Evolving trends in 2000 cases of multifetal pregnancy reduction: a single-center experience

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in multifetal pregnancy reduction (MPR) procedures in 2000 cases and to evaluate evolving trends within the last 1000 MPRs.

Study design: Two thousand patients who underwent MPR were identified. Data were collected from a computerized database. Comparisons were made between the first 1000 patients (group 1) and the second 1000 patients (group 2). In addition, changing trends within group 2 were also analyzed. Differences in proportions were evaluated by chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, as appropriate.

Results: There was a significant difference in the starting and finishing number of fetuses and a significant increase in the use of chorionic villus sampling before MPR in group 2 vs group 1 (43.7% vs 1.5%; P < .0001). The incidence of monochorionicity was significantly higher in group 2 (5.7%), compared with group 1 (2.1%; P < .001).

Conclusion: Recent trends in MPR demonstrates significant increases in overall reductions to a singleton fetus, the use of chorionic villus sampling, and the presence of monochorionicity.