The outcome of selective reduction of triplet pregnancy after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of selective reduction of triplet pregnancy and its impact on the outcome of pregnancy.Methods: A retrospective study was carried out to measure pregnant complications, Caesarean section rate, perinatal mortality, malformation, birth weight and gestational age in the patients of triplet pregnancy reduced to obtain twins (n=35, group A) and the original twin pregnancy (n=166, group B) resulted from IVF-ET and ICSI treatment between January 2000 to February 2003.Results: No significant differences were found in the miscarriage rate, caesarean section rate, premature delivery rate, neonatal mortality rate, malformation rate and mean gestational age at delivery between the two groups. Incidences of foreboding premature delivery and premature rupture of membrane in group A were significant higher than those of group B (77% versus 56% and 30% versus 13% respectively). Birth weight of infants was significantly lower in group A compared with group B.Conclusion: Selective reduction of triplet pregnancy had a higher incidence of foreboding premature (delivery) and premature rupture of membrane and a higher risk of low birth weight of infants. Therefore, to prevent multiple pregnancies, especially the triplet pregnancy, the number of embryos transferred in IVF procedure should be restricted.