Multifetal pregnancy reduction anal selective termination: The Canadian experience

Objective: To describe the experience of two Canadian referral centres with multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) and selective termination (ST), Meth ods: Retrospective chart review of all MFPR and ST procedures during the pe riods from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 1997 (Vancouver), and from Sept ember 1, 1995, to December 31, 1997 (Toronto). Outstanding outcome data wer e obtained by telephone. All women were managed according to standard proto cols. Non-parametric analysis of continuous variables and Fisher's exact te st for categorical variables were used. Results: 61 women underwent transab dominal MFPR (n = 44) or ST (n = 17). Median maternal age: MFPR and ST 33.0 years; gestational age at reduction: MFPR 11.4, ST 20.2 weeks; procedure d uration: MFPR 4, ST 10 min. 89% MFPR and 12% ST cases followed assisted rep roduction. 7% MFPR and 18% ST pregnancies lost <24 weeks (n.s.), 97% MFPR a nd 83% ST non-reduced fetuses delivered alive. Median delivery gestational age: MFPR and ST 37 weeks. Conclusions: The results are similar to publishe d series. This procedure has increased options for Canadian couples, offeri ng the procedure 'close to home', reducing costs and, more importantly, the significant psychological morbidity following these procedures. Copyright (C) 1999 S.Karger AG, Basel.