Clinical analysis of multifetal pregnancy reduction in 16 cases

Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of early multifetal pregnancy reduction and its impact on the outcome of pregnancy. Methods From January 2002 to December 2005, 16 multifetal women (group A)resulted form IVF-in reproduction center in our hospital underwent multifetal pregnancy reduction by potassium chloride (KCl) intra chambers heart administration or cardiac and aspiration merely under the guidance of transvaginal ultrasound.The pregnancy outcome was compared between these women and the control group (group B ) that included a total of 64 cases of twin pregnancies resulted from IVF-ET during the same period.Results The multifetal pregnancy reduction was performed successfully in one time in all 16 cases.Three abortions were observed.13 women had delivered (5 women had preterm deliveries).The mean gestational age at delivery of the 24 newborns was(37.2±1.2)weeks,and the mean birth weight was(2 660.0±417.5)g.The neonates ware all healthy and no abnormality was found.4 early abortions and 3 lately abortions were found in 64 cases of group B.109 newborns born from 57 deliveries (including 24 preterm cases),among them,2 newborns dead for severe asphyxia,2 cases had abnormality.The mean gestational age at delivery was(37.0±2.0)weeks and the mean birth weight was(2 603.3±459.7)g.No significant difference was found between the two groups in rates of miscarriage,live birth,preterm delivery and low birth weight.Conclusion Multifetal pregnancy reduction under the guidance of ultrasound is a relatively safe and efficient method for treatment the multifetal pregnancy.