{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Late selective termination and the occurrence of placental-related pregnancy complications: A case control study.
{Author}: Weissbach T;Tal I;Regev N;Shust-Barequet S;Meyer R;Miller TE;Yoeli-Ullman R;Kassif E;Lipitz S;Yinon Y;Weisz B;Mazaki-Tovi S;
{Journal}: Placenta
{Volume}: 121
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 04 2022
{Factor}: 3.287
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.02.011
{Abstract}: Multiple pregnancies are at increased risk of placental-related complications. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and cumulative incidence of placental-related complications in twin pregnancies undergoing a late selective termination, compared to matched singleton and twin controls.
A retrospective case-control study of post-selective late termination (≥20 weeks of gestation) singletons performed between 2009 and 2020 at a single tertiary center. Each post-termination pregnancy was matched to 2 singleton and 2 dichorionic twin pregnancies for: mode of conception, maternal age group and parity. The prevalence of composite placental related outcome was determined and compared. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed, and log rank test was performed to compare the cumulative incidence of placental complications among groups.
Included were 90 post-selective termination pregnancies and 360 matched singletons and twins. These were subdivided according to trimester at procedure: 1) late 2nd trimester (N = 43, 20-27.6 weeks); 2) 3rd trimester (N = 47, ≥28 weeks). Placental-related complications presented earlier in the 3rd trimester selective termination group compared to singletons (median 35.5 vs median 37.4 weeks of gestation, P = 0.01). The cumulative incidence of placental-related complications in twins and post-selective termination singletons rose significantly earlier compared to singletons (P < 0.0001). A late 2nd trimester selective termination resulted in a comparable gestational age and cumulative incidence of placental-related complications as singletons.
Compared to singletons, the cumulative incidence of placental complications rises significantly earlier in post-third trimester selective termination singleton pregnancies. While a late 2nd trimester selective termination results in a cumulative incidence comparable to singletons.