OBSTETRIC OUTCOME AFTER FETAL REDUCTION

Abstract

Objectives: To study maternal and fetal outcome after fetoreduction in multifetal pregnancy.
Methods: This retrospective study of 33 medical records was conducted between August 2007
and July 2010. Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFR) was performed through transabdominal
intrathoracic injection of potassium chloride at 10–12 weeks and maternal and fetal
conditions were analyzed. The main outcome measures were uterine contraction, leaking
membranes, bleeding, miscarriage, and birth weight. Results: Out of these 35 patients, 25
patients (75.7%) delivered twins after 36 weeks and 6 patients (18.2%) delivered twins
before 36 weeks gestation. Two patients had premature ruptured membrane. Two patients had
miscarriage few weeks after fetoreduction. There were no serious maternal or perinatal
complications .
Conclusion: Multifetal pregnancy reduction has been established as an efficient and safe way
to improve the outcome of multiple pregnancy. It can reduce the perinatal morbidity of the
remaining fetuses and maternal distress with minimal or no adverse affects.
Key words: Multifetal pregnancy, fetoreduction, multiple gestation