THE EFFECT OF FERTILITY DRUGS AND IN-VITRO METHODS ON THE OUTCOME OF 106 TRIPLET PREGNANCIES

Objective: To compare the effect of fertility drugs and IVF on the out come of triplet pregnancies. Design: Prospective clinical study. Setti ng: A single university medical center. Patients: One hundred six cons ecutive triplet pregnancies treated from 1984 through 1992. Main Outco me Measures: The frequency of pregnancy loss, livebirths, and antenata l and neonatal complications was compared in spontaneous, clomiphene c itrate (CC), menotropins, and IVF triplet pregnancies. Results: Eighty -one of the 106 (76.4%) triplet pregnancies progressed beyond 25 weeks , comprising 6 of 7 (85.7%) spontaneous pregnancies, 13 of 16 (81.2%) CC induced, 44 of 56 (78.6%) menotropin induced, and 18 of 27 (66.6%) IVF gestations. There were no significant differences in the stillbirt h and neonatal mortality rates according to the mode of conception. Th e mean gesta tional ages and the mean birth weights were similar in th e four groups. The frequency of premature contractions, premature rupt ure of membranes, cesarean section, and neonatal complications were si milar in the ovulation induction and IVF pregnancies. Conclusion: Trip let pregnancies after ovulation induction and IVF have a similar outco me.