Transabdominal Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction Research Articles

Trans-abdominal fetal reduction in higher order multiple pregnancies: a pioneer cohort retrospective study in Nepal.

To share the initial experience of trans-abdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) in Nepal. The procedure was performed in 108 patients in a private hospital over a period of 3 years. Under ultrasound guidance, intracardiac injection of 0.2-3.0ml of 15% w/v (2mEq/ml) potassium chloride (KCl) was administered via trans-abdominal route. A total of 108 fetal reduction procedures were carried out at the seventh to fifteenth weeks of gestation, a maximum of 44 (40.7%) of which were done at the ninth to tenth weeks of gestation. A total of 123 fetuses were reduced. Out of total 108 multifetal pregnancies, 96 (88.8%) were due to in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Eighty-five pregnancies (78.7%) underwent reduction from triplet to twin. The second-time reduction was needed in five cases. Two attempts (in the same sitting) were required in three cases. The inadvertent demise of the second fetus was noted in three cases of dichorionic tri-amniotic triplet pregnancy. Ultrasound-guided trans-abdominal fetal reduction performed between the seventh and twelfth weeks of gestation is safe and effective.

Outcome of early versus late multifetal pregnancy reduction

Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MPR) is an accepted method of reducing complications of triplet pregnancies and higher-order multifetal pregnancies. Eighty-three pregnancies that underwent early (68 weeks) transvaginal MPR were compared with 125 pregnancies that underwent late (11–14 weeks) transabdominal MPR. Rates of pregnancy loss, preterm delivery, gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders were similar among both groups. Early MPR was associated with a lower risk for small for gestational age newborns (6.5% versus 19.2%; P = 0.034; OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.92) and a higher risk for single-fetus loss (6% versus 0.8%; P = 0.041; OR 10.58; 95% CI 1.1 to 101.94). Preterm delivery rates seemed to be similar between the two groups. In MPR from triplets, an apparent benefit was observed for early MPR in preterm deliveries before 37 weeks, whereas, in MPR from high-order pregnancies, a benefit was observed for late MPR in deliveries before 32 weeks. Perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies after early and late MPR seem to be grossly similar. Optimal timing for multifetal reduction depends on other factors, namely, the selectivity of the procedure and patient's preference.

The influence of multifetal pregnancy embrioreduction in high-risk pregnancies: Clinical management and outcome

Introduction: To decrease the risks associated with triplets pregnancies MFPR is preformed. The most frequently applied method is through ultrasound guided transabdominal injection of potassium chloride into the fetal heart or chest cavity at 11-14 weeks of gestation. Aim: The main objective of this study was to evaluate perinatal outcomes in triplet pregnancies after transabdominal MFPR as compared with ongoing triplet pregnancies and twin pregnancies. Material and methods: In this retrospective study, all women with trichorionic triplet pregnancies undergoing MFPR to a twin pregnancy, women with an ongoing trichorionic triplet pregnancy and with those with a primary dichorionic twin pregnancy were included. Results: Median gestation age at delivery was 35.6 ( interquartile range [IQR], 32.8-37 weeks) for triplets reduced to twins, 32.8 weeks (IQR, 27.6-34.7 weeks) for ongoing triplets, and 37 weeks ( IQR, 35.1-38.3 weeks) for primary twins (p <0.01 difference between all groups). There were 7 women in the reduction group (12.28%) vs 10 (19.6%) in the ongoing triplet group, whi and 4 (6.66%) in the primary twin group in whom not a single fetus survived. Preterm delivery before 32 weeks of gestation occurred less in the reduction group compared with the ongoing triplets (12 [20.9%] vs 18 [35.29%] ), but still more often than in primary twins - 7 (11.66%). Conclusion: Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) seems to be associated with a decreased risk of pregnancy loss both before 24 and 32 weeks of gestation in women with trichorionic triplet reduction.

Perinatal outcome of twin pregnancies following multifetal pregnancy reduction: when is the optimal time to perform it?

To compare the perinatal outcome of early (7-8 weeks of gestation) transvaginal multifetal pregnancy reduction (MPR) from triplets and higher order multiples to twins with late (11-14 weeks) transabdominal MPR.

OP10.04: Trans‐abdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction‐related fetal loss is similar in monochorionic and dichorionic twin pairs

To determine whether the risk of fetal loss following trans-abdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction (TA-MFPR) of a monochorionic twin pair is similar to the one in dichorionic pairs. A retrospective review of all TA-MFPR performed in our institution (1999–2007) was conducted. The procedure-related fetal loss, defined as pregnancy loss prior to completion of 24 weeks, in pregnancies involving reduction of a monochorionic pair i.e. “Mono group” was compared to the loss rate in all other TA-MFPR i.e. “Non-mono group”. This comparison was further stratified according to the specific pre and post reduction number of fetuses. Additionally, association between the number of needle insertions performed and the procedure related fetal loss was sought. 394 TA-MFPR were eligible for analysis and an overall loss rate of 2.5% (10 of 394) was detected. The procedure related loss in the “Mono” and “Non-mono” groups as well as the impact of the pre and post reduction number of fetuses on the fetal outcome is displayed in table 1. Information regarding number of needle insertions was available on 182 TA-MFPR of which in 22 “Non-mono” and 16 “mono” cases the same needle insertion was used to reduce more than a single fetus. The loss rate for single, two and three needle insertions was 3/165, 0/11 and 1/6 respectively (p- non significant). Fetal loss following TA-MFPR is independent of the chorionicity of the pair reduced. Additionally, we noted a trend suggesting an increased risk for fetal loss with increased number of needle insertions. Since monochorionic twins carry an increased pregnancy-related complication rate, it is our practice to attempt reduction of such pairs, preferably by using a single needle insertion. This can be achieved by a careful selection of the needle pathway to reach both fetuses.

Multi-Fetal Pregnancy Reduction Does Not Influence Perinatal Results in Twin Pregnancies

AbstractThe objective of this study was to compare perinatal results in multifetal pregnancies where the reduction to twins was performed with non-reduced twin pregnancies. Perinatal results in 99 sets of twins after transabdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction of triple and higher-order multiple pregnancies performed in a single center were compared with a control group consisting of 151 twin pregnancies conceived in the same time period after infertility treatment, which were not a result of reduction. The main outcome measures were length of pregnancies, weight of the newborns, percentage of miscarriages and the mode of the delivery were analyzed. No significant difference could be found at a 5% level of significance regarding the average duration of pregnancy or average weight of the twins. Fisher test on 5% significance level did not ascertain any significant difference in the probability of miscarriage between the group with reduction (5.26%) and the group without reduction (12.84%). At a 5% level of statistical significance, no significant difference in probability of perinatal death of the fetus or delivery of a stillborn fetus was found. The percentage of cesarean sections did not differ significantly in both groups. The analysis of both groups demonstrated that reduction of multifetal pregnancies to twins may not influence perinatal results in comparison to twin pregnancies where reduction was not performed.

Outcomes of multifetal pregnancy reduction in multiple pregnancies achieved by intracytoplasmic sperm injection using ejaculated, testicular, or epididymal sperm.

To report the pregnancy outcome after transabdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction in multiple pregnancies achieved by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. One twin and 13 triplet pregnancies obtained by intracytoplasmic sperm injection underwent pregnancy reduction. Pregnancies were achieved with ejaculated sperm in 8, testicular sperm in 3, and epididymal sperm in 2 of these cases. All triplet pregnancies were reduced to twins at 10-12 weeks' gestation by transabdominal potassium chloride injection. A twin pregnancy with spina bifida affecting 1 fetus was reduced to singleton at 18 weeks of pregnancy. There was no failed procedure and no pregnancy loss within the first 4 weeks after the procedure. A complete miscarriage (7.1%) developed in 1 case at 17 weeks' gestation which was due most probably to the incompetent cervix. In utero fetal death occurred in 1 fetus of another reduced pregnancy. Three of the reduced pregnancies delivered at term, after 37 completed weeks, four premature deliveries occurred between 31 and 35 gestational weeks, and four pregnancies were ongoing beyond 25 weeks' gestation. A total of 16 fetuses, from seven twin and two singleton pregnancies, were delivered without perinatal mortality. Although the sample size was small, our experience indicates that the reduction of triplets obtained by sophisticated infertility treatments such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection using testicular or epididymal sperm seems to be a safe method and can be effectively used.

Second-trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, and unconjugated oestriol after early transvaginal multifetal pregnancy reduction.

Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and unconjugated oestriol (UE3) are used as second-trimester screening markers for the detection of various fetal abnormalities. Previous studies have suggested that second-trimester MSAFP is consistently elevated after late first-trimester transabdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR). The present study was undertaken to evaluate the levels of all three markers after early transvaginal MFPR. Maternal serum was examined for MSAFP, hCG, and UE3 at 16-18 weeks' gestation in 28 patients who underwent transvaginal MFPR at approximately 10 weeks' gestation. The mean interval between the reduction procedure and the screening test was 7.2 +/- 0.9 weeks. The mean MSAFP value in 24 patients carrying viable twins was 2.49 +/- 0.99 multiples of the median (MOM). Two patients had elevated MSAFP values: one in association with omphalocoele and the other in relation to an adverse pregnancy outcome. All but two patients had normal hCG values (mean 1.98 +/- 1.26 MOM). Two cases with elevated hCG were associated with an adverse pregnancy outcome. Unconjugated oestriol values were within the normal range in all patients (mean 1.69 +/- 0.61 MOM). These results suggest that early transvaginal MFPR, at approximately 10 weeks' gestation, does not appear to influence second-trimester MSAFP, hCG, and UE3 levels. The values of these markers may therefore be interpreted by using the same criteria as those for the general obstetric population.

Pregnancy outcome after early amniotic fluid leakage after transabdominal multifetal reduction

To assess the importance of amniotic fluid leakage in the early period ( < 14 days) after the fetal reduction procedure. Prospective clinical study. Pregnant women who underwent fetal reduction to twins in an academic, tertiary perinatal department. Sixty triplet and 31 quadruplet pregnancies were identified before the ninth postmenstrual week of gestation. All patients underwent transabdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction was performed within 14 days of the procedure. Transabdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction from triplets and quadruplets to twins. Amniotic fluid leakage in the early period after fetal reduction. Early PROM occurred in eight (13.3%) patients from the triplets group and in six (19.3%) patients in the quadruplet group. Three of 60 (5.0%) patients from the triplet group and 1 of 31 (3.2%) patients from the quadruplet group miscarried before 24 weeks gestation. However, none of these patients had had PROM during the early period after the procedure. Early PROM did not influence the incidence of premature contractions of delivery and the reduction procedure, and 59% (99/169) of those who completed 24 gestational weeks delivered between 25 and 37 weeks. The presence of amniotic fluid leakage in the period close to the multifetal reduction procedure, although alarming, is not ominous for the remaining fetuses. We see no reason for any intervention in these patients.

Transabdominal versus transcervical and transvaginal multifetal pregnancy reduction: International collaborative experience of more than one thousand cases

OBJECTIVES: Two major approaches for multifetal pregnancy reduction have been developed over the past several years: transabdominal potassium chloride by injection and pelvic procedures by either transcervical aspiration or transvaginal potassium chloride injection or by an automated spring-loaded puncture device. The purpose of this study was to create the largest database from among the world's largest centers to assess possible differences in efficacy and complication rates by transabdominal or transcervical or multifetal pregnancy reduction. STUDY DESIGN: Data on over 1000 completed pregnancies that underwent multifetal pregnancy reduction by both methods from major centers with among the highest worldwide experience were combined. Transabdominal cases were divided temporally (1986 through 1991 and 1991 through 1993). RESULTS: Transabdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction was successfully performed on 846 patients and transcervical or transvaginal on 238 patients. Transcervical or transvaginal reduction is performed earlier and starts and finishes with fewer embryos. In 12.6% of cases transcervical or transvaginal reduction left a singleton as opposed to 4.4% for transabdominal reduction. Pregnancy losses (up to 24 weeks) were observed in 13.1% of transcervical or transvaginal cases and in 16.2% of transabdominal cases early in the series and 8.8% of late transabdominal cases. Transcervical or transvaginal reduction may be safer very early in gestation and transabdominal safer later in the first trimester. Premature deliveries were comparable, with only about 5% delivered between 25 and 28 weeks. The smaller starting numbers for transcervical and transvaginal reduction may explain a slightly higher term delivery rate. The transabdominal route tends to reduce the fundal embryos and the transcervical and transvaginal the lower ones. The significance of this is not clear. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Multifetal pregnancy reduction by either method is a relatively safe and efficient method for improving outcome in multifetal pregnancies. (2) More than 84% are delivered at >33 weeks. (3) The experience and preference of the operator are probably the key determinants for an individual patient. (4) An inverse relationship of starting and finishing number to loss rates and gestational age at delivery suggests that there still is a cost of iatrogenic multifetal pregnancies, even if multifetal pregnancy reduction can be successfully performed. (AM J OBSTET GYNECOL 1994;170:902-9.)

First-trimester transabdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction: A report of two hundred completed cases

Multifetal pregnancy reduction has been proposed as a way to reduce the risk of preterm delivery in women who conceive three or more fetuses. This communication presents the outcome of 200 consecutive multifetal pregnancies in which reduction to a smaller number of fetuses was accomplished. All of the procedures were performed in the first trimester by the transabdominal injection of potassium chloride into the thoraces of those fetuses that underwent feticide. All of the pregnancies have been completed and outcome data have been obtained in every case. At the time of the procedure 88 women had triplets, 89 had quadruplets, 16 had quintuplets, and 7 had from 6 to 9 fetuses. These pregnancies were reduced to 189 sets of twins, 5 sets of triplets, and 6 singletons. Reductions to triplets were done at the patient's request, and reductions to singletons were only done for medical indications. There were no cases of chorioamnionitis or other maternal complications attributable to the procedure. A total of 181 women were delivered of one or more live infants after 24 weeks' gestation, and 19 (9.5%) lost all of their fetuses before that time. The mean gestational age for all women delivered after 24 weeks was 35.7 weeks. The mean gestational age at delivery varied inversely with the initial number of fetuses, from 36.1 weeks for women who presented with triplets to 33.8 weeks for those who had 6 or more fetuses, and this trend was statistically significant. Sixteen of the 19 complete pregnancy losses occurred > 4 weeks after the reduction procedure had been performed. The loss rates were 7.9% for those who presented with 3 or 4 fetuses, 12.5% for those with 5, and 42.9% for those with > or = 6. This trend was statistically significant. Two neonates died in the first week of life and one died at 10 months of age as a consequence of the sequelae of severe prematurity. Only two surviving infants have shown evidence of chronic morbidity related to early delivery, and all of the others are developing normally. The incidence of intrauterine growth retardation was not increased over that anticipated in a population of twins.