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-50 years old, pregnant, assigned female at birth
* Singleton pregnancy
* TVU CL ≤25mm between 24 0/7 - 26 6/7 weeks of gestation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Initial multifetal gestation with subsequent multifetal pregnancy reduction, or selective fetal termination performed \>14 weeks, or cotwin pregnancy loss diagnosed \>14 weeks
* Cerclage in situ
* Preterm labor, defined as painful regular uterine contractions and change in cervical dilation
* PPROM
* Active vaginal bleeding
* Suspected intraamniotic infection
* Major fetal structural abnormality or chromosomal disorder
* Placenta previa or accreta
* Other contraindication to cerclage placement
* Participation in another clinical trial related to preterm birth prevention, cerclage, or progesterone

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Premature BirthCervical lengthShort cervixShortened cervixPrematurityPreterm birthViability
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.