International,Collaborative Experience of 1789 Patients Having Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction: A Plateauing of Risks and Outcomes

Abstract

Objective: To develop the most up-to-date, complete data base of multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) from cases, and to provide the best counseling for couples with multifetal pregnancies.

Methods: From nine centers in five countries, 1789 completed MFPR cases were collected and outcomes evaluated. Pregnancy losses were defined as through 24 weeks and deliveries categorized in groups of 25-28, 29-32, 33-36, and 37 or more weeks.

Results: Overall, the pregnancy loss rate was 11.7% but varied from a low of 7.6% for triplets to twins and increased with each additional starting number to 22.9% for sextuplets or higher. Early premature deliveries (25-28 weeks) were 4.5% and varied with starting number. Loss rates by finishing number were highest for triplets and lowest for twins, but gestational age at delivery was highest for singletons.

Conclusions: Multifetal pregnancy reduction has been shown to be a safe and effective method to improve outcome in multifetal pregnancies. Outcomes are worse with higher-order gestations and support the need for continued vigilance of fertility therapy.

Keywords

Multifetal pregnancy reduction MFPR prematurity multiple gestation infertility therapy assisted reproductive techniques

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