[Triploidies]

Abstract

Triploidies are pregnancies that show a 69 chromosome karyotype. This chromosomal abnormality gives rise to early abortion in most cases. Triploid pregnancies, after the first three months, become molar pregnancies (molar changes inside the placenta with identifiable embryonic structures and a preeclampsia) or non molar pregnancies (isolated intauterin growth retardation). Several possibilities concerning the origin of the additional set of chromosomes exist: dispermy (the most common), diandry and digyny. The maternal and fetal clinical manifestations of this chromosomal abnormality are very diverse, which explains the difficulty of finding and recognizing this pathology. Mac Fadden's classification does not explain all the phenotypic triploid physiopathology. Formal diagnosis of triploidy depends on the fetal karyotype. The better the maternal prognosis is, the worst the fetal prognosis is. Postnatal life expectancy is not more than a few weeks. In most cases, maternal associated complications disappear with the molar evacuation. The risk of post molar tumor is discussed. However, good management of triploidy is based on an early diagnosis, before birth if that is possible.