Prediction of labour onset in women who present with symptoms of preterm labour using cervical length.

Background: Diagnosis of preterm labour is difficult because initial symptoms and signs are often mild and may occur in continuing pregnancies. This study aims to investigate the utility of measuring cervical length, using transvaginal ultrasound, in women presenting to the delivery suite with symptoms of preterm labour.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study performed in KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore from September 2017 to July 2018.

Antenatal corticosteroids administration: are we giving them at the right time?

Objective: Antenatal corticosteroids before preterm births are considered to be most effective 48 h after and up to 1 week after the first dose. We aim to evaluate: (1) our practice of administration of antenatal corticosteroids in Singapore; (2) admission characteristics of women for discriminatory factors of spontaneous preterm delivery within 1 week.

Methods: This is a retrospective study in a tertiary obstetrics unit in Singapore.

Timing of antenatal steroids exposure and its effects on neonates.

Objective: Antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) has long been regarded as the standard of care for women at risk of preterm labour. There are, however, varying practices and regimes in ACS administration. It is unclear if "a window of efficacy" truly exists and if the benefits of ACS would diminish after 7 days from the first dose.

Low-lying spinal cord and tethered cord syndrome in children with anorectal malformations.

Introduction: Anorectal malformations (ARMs) and low-lying spinal cord (LLC) are commonly associated owing to their common embryonic origin. LLC may lead to tethered cord syndromes (TCS), requiring surgery. This study aimed to review the incidence of LLC in children with ARMs using ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, the incidence of TCS and the surgical outcomes of these patients after detethering.