Outcome of triplet and quadruplet pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization

Abstract

Analysis of the outcome of 26 sets of triplet and five sets of quadruplet pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization (IVF) shows an high incidence of antenatal complications including first trimester bleeding (53.3 and 80%), premature onset of labor (92.3 and 67%), pregnancy-induced hypertension (28.6 and 67%) and gestational diabetes mellitus (38.5 and 33%), respectively. Intra-uterine growth retardation occurred in 7.6 and 0%, while third trimester bleeding complicated 7.6 and 0% of triplet and quadruplet pregnancies, respectively. These patients were hospitalized for a mean of 22.9 ± 19.4 and 56.0 ± 30.5 days, respectively. The mean gestational age at delivery for triplet and quadruplet pregnancies was 31.8 ± 2.7 and 30.3 ± 0.6 weeks, while the mean birth weight was 1663 ± 423 and 1232 ± 181 g, respectively. These neonates stayed in the hospital for a mean of 28.1 ± 16.2 and 69.6 ± 15.5 days, respectively. The corrected perinatal mortality was 2.2% for triplets and 0% for quadruplets. These data can be used in counseling patients with triplet and quadruplet pregnancies especially those resulting from IVF.