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.

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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

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article

PRE-ECV Score: Validation of a Pre-Specified Tool for Predicting the Success of External Cephalic Version at Term—Proof of Concept

Kacper Niziński, Kaja Skowronek, Ewa Winkowska, Jakub Staniczek et al.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Dental Radiography and Imaging
article

PRE-ECV Score: Validation of a Pre-Specified Tool for Predicting the Success of External Cephalic Version at Term—Proof of Concept

Kacper Niziński, Kaja Skowronek, Ewa Winkowska, Jakub Staniczek, Rafał Stojko, Maisa Manasar-Dyrbuś
article en

Abstract

<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.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 15(2)
Medical University of Silesia (PL)
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Dental Radiography and Imaging
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PRE-ECV Score: Validation of a Pre-Specified Tool for Predicting the Success of External Cephalic Version at Term—Proof of Concept — Kacper Niziński, Kaja Skowronek, et al. · Journal of Clinical Medicine (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS