Maternal and perinatal outcomes in triplet versus twin pregnancies with the result of Assisted Reproductive Technology

Choi, Chang Ik; Chung, In Bai; Oh, Gab Young; Choi, Ki Dong; Choi, Hyun Il; Han, Hyuck Dong; Lee, Young Jin

Abstract

The present study was performed to compare maternal and perinatal outcomes in triplet and twin pregnancies with the result of ART(Assisted Reproductive Technology). Each pregnancy of 18 triplet pregnancies with 18 weeks or more was matched for maternal age, EDC(estimated date of confinement), parity, history of preterm delivery, indication of ART with two sets of twin pregnancies. Triplet pregnancies had a significantly shorter gestational age at delivery than twin pregnancies(30.4 versus 34.6 weeks), and a significantly lower mean birth weight(1,514 versus 2,286g). The mean hospital stay was significantly longer in triplets(22.3 versus 10.1 days). The incidences of 5 min Apgar score less than 7, neonatal deaths were significantly more often in triplets than twins; 18(33.3%) vs 6(8.3%), 15(27.8%) vs 7(9.72%), respectively. There were significant differences in the incidence of neonatal complications such as respiratory distress syndrome; 14(25.9%) vs 7(9.72%), ventilatory support; 18(33.3%) vs 5(6.9%), neonatal seizure; 9(16.7%) vs 0, btween the two groups. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in maternal complications or neonatal morbidity such as congenital malformations or hyperbilirubinemia, intraventricular hemorrhage, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. We suggest that counseling patient regarding the anticipated perinatal outcomes of triplet pregnancies with the result of ART should be conducted with our data.