title: Incidence and complications of multiple gestation in Canada: proceedings of an expert meeting.
abstract: This paper reports the proceedings of a consensus meeting on the incidence and complications of multiple gestation in Canada. In addition to background presentations about current and possible future practice in Canada, the expert panel also developed a set of consensus points. The need for infertility to be understood, and funded, as a healthcare problem was emphasized, along with recognition of the emotional impact of infertility. It was agreed that the goal of assisted reproduction treatment is the delivery of a single healthy infant and that even though many positive outcomes have resulted from twin or even triplet pregnancies, the potential risks associated with multiple pregnancy require that every effort be made to achieve this goal. The evidence shows that treatments other than IVF (such as superovulation and clomiphene citrate) contribute significantly to the incidence of multiple pregnancy. There is an urgent need for studies to understand better the usage and application of these other fertility technologies within Canada, as well as the non-financial barriers to treatment. The final consensus of the expert panel was that with adequate funding and good access to treatment, it will be possible to achieve the goal of reducing IVF-related multiple pregnancy rates in Canada by 50%.
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bissonnette
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cowan
authors.forename: Sherry
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dale
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dill
authors.forename: Calvin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Greene
authors.forename: Mathias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gysler
authors.forename: Beverly
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hanck
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: Arthur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leader
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McDonald
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marrin
authors.forename: Renée
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Min
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mortimer
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mortimer
authors.forename: Jocelyn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tsang
authors.forename: Dean
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: van Vugt
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yuzpe
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D007348:Insurance, Health; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics; D012955:Societies, Medical