Evolving trends in 2000 cases of multifetal pregnancy reduction: a single-center experience

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in multifetal pregnancy reduction ( MPR) procedures in 2000 cases and to evaluate evolving trends within the last 1000 MPRs. STUDY DESIGN: Two thousand patients who underwent MPR were identified. Data were collected from a computerized database. Comparisons were made between the first 1000 patients ( group 1) and the second 1000 patients ( group 2). In addition, changing trends within group 2 were also analyzed. Differences in proportions were evaluated by chi- square test and Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the starting and finishing number of fetuses and a significant increase in the use of chorionic villus sampling before MPR in group 2 vs group 1 ( 43.7% vs 1.5%; P <.0001). The incidence of monochorionicity was significantly higher in group 2 ( 5.7%), compared with group 1 ( 2.1%; P <.001). CONCLUSION: Recent trends in MPR demonstrates significant increases in overall reductions to a singleton fetus, the use of chorionic villus sampling, and the presence of monochorionicity.