[Fetal complications and early neonatal outcomes on 147 triplets].

BACKGROUND

During the last ten years multiple pregnancies have been increased as a result of assisted reproduction techniques, increases of even 470% are published. Multiple pregnancies are related to a higher risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, as well as to increased use of health resources.

OBJECTIVES

To review the fetal and perinatal early complications in triple pregnancies.

PATIENTS AND METHOD: An observational and retrospective study of triple pregnancies followed up at the Obstetrics Department of La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain, from January 2000 until May 2011.

RESULTS

We reviewed the medical records of 147 triplets. The prevalence of triplets was 1 in 640 deliveries (0.15%). Among all, 79% were achieved using assisted reproductive techniques, 73% were obtained by means of in vitro fertilization. Regarding the pregnancy zigosity we found: 85% trichorionic triamniotic, 10% bichorionic triamniotic and 5% monochorionic tramniotic. Out of 402 fetuses, 35 (9%) had the following complications: 19(5%) growth retardation or oligohydramnios, nine (2%) intrauterine death, three (0.74%) postnatal death due to suspected chorioamnionitis, three (0.74%) major malformations and one case (0.24%) of twin to twin transfusion. The average duration of gestation was 33 weeks: 8% were born before 28 weeks of gestation, 30% between 28 and 32 weeks and 62% after 32 weeks. The mean birth weight was 1,906 +/- 400 g. In 29 cases (7%) arterial pH was less than 7.20. Any type of resuscitation was required by 60% of newborns and 47% were admitted to the intensive care unit. There were no significant differences in neonatal early outcomes among the first, second and third newborn.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity seems to be higher in triple pregnancies. Adverse neonatal outcomes are related to the high rate of severe prematurity.