Outcomes of dichorionic triplet pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to describe outcomes in a series of dichorionic triplet pregnancies.


METHODS
All triplet pregnancies evaluated in our obstetric sonography unit from 1993 to 2000 were identified. Those containing a monochorionic twin pair were included. Prenatal and neonatal records were reviewed. Statistical comparison was performed by using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranked sum test.


RESULTS
Seventeen cases met inclusion criteria. Two pregnancies (11.8%) were delivered spontaneously before viability, at 22 and 21 weeks. Twin-twin transfusion syndrome was diagnosed in the second trimester in the monochorionic pair in 3 pregnancies (17.6%). In the remaining 12 pregnancies, mean gestational age at delivery was 33.5 +/- 2.3 weeks. The median birth weight of 23 neonates from individual monochorionic twin pairs was 1810 g (interquartile range, 1540-2180 g), which was significantly lower than the median birth weight of 12 triplets supplied by a separate placenta, 2125 g (interquartile range, 1762-2390 g) (P =.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Twin-twin transfusion syndrome or spontaneous loss before viability complicated approximately 30% of dichorionic triplet pregnancies. Lower birth weights were noted in triplets from monochorionic twin pairs.
Chasen
Stephen T
ST
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
Al-Kouatly
Huda B
HB
Ballabh
Praveen
P
Skupski
Daniel W
DW
Chervenak
Frank A
FA
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000453:epidemiology; D001724:Birth Weight; D002823:Chorion; D005260:Female; D005330:Fetofetal Transfusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D014310:Triplets