[Quadruplet pregnancies: management and obstetric and pediatric outcome]

Multi-fetal gestations are associated with increased frequency of maternal, fetal and neonatal complications. Data on the prognosis of multi-fetal pregnancies are of particular importance when the option of selective termination is considered. The present study details the obstetric management, neonatal outcome, and follow-up of seven quadruplet pregnancies in a french university center. The perinatal mortality was 250/1000. The neonatal mortality was 214/1000. The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome was 38%, bronchopulmonary dysplasia 19% and intraventricular hemorrhage 9.5%. Follow-up from one to 16 years shows that no child is handicapped. Our specific management for higher order multi-fetal pregnancies include early diagnosis, meticulous follow-up, early decrease of maternal activity, midwives at home, psychological care, delivery by cesarean section and a neonatalogist for each baby at the time of delivery.