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Invasive techniques for fetal diagnosis in multiple pregnancy
A Antsaklis1, A Gougoulakis, S Mesogitis
11st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alexandra Maternity Hospital, Athens University, Greece.
Summary
Fetal diagnostic techniques in multiple pregnancies, including twins and triplets, are safe and accurate. These procedures showed minimal risks, ensuring healthy outcomes for both mothers and babies.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Reproductive Genetics
Background:
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, quintuplets) present unique diagnostic challenges.
- Fetal diagnostic techniques are crucial for managing high-risk multiple gestations.
- Assessing the safety and efficacy of these techniques in multiple births is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and accuracy of fetal diagnostic techniques in multiple pregnancies.
- To determine the perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with these procedures.
- To assess outcomes following selective feticide in multiple gestations.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 112 twin, 3 triplet, and 1 quintuplet pregnancies over 12 years.
- Inclusion of various fetal diagnostic procedures: amniotic fluid sampling, fetal blood sampling, and chorionic villi sampling.
- Documentation of pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, selective feticides, and live births.
Main Results:
- Two spontaneous abortions and one stillborn twin case were recorded.
- Four selective feticides were performed for specific indications, resulting in four healthy infants.
- Overall, fetal diagnosis in multiple pregnancies demonstrated a favorable safety profile.
Conclusions:
- Fetal diagnostic techniques are safe and accurate for multiple pregnancies.
- These procedures are associated with low perinatal morbidity and mortality.
- Selective feticide can be a safe intervention in specific multiple pregnancy cases.