PRE-ECV Score: Validation of a Pre-Specified Tool for Predicting the Success of External Cephalic Version at Term—Proof of Concept
<b>Objectives:</b> We aimed to validate the predictive performance of the PRE-ECV Score, a pre-specified clinical tool, using logistic recalibration and bootstrap optimism correction to estimate the probability of successful external cephalic version (ECV) at term. <b>Methods:</b> The PRE-ECV Score was defined <i>a priori</i> based on a literature review and expert consensus, incorporating eight variables supported by level A or B scientific evidence (total score range 0-13). Validation of this pre-specified score was performed in a retrospective, single-center cohort of 100 consecutive ECV procedures between November 2023 and October 2025. Study conduct and reporting adhered to the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) statement. <b>Results:</b> The revised PRE-ECV Score demonstrated moderate discrimination (AUC = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.85). Calibration was moderate, with a bootstrap-corrected intercept of -3.02 (95% CI, -5.42 to -1.51) and a calibration slope of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.44-1.18). Observed ECV success rates increased across score strata, from 34.6% (0-4 points) to 79.4% (5-8 points) and 100% (≥9 points). <b>Conclusions:</b> The PRE-ECV Score demonstrated moderate discrimination and satisfactory calibration in this single-center validation. Given the small sample and model optimism, these results should be interpreted strictly as proof-of-concept.
Authors
- Kacper Niziński (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4829-336X)
- Kaja Skowronek (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6705-9072)
- Ewa Winkowska (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8192-9780)
- Jakub Staniczek (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0740-7167)
- Rafał Stojko
- Maisa Manasar-Dyrbuś
Institutions
- Medical University of Silesia (PL)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Published
- 2026-01-15
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020724
- Primary Topic
- Dental Radiography and Imaging
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Strong
- Uniwersytet Śląski w Katowicach