[Multifetal pregnancy reduction of triplets to twins: a prospective comparison of pregnancy outcome].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the outcome of triplet pregnancy and the necessity and benefit of multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR).

METHODS

Sixty cases of triplet pregnancy were collected. In 15 cases that did not choose MFPR, the triplets were spontaneously obtained. Out of the 45 cases with triplets obtained after infertility treatment, 32 chose reduction to obtain twins using transvaginal puncture of the fetal heart and physical hurt. The maternal obstetric complication rate, preterm delivery rate, means gestational age at delivery, birth weight of infants and percentage of fetal weights < 1,500 g were compared between these two groups.

RESULTS

The maternal obstetric complication rate and preterm delivery rate were lower significantly in the reduction group. Deliveries occurred earlier slightly in the triplets group compared with the reduction group. The mean birth weight of infants was higher and the percentage of low weight infants (< 1,500 g) was lower in the reduction group.

CONCLUSION

MFPR of triplets to twins is effective to improve pregnancy outcome. MFPR applied on triplets is reasonable and should be accepted if requested.