Perinatal outcome of dichorionic-triamniotic as compared to trichorionic triplets.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if the perinatal outcomes of dichorionic-triamniotic (DC) triplets are significantly different than that of trichorionic (TC) triplets.

STUDY DESIGN

Comparison of maternal and neonatal data of 44 DC to 46 TC triplets, using univariate analysis.

RESULTS

DC triplets were significantly more common after spontaneous conception but all other maternal characteristics as well complications and cesarean section rates were similar. Both groups had similar incidence of birth at <32 and <28 weeks as well as similar incidence of very low and extremely low birth weight. There was similar incidence of neonatal morbidity except for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (13.6%) in the DC group. The stillbirth rate was 45/1000 and 29/1000, the early neonatal mortality rates were 63/1000 and 45/1000, and the perinatal mortality rate was 106/1000 and 72/1000 for DC and TC triplets, respectively (all not significantly different).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that DC twins are not significantly disadvantaged compared to TC triplets and the similar outcomes might be reassuring for those who consider continuing their DC triplet pregnancy.