Induction of labour vs. spontaneous vaginal delivery in twin pregnancy after 36 weeks of gestation.

Time for delivery and delivery pathway in twin pregnancies are still in great debate. Our study goal was to compare the characteristics of delivery and maternal-foetal outcome in uncomplicated near-term twin pregnancies undergoing labour induction and those with spontaneous labour. We found no statistical differences in patients with twin pregnancies who underwent labour induction and those with spontaneous labour regarding the history of previous caesarean delivery, parity, pregnancy achieved by assisted reproductive techniques (ART), chorionicity and cervical dilation at the admission as well as maternal and neonatal morbidity, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. There were significant differences in the caesarean section rate (60.6 vs. 33.3%, p < .05) and the time interval between delivery of the first and second foetus (9.8 vs. 11.7 min, p = .024). There was an increased incidence of caesarean section after the induction of labour. However, it appears to be a safe option.

Low-molecular-weight heparin plus aspirin versus aspirin alone in pregnant women with hereditary thrombophilia to improve live birth rate: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: To determine in women with hereditary thrombophilia whether the use of the combination of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and aspirin (ASA) is better than ASA alone. METHODS: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating LMWH + ASA compared to ASA in pregnant women with hereditary thrombophilia in order to improve live birth rate. A systematic literature search was conducted in 5 databases (PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE, Scopus and ISI Web of Knowledge). Trial selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently by two authors. The main outcome measure was live birth rate. Secondary outcomes included rates of first-trimester miscarriage, prematurity, pre-eclampsia, and low birth weight for gestational age babies. RESULTS: Four trials were included in the quantitative synthesis in a total of 222 randomized women. Effect of LMWH + ASA versus ASA with regard to live births was evaluable in all four randomized controlled trials with a similar overall treatment effect for the therapies OR 1.7 (95 % CI 0.72-4.0) and without heterogeneity (I (2) = 0 %). No significant differences or heterogeneity were observed between groups for secondary outcomes, namely first-trimester miscarriages OR 0.69 (0.22-2.16), prematurity OR 0.99 (0.4-2.08), pre-eclampsia OR 1.49 (0.63-3.5), and small for gestational age babies OR 2.08 (0.96-4.47). CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in live birth weight and other pregnancy outcomes between LMWH + ASA versus ASA. However, these findings were based on few trials presenting methodological limitations. Therefore, there is no evidence to support any incremental benefit of adding LMWH to ASA alone in women with inherited thrombophilia.

Monochorionic versus dichorionic twins: Are obstetric outcomes always different?

This prospective cohort study compared obstetric, perinatal and postpartum outcomes of monochorionic diamniotic (n = 228) versus (vs.) dichorionic (n = 598) twin pregnancies. Statistical analysis was performed using software SPSS® v19.0.0.2. Chi square, Fischer's exact, Student's t and Mann-Withney tests were applied. Obstetrical complications rates were 85.5% vs. 75.1% (p < 0.01). Differences were found in preterm premature rupture of membranes (26.3% vs. 19.3%, p < 0.05) and intrauterine growth restriction (19.7% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.01). Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) occurred in 7.9% of monochorionic pregnancies. Vaginal delivery occurred in 47.4% vs. 43.1%. Monochorionic pregnancies had earlier gestational ages at delivery and subsequently lower birthweights (p < 0.01). There was no difference in Apgar scores. Admission rate of at least one of the newborns in intensive care unit (NICU) was 50% vs. 38.9% (p < 0.05). Postpartum complications were similar. These results were the same excluding TTTS cases, except for admission in NICU (46.8% vs. 34.9%, p > 0.05). Analysing only the uncomplicated pregnancies (33 vs. 149), there were no differences in perinatal outcomes. We conclude that monochorionic pregnancies had higher rates of obstetrical complications, which were independent of TTTS occurrence in our sample. However, considering only the uncomplicated pregnancies till delivery, there were no significant differences in perinatal outcomes.

Mirror Syndrome assocciated with Patau Syndrome: A Case Report.

Mirror syndrome is an unusual pathological condition in which maternal edema in pregnancy is seen in association with severe fetal and/or placental hydrops. The disease can be life-threatening for both the mother and the fetus. The pathogenesis is poorly understood, and may be confused with preeclampsia, even though distinguishing features can be identified. We report a rare case of mirror syndrome with maternal pulmonary edema associated with fetal hydrops due to Patau syndrome.

A síndrome de espelho é uma patologia invulgar na qual o edema materno é observado em associação com hidropsia fetal e/ou placentária graves. Esta doença pode ser fatal para a mãe e para o feto. A sua patogênese é mal compreendida, e pode ser confundida com pré-eclâmpsia, mesmo com características distintivas identificadas. Relatamos um caso raro de síndrome de espelho com edema pulmonar materno associado a hidropsia fetal devido a síndrome de Patau.

Mirror Syndrome after Fetoscopic Laser Treatment - A Case Report.

Mirror syndrome is a rare disease with unknown pathophysiology that can be present in different diseases that can cause fetal hydrops. The prognosis is usually bad with a high perinatal mortality. We report an unusual form of mirror syndrome that manifested itself only after a successful treatment for fetal hydrops (caused by twin-twin transfusion syndrome, in Quinteros stage IV) was performed. This syndrome was controlled by medical treatment, and despite the usually bad prognosis seen in these cases, we could extend the pregnancy from the 23rd to the 34th week of gestation, resulting in the birth of 2 live infants.

Twins prematurity--the influence of prenatal surveillance.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of the local prenatal surveillance of twin pregnancies in the obstetrical results. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of multiple pregnancies delivered over a period of 16 years in a tertiary centre was conducted. In this study 861 twin pregnancies were included. They were compared for obstetric complications, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery and birthweight, according to the place of the surveillance. RESULTS: Of the 861 cases examined, the following obstetric complications were significantly different: metrorrhagia (p = 0.039), infections (p < 0.001), HELLP (p = 0.007), PROMPT (p < 0.001) and fetal death (p = 0.024). The mode of delivery was similar but occurred mostly ≤32 weeks (p < 0.001), the birthweight was mostly <2000 g and occurred more NICU admission (p < 0.001) when surveillance was outside the MPC-MDM. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate the crucial importance of prenatal surveillance be carried in a differentiated referral centers with specific/strict protocols or the urgent implementation of same protocols in all other places of surveillance, since this straight surveillance greatly reduces the occurrence of prenatal complications, mainly PROMPT, PTD.

Monoamniotic twins discordant for body stalk anomaly.

Body stalk anomaly is a rare malformation. This anomaly in monozygotic twins is extremely unusual. We describe a case of monoamniotic pregnancy discordant for body stalk anomaly diagnosed at 11 weeks. Ultrasound showed a fetus with a large anterior abdominal wall defect, anomaly of the spine and no evidence of lower extremities and other with a normal morphology. As far as our concern, only three monoamniotic pregnancies discordant for this malformation were reported. Our case represents the fourth reported monoamniotic pregnancy discordant for body stalk anomaly with diagnosis made by ultrasound and the second diagnosed in the first trimester.

Do induced twin pregnancies influence the obstetric and neonatal results of multiple births born before 32 weeks? Comparison to spontaneous gestation.

PURPOSE: To compare obstetric outcomes of induced preterm twin births (under 32 weeks gestation) with those spontaneously conceived. METHODS: Prospective study of twin pregnancies (25 induced and 157 spontaneously conceived) developed over a period of 16 years in a tertiary obstetric center. Demographic factors, obstetric complications, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, birth weight and immediate newborn outcome were compared. RESULTS: The analysis of obstetrical complications concerning urinary or other infections, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, fetal malformations, intrauterine fetal death, intrauterine growth restriction and intrauterine discordant growth reveal no significant statistical differences between the two groups. First trimester bleeding was higher in the induced group (24 versus 8.3%, p=0.029). The cesarean delivery rate was 52.2% in spontaneous gestations and 64% in induced gestations. Gestational age at delivery, birth weight, Apgar scores at first and fifth minutes, admissions to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and puerperal complications show no statistically significant differences between the two groups. These results were independent of chorionicity and induction method. CONCLUSION: The mode of conception did not influence obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Although induced pregnancies have higher risk of first trimester bleeding, significant differences were not observed regarding other obstetric and puerperal complications and neonatal results.

[Premature labour with or without preterm premature rupture of membranes: maternal, obstetric and neonatal features]. / Parto pré-termo com e sem rotura prematura de membranas: características maternas, obstétricas e neonatais.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of maternal, obstetrics e neonatal features in both spontaneous preterm births (PTB) with or without preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). METHODS: Retrospective study of single fetus pregnancies with PTB between 2003 and 2012. INCLUSION CRITERIA: PTB associated with ou without PPROM. Exclusion criterias: PTB by medical indication due to fetal/maternal disease and all non accessible or incomplete clinical files. Different characteristics were compared between two groups of PTB: spontaneous PTB without PPROM (sPTB) versusPPROM. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Levene, χ2, t Student and Mann-Withney tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: From 2,393 PTB of single fetus, 1,432 files were analysed, from which 596 were sPTB and 836 PPROM. The socioeconomic conditions were similar in both groups. Multiparity (50.7 versus 40.3%), personal history of previous PTB (20.8 versus10.2%), cervical length (18.2 versus27.2 mm), lower body index mass (23.4 versus 24.3 kg/m2) and higher infectious parameters (Protein C Reactive: 2.2 versus1.2 mg/L; Leukocytes: 13.3 versus 12.4 x109) were more frequent in PBTs (p<0,001). Neonatal outcomes, specially neurologic outcomes (4.7 versus2.8%, p<0,001), were worst in PBTs. CONCLUSION: PTB with or without PPROM has a complex etiology. From all evaluated features in our study, only maternal thinness, multiparity with a previous PTB, the cervical length and worst systemic infections parameters were significant in sPTB. This group also showed worst neonatal outcomes, specially on neurological outcomes.

Triplet pregnancies: perinatal outcome evolution.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the obstetric and perinatal outcomes evolution of triplet pregnancies. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in triplet pregnancies delivered over 16 years in a tertiary obstetric center with differentiated perinatal support. Evaluation of demographic factors, obstetric complications, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, birth weight and immediate newborn outcome were done over a 16 years period. A global characterization of the sample was performed considering the listed parameters. Variables were categorized in three groups according to year of occurrence: 1996-2000, 2001-2006, 2007-2011, and all parameters were compared. RESULTS: Of the 33 triplets included, 72.7% resulted from induced pregnancies. All except one patient received prenatal corticosteroids and five received tocolytics. All women delivered prenatally and no significant differences were seen in the mean gestational age at delivery or birth weight towards time. There were three intrauterine fetal deaths. Neonatal immediate outcomes were not significantly different over the years. CONCLUSION: Despite remarkable progresses in perinatal and neonatal cares, no noticeable impact in triplet gestations' outcomes was seen, sustaining that triplets should be avoided due to their great risk of prematurity and neonatal morbidities, either by limiting the numbers of embryos transferred or by fetal reduction.

Impact of induced pregnancies in the obstetrical outcome of twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To compare obstetric outcomes of induced twins with those spontaneously conceived. DESIGN: A prospective observational study was conducted in twin pregnancies delivered over 16 years. SETTING: A tertiary obstetric center with differentiated perinatal support. PATIENT(S): A total of 180 induced twins and 698 spontaneously conceived were included. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Comparison of demographic factors, obstetrical complications, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, birth weight, and immediate newborn outcome. RESULT(S): First-trimester bleeding was higher in the induced group (6.0% vs. 12.2%), as were gestational diabetes (4.4% vs. 8.3%) and discordant intrauterine growth (4.3% vs. 11.1%). Preterm premature rupture of membranes was less frequent (23.9% vs. 12.8%) as was preterm delivery ≤32 weeks (22.5% vs. 14.0%). Cesarean section rate was higher (50.6% vs. 63.9%). Other obstetrical complications, newborn data, and puerperal complications were not statistically different. Except for first-trimester bleeding (significantly associated with monochorionicity), these results were independent from chorionicity. Regarding the induced method (ovulation induction, IVF, or ICSI), IVF is a predictor for first-trimester bleeding and IVF or ICSI a predictor for cesarean section. CONCLUSION(S): The higher rates found with induced twins of first-trimester bleeding, gestational diabetes, and discordant growth do not contribute to different neonatal immediate outcomes and do not contribute to higher rates of prematurity, low birth weight, or other major perinatal complications.

Mirror syndrome assocciated with patau syndrome: A case report / Síndrome de espelho associada a uma síndrome de Patau: um relato de caso

Abstract Mirror syndrome is an unusual pathological condition in which maternal edema in pregnancy is seen in association with severe fetal and/or placental hydrops. The disease can be life-threatening for both the mother and the fetus. The pathogenesis is poorly understood, and may be confused with preeclampsia, even though distinguishing features can be identified. We report a rare case of mirror syndrome with maternal pulmonary edema associated with fetal hydrops due to Patau syndrome.

Resumo A síndrome de espelho é uma patologia invulgar na qual o edemamaterno é observado em associação com hidropsia fetal e/ou placentária graves. Esta doença pode ser fatal paraamãe e para o feto. A sua patogênese émal compreendida, e pode ser confundida compré-eclâmpsia,mesmo comcaracterísticas distintivas identificadas. Relatamos um caso raro de síndrome de espelho com edema pulmonar materno associado a hidropsia fetal devido a síndrome de Patau.

Mirror Syndrome after Fetoscopic Laser Treatment - A Case Report / Síndrome do espelho após tratamento laser por fetoscopia - caso clínico

Abstract Mirror syndrome is a rare disease with unknown pathophysiology that can be present in different diseases that can cause fetal hydrops. The prognosis is usually bad with a high perinatal mortality. We report an unusual form of mirror syndrome that manifested itself only after a successful treatment for fetal hydrops (caused by twin-twin transfusion syndrome, in Quinteros stage IV) was performed. This syndrome was controlled by medical treatment, and despite the usually bad prognosis seen in these cases, we could extend the pregnancy from the 23rd to the 34th week of gestation, resulting in the birth of 2 live infants.

Resumo A síndrome do espelho é uma doença rara, de fisiopatologia desconhecida, que se manifesta em situações obstétricas responsáveis pela presença de hidrópsia fetal. Habitualmente o prognóstico é reservado, uma vez que se associa a elevadas taxas de mortalidade perinatal. O presente caso clínico trata de uma situação de síndrome do espelho que se manifestou, atipicamente, após o tratamento eficaz para a hidrópsia fetal associada à síndrome de transfusão feto-fetal. Apesar do mau prognóstico associado a estas situações, conseguiu-se controlar a situação apenas com tratamento médico e, desta forma, prolongar a gravidez durante 12 semanas.

Do induced twin pregnancies influence the obstetric and neonatal results of multiple births born before 32 weeks? Comparison to spontaneous gestation / Gestações gemelares induzidas modificam o resultado obstétrico e perinatal de partos antes da 32ª semana? Comparação com gestações espontâneas

PURPOSE: To compare obstetric outcomes of induced preterm twin births (under 32 weeks gestation) with those spontaneously conceived. METHODS: Prospective study of twin pregnancies (25 induced and 157 spontaneously conceived) developed over a period of 16 years in a tertiary obstetric center. Demographic factors, obstetric complications, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, birth weight and immediate newborn outcome were compared. RESULTS: The analysis of obstetrical complications concerning urinary or other infections, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, fetal malformations, intrauterine fetal death, intrauterine growth restriction and intrauterine discordant growth reveal no significant statistical differences between the two groups. First trimester bleeding was higher in the induced group (24 versus 8.3%, p=0.029). The cesarean delivery rate was 52.2% in spontaneous gestations and 64% in induced gestations. Gestational age at delivery, birth weight, Apgar scores at first and fifth minutes, admissions to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and puerperal complications show no statistically significant differences between the two groups. These results were independent of chorionicity and induction method. CONCLUSION: The mode of conception did not influence obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Although induced pregnancies have higher risk of first trimester bleeding, significant differences were not observed regarding other obstetric and puerperal complications and neonatal results. .

OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados obstétricos de gestações gemelares induzidas com as concebidas espontaneamente, em partos ocorridos antes da 32ª semana de idade gestacional. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo de gestações gemelares (25 induzidas e 157 concebidas espontaneamente) desenvolvido durante um período de 16 anos num centro terciário de Obstetrícia. Foram comparados fatores demográficos, complicações obstétricas, idade gestacional no parto, tipo de parto, peso ao nascer e o outcome imediato do recém-nascido. RESULTADOS: A análise das seguintes complicações obstétricas: infecções urinárias ou outras, distúrbios hipertensivos da gravidez, diabetes gestacional, malformações fetais, morte fetal intrauterina, restrição de crescimento intrauterino e crescimento intrauterino discordante não revelou diferenças estatísticas significativas entre os dois grupos. No grupo das gestações induzidas, observou-se maior taxa de metrorragias do 1º trimestre (24 versus 8,3%, p=0,029). A taxa de cesariana foi de 52,2% nas gestações espontâneas e 64% nas gestações induzidas. Idade gestacional no parto, peso ao nascer, índice de Apgar no primeiro e quinto minutos, internamento em unidade de cuidados intensivos neonatal e complicações puerperais não apresentam diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os dois grupos. Esses resultados foram independentes do tipo de placentação e método de indução. CONCLUSÃO: O modo de concepção não influenciou os resultados obstétricos e neonatais. Embora as gestações induzidas tenham maior risco de metrorragias do primeiro trimestre, não foram observadas diferenças significativas em relação a outras complicações obstétricas, complicações puerperais e em relação aos resultados neonatais. .

Parto pré-termo com e sem rotura prematura de membranas: características maternas, obstétricas e neonatais / Premature labour with or without preterm premature rupture of membranes: maternal, obstetric and neonatal features

OBJETIVO: Avaliação das caraterísticas maternas, obstétricas e neonatais nos partos pré-termo (PPT) associados ou não à rotura prematura de membranas pré-termo.MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospetivo de gestações de feto único, com um parto pré-termo, entre 2003 e 2012. Critérios de inclusão: a ocorrência de parto associado ou não à rotura prematura de membranas pré-termo. Critérios de exclusão: partos motivados por comorbidades fetal e/ou maternas (iatrogênicos); e processos não disponíveis ou incompletos para consulta. Foram comparadas caraterísticas entre os dois grupos de PPT: PPT espontâneo (PPTe)versusrotura prematura de membranas pré-termo (RPM-PT), tendo sido utilizados na análise estatística os testes Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Levene, χ2, t de Student e Mann-Withney.RESULTADOS: Dos 2.393 partos pré-termo de feto único, foram analisados 1.432, dos quais 596 foram espontâneos (PPTe) e 836 foram associados à RPM-PT. Das variáveis analisadas, os fatores socioeconômicos foram sobreponíveis em ambos os grupos. Foram mais frequentes no grupo PPTe (p<0,001) a multiparidade (50,7 versus40,3%), os antecedentes obstétricos de PPT (20,8 versus10,2%), o comprimento cervical (18,2 versus27,2 mm), o baixo índice de massa corpórea (IMC) (23,4 versus24,3 kg/m2) e a elevação dos marcadores infecciosos como a Proteína C reativa (2,2 versus1,2 mg/L) e os leucócitos (13,3 versus12,4x109). O desfecho neonatal, em termos de comorbilidade, foi mais adverso no grupo PPTe, sobretudo à custa de piores resultados neurológicos (4,7 versus2,8%, p<0,001).CONCLUSÕES: Os mecanismos etiológicos do PPT, com ou sem RPM-PT, são bastante complexos. Das várias caraterísticas analisadas no nosso estudo, apenas o baixo IMC, a multiparidade com PPT anterior, o comprimento cervical foram os piores parâmetros infeciosos que foram predominantes no grupo PPTe. Esse último grupo mostrou ainda piores resultados perinatais sobretudo neurologicamente.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of maternal, obstetrics e neonatal features in both spontaneous preterm births (PTB) with or without preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).METHODS: Retrospective study of single fetus pregnancies with PTB between 2003 and 2012. Inclusion criteria: PTB associated with ou without PPROM. Exclusion criterias: PTB by medical indication due to fetal/maternal disease and all non accessible or incomplete clinical files. Different characteristics were compared between two groups of PTB: spontaneous PTB without PPROM (sPTB) versusPPROM. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Levene, χ2, t Student and Mann-Withney tests were used for statistical analysis.RESULTS: From 2,393 PTB of single fetus, 1,432 files were analysed, from which 596 were sPTB and 836 PPROM. The socioeconomic conditions were similar in both groups. Multiparity (50.7versus40.3%), personal history of previous PTB (20.8 versus10.2%), cervical length (18.2 versus27.2 mm), lower body index mass (23.4 versus24.3 kg/m2) and higher infectious parameters (Protein C Reactive: 2.2 versus1.2 mg/L; Leukocytes: 13.3 versus12.4x109) were more frequent in PBTs (p<0,001). Neonatal outcomes, specially neurologic outcomes (4.7 versus2.8%, p<0,001), were worst in PBTs.CONCLUSION: PTB with or without PPROM has a complex etiology. From all evaluated features in our study, only maternal thinness, multiparity with a previous PTB, the cervical length and worst systemic infections parameters were significant in sPTB. This group also showed worst neonatal outcomes, specially on neurological outcomes.

Should apparently uncomplicated monochorionic twins be delivered electively at 32 weeks?

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to estimate the optimal time of delivery and investigated the residual risk of fetal death after viability in otherwise uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: A database of 576 completed multiple pregnancies that were managed in our tertiary referral fetal medicine department between 1996 and 2007 was reviewed and the uncomplicated 111 monochorionic and the 290 dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies delivered after 24 weeks were selected. The rate of fetal death was derived for two-week periods starting at 24 weeks' gestation and the prospective risk of fetal death was calculated by determining the number of intrauterine fetal deaths that occurred within the two-week block divided by the number of continuing uncomplicated monochorionic twin pregnancies during that same time period. RESULTS: The unexpected single intrauterine deaths rate was 2.7% versus 2.8% in previously uncomplicated monochorionic and dichorionic diamniotic pregnancies, respectively. The prospective risk of unexpected stillbirth after 32 weeks of gestation was 1.3% for monochorionic and 0.8% for dichorionic pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: In otherwise apparently uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies this prospective risk of fetal death after 32 weeks of gestation is lower than reported and similar to that of dichorionic pregnancies, so does not sustain the theory of elective preterm delivery.

Triplet pregnancies: perinatal outcome evolution / Evolução dos resultados perinatais em gestações triplas

PURPOSE: To evaluate the obstetric and perinatal outcomes evolution of triplet pregnancies. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in triplet pregnancies delivered over 16 years in a tertiary obstetric center with differentiated perinatal support. Evaluation of demographic factors, obstetric complications, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, birth weight and immediate newborn outcome were done over a 16 years period. A global characterization of the sample was performed considering the listed parameters. Variables were categorized in three groups according to year of occurrence: 1996-2000, 2001-2006, 2007-2011, and all parameters were compared. RESULTS: Of the 33 triplets included, 72.7% resulted from induced pregnancies. All except one patient received prenatal corticosteroids and five received tocolytics. All women delivered prenatally and no significant differences were seen in the mean gestational age at delivery or birth weight towards time. There were three intrauterine fetal deaths. Neonatal immediate outcomes were not significantly different over the years. CONCLUSION: Despite remarkable progresses in perinatal and neonatal cares, no noticeable impact in triplet gestations' outcomes was seen, sustaining that triplets should be avoided due to their great risk of prematurity and neonatal morbidities, either by limiting the numbers of embryos transferred or by fetal reduction. .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a evolução obstétrica e os resultados perinatais das gestações triplas. MÉTODOS: Um estudo observacional prospectivo foi realizado em gestações triplas durante 16 anos num centro obstétrico terciário com apoio perinatal diferenciado. Foram realizadas avaliações dos fatores demográficos, de complicações obstétricas, da idade gestacional ao parto, do tipo de parto, peso do recém-nascido e resultado neonatal imediato por um período de 16 anos. A caracterização global da amostra foi realizada considerando os parâmetros listados. As variáveis ​​foram divididas em três grupos de acordo com o ano de ocorrência: 1996-2000, 2001-2006, 2007-2011, e todos os parâmetros foram comparados. RESULTADOS: Das 33 gestações triplas incluídas, 72,7% resultaram de gravidezes induzidas. Exceto uma paciente, todas receberam corticosteroides pré-natal e cinco efetuaram tocolíticos. Todas as mulheres tiveram um parto pré-termo e não se observaram diferenças significativas na idade gestacional média ao parto nem no peso ao nascer ao longo do tempo. Houve três óbitos fetais. Os resultados neonatais imediatos não foram significativamente diferentes ao longo dos anos. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar dos avanços notáveis ​​em cuidados perinatais e neonatais, nenhum impacto perceptível nos resultados de gestações triplas foi verificado. Essas gestações devem ser evitadas devido ao grande risco de prematuridade e morbilidade dos recém-nascidos, tanto por limitação do número de embriões transferidos como por redução fetal. .