DELAYED INTERVAL DELIVERY AND SURVIVAL OF THE 2 FETUSES AFTER 2ND-TRIMESTER LOSS OF ONE TRIPLET

Due to the implementation of assisted reproduction techniques, the inc idence of multiple pregnancies associated with fetal and neonatal comp lications has significantly increased. A woman in the 24th week of a t riplet pregnancy came to the hospital because;of premature rupture of membranes of one amniotic sack and she had a miscarriage of one of the fetuses the same day. After confirmation of the viability of the two fetuses, she was kept under observation with antibiotic therapy only. The woman gave live birth to these remaining fetuses in her 32nd week of pregnancy. The outcome of this case demonstrates that watchful expe ctancy may be a feasible alternative to invasive intervention. The aim of this report is to add to the currently very limited literature of an expectant (conservative) policy with regard to pregnancy outcome af ter the early loss of a fetus from a multiple pregnancy. (C) 1998 Else vier Science Ireland Ltd. Ail rights reserved.