Monochorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancies with assisted reproductive technology: two case reports
Hideki Iwamoto1, Atsumi Yoshida, Hiroki Suzuki
1The Reproduction Center, Kiba Park Clinic, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan. dokumotti@yahoo.co.jp
The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research
|July 30, 2010
Summary
Assisted reproductive technology can lead to higher rates of monozygotic multiple pregnancies, even with fewer embryo transfers. Careful manipulation of zona pellucida and blastocyst culture is advised to reduce risks.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has reduced multifetal pregnancies by limiting embryo transfers.
- However, ART is associated with an increased incidence of monozygotic (identical) multiple pregnancies, which remains unexplained.
Observation:
- Two cases of monochorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancies following ART are reported.
- One resulted in the birth of three male infants; the other aborted at 10 weeks gestation.
Findings:
- The incidence of monozygotic multiple pregnancies remains elevated with ART, irrespective of embryo transfer numbers.
- Potential contributing factors include zona pellucida manipulation and extended blastocyst culture, though exact causes are unknown.
Implications:
- Further research is needed to identify predictive factors for monozygotic pregnancies.
- Caution is advised during zona pellucida manipulation and blastocyst culture in ART to reduce the risk of monochorionic multiple gestations.
