[Techniques, results and indications of embryonic reductions in multiple pregnancies. Review of the literature]

(Techniques, résultats et indications des réductions embryonnaires au cours des grossesses multiples. Revue de la littérature.)

Full Abstract

The authors report, after a review of the literature, the evolution of ideas concerning first-trimester terminations in multiple pregnancies. Different techniques are performed including transabdominal approach or transvaginal approach at the mean gestational age of 9 or 11 weeks of amenorrhea. Analysis of obstetrical results obtained after these procedures (rates of early or late abortions, preterm labor or in utero growth retardation) shows a high rate of abortions and demonstrate also that reductions are unable to prevent premature births. Indications are discussed: concerning pregnancies of high order (four or more), most part of authors agree with the procedure and also when a triplet pregnancy occurs on a scarred or malformed uterus. Concerning triplet pregnancies, the procedure remains considered by some teams as an unethical approach of theses gestations, specially when considering the recent advances in perinatal medicine. In all cases, a clear and complete information about the risks of these procedures should be given to couples faced with multiple pregnancies.

Author information

Author/s: Boulot, P (P); Hedon, B (B); Pelliccia, G (G); Deschamps, F (F); Arnal, F (F); Humeau, C (C); Molenat, F (F); Laffargue, F (F); Mares, P (P); Viala, J L (JL);

Affiliation: Services de Gynécologie-Obstétrique de Montpellier-Nîmes, Faculté de Médecine.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: English Abstract; Historical Article; Journal Article; Review

Journal: Journal de gynécologie, obstétrique et biologie de la reproduction (J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris)), published in FRANCE. (Language: fre)

Reference: 1991-; vol 20 (issue 3) : pp 309-16

Dates: Created 1991/09/16; Completed 1991/09/16; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 1869774, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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