Fetal reduction of triplet pregnancy: one or two?

Prenat Diagn. 2012 Feb;32(2):122-6. doi: 10.1002/pd.2906.

Abstract

Objective: To review outcomes following reductions in trichorionic triplet pregnancies at our institution.

Method: Retrospective analysis of the outcome of trichorionic triamniotic triplets reduced to singletons (group I, n = 44) or twins (group II, n = 136) at 10 and 12 weeks of gestation.

Results: Reduction to one or two was based on parent's preference, hence unrelated to any specific obstetrical or maternal issue. Early fetal loss rate (e.g. <24 weeks) was 9.1% in group I versus 5.1% in group II (p = 0.83). In group I, the take-home baby rate was 86.4% versus 91.9% in group II (p = 0.8). In group I, 17.5% of the women gave birth between 33 and 36(+6) weeks of gestation versus 40.6% in group II (p = 0.026). Delivery beyond 37 weeks was 72.5% in group I and 46.9% in group II (p = 0.01). Intrauterine growth restriction rate was 27.0% in group I versus 45.0% in group II (p = 0.049).

Conclusion: Reduction to one rather than two fetuses led to significantly higher term delivery rate without significant differences in fetal loss rate or take-home baby rate.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / etiology
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Pregnancy Reduction, Multifetal / adverse effects
  • Pregnancy Reduction, Multifetal / methods*
  • Pregnancy, Triplet*
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
  • Retrospective Studies