Multi-Fetal Reduction May Be the Better Choice for Multi-Fetal Pregnancies: A Cohort Study

Objective: The rate of multiple pregnancies increases the number of pregnancies conceived using assisted reproductive techniques. Although the studies indicate a positive effect of multi-fetal pregnancy reduction on pregnancy outcomes, procedure-associated miscarriages should be considered. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of pregnancies that have undergone multi-fetal reduction and compare the pregnancies' outcomes without any intervention. Material and Methods: Patients from the Perinatology Clinic of Şanlıurfa Training and Research Hospital were selected between July 2017 and May 2021. The patients in the study group were divided into two groups: those with or without multi-fetal reduction. Obstetric outcomes of pregnancies were compared between the groups. Results: During this period, 95 gestations with three or more fetuses were applied to our clinic. Eighteen multi-fetal reduction procedures were performed because of multiple pregnancies. Reductions were performed from five to twins in one case, triplets to twins in ten, and quadruplets to twins in seven cases. Patients preferred to continue pregnancies without intervention in 6 quadruplets, one sextile, and 66 triplet pregnancies. Mean gestational age at birth in the intervention group was 34.43±0.40 (32-38) weeks, while in the non-intervened group, that was 30.46±0.48 (24-37) gestational weeks. Gestational age at birth was significantly lower in the non-intervention group. (p: 0.000029). Conclusion: Multi-fetal reduction is beneficial in preventing preterm delivery.