Trends in multiple deliveries and infertility treatments in France.

OBJECTIVE

To point out the association between infertility treatments and the increasing number of multiple deliveries.

DESIGN

Comparison over time of the incidence of multiple deliveries, the proportion of deliveries resulting from assisted conception (AC), and ovulation inductor sales.

DATA

Use of existing statistics: vital statistics, surveys of AC centres and ovulation inductor sales.

RESULTS

Between 1972 and 1989 the incidence of twin deliveries rose from 8.8/1000 to 11.2/1000, and the incidence of triplet deliveries from 0.9/10,000 to 4.4/10,000. This upward trend was particularly remarkable among women aged 30 to 39. Since 1978, the triplet delivery rates and the sales of Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin have been rising similarly. Between 1985 and 1989, 26 per cent of the triplet deliveries followed assisted conception and nearly 50 per cent were estimated to be due to ovulation inductor agents.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest a strong influence of infertility treatments and especially ovulation inductor agents in the dramatic increase of triplet deliveries.