title: The likelihood of adverse outcomes in triplet pregnancies estimated by pregravid maternal characteristics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To estimate the likelihood of adverse outcomes in triplet pregnancies by a score comprising pregravid maternal characteristics.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Triplets database collected by Matria Healthcare, Inc.
  
  
  METHODS
  A scoring system was constructed, assigning 1 point for the presence of a risk factor (nulliparity, stature <165 cm, and age <35 years) and 0 for the absence of a risk factor. Data related to 2,887 triplet sets were analyzed.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  Total triplet birth weight <4,500 and delivery at 27-32 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We identified 18% of triplets' mothers (score 3) in whom the likelihood for adverse results is 50%-90% higher and the likelihood for optimal results is 40% to 70% lower than background rates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A pregravid maternal profile could estimate the likelihood of adverse outcomes and be used for consulting patients at risk of having or carrying a triplet pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel. blick@netvision.net.il
authors.forename: Isaac
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Blickstein
authors.forename: Debbie J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Rhea
authors.forename: Louis G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Keith
mesh_terms: D001724:Birth Weight; D001827:Body Height; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008423:Maternal Age; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D012307:Risk Factors; D014310:Triplets