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Licensed Unlicensed Requires Authentication Published by De Gruyter December 8, 2010

Selective reduction in twins and multiple pregnancies

  • Aris Antsaklis EMAIL logo and Eleftherios Anastasakis

Abstract

The number of multiple pregnancies has increased, mainly due to the uncontrolled use of the assisted conception techniques. Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) has been used to reduce the risks associated with these high-risk pregnancies. It is performed in the first trimester of pregnancy by transabdominal injection of potassium chloride into the fetal heart. The risk of miscarriage seems to be associated with the final number of fetuses. A review of the literature suggests that MFPR results in better pregnancy outcome, regardless of the initial number of fetuses. The reduction to a lower number of fetuses reduces fetal losses, prematurity, infant mortality and morbidity.


Corresponding author: Professor Aris Antsaklis 11 Lampsakou str. 115 28 Athens Greece Tel.: +30 6944 299 699 Fax: +30 2103 381 457

Received: 2010-4-21
Revised: 2010-6-25
Accepted: 2010-6-28
Published Online: 2010-12-08
Published in Print: 2011-01-01

©2011 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York

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