Selective feticide of an affected fetus in the second trimester has comparable risks to those in the first trimester.
The broad acceptance of prenatal diagnosis of various genetic diseases leads to an ever-increasing number of parturients with twin gestations undergoing selective feticide of an affected fetus. In most of the cases, delayed diagnosis leads to second trimester reduction. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this procedure can be performed in the second trimester with results comparable to those obtained when it is performed in the first trimester. There was a 5.6% miscarriage rate in the group reduced in the first trimester (n=18, Group A) and an 8.3% miscarriage rate in the group reduced in the second trimester (n=48, Group B). The mean weight of neonates in the first group was 2780 g, and in the second group 2620 g. The mean gestational age at delivery was 36.7 weeks for Group A and 35.1 weeks for Group B. No significant differences were observed for any two-paired values considered. There was no perinatal mortality in either group. We therefore conclude that selective feticide of an affected fetus is as safe in the second trimester as it is in the first.
1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Fetal Maternal Medicine, University of Athens Medical School, 'Alexandra' Maternity Hospital, Athens 115 28, Greece.
A J
AJ
Antsaklis
P
P
Drakakis
G P
GP
Vlazakis
S
S
Michalas
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D001724:Birth Weight; D004200:Diseases in Twins; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D018607:Pregnancy Reduction, Multifetal / Q000009:adverse effects; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors