Multifetal pregnancy reduction: psychodynamic implications

Three or less? Decision making for or against selective reduction and psychological outcome in forty women with a triplet pregnancy

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate decision making for or against multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) and psychological outcome in women with a triplet pregnancy.

METHODS

We investigated medical and sociodemographic variables and characteristics of the decision process for or against MFPR in forty women with triplet pregnancies who had either undergone MFPR (MFPR-group: N = 10) or had delivered triplets (triplet-group: N = 30). Moreover, emotional experiences of the reduction procedure were assessed. Psychological outcome was measured using the Beck Depression inventory (BDI) and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

RESULTS

Women of the MFPR-group had a higher gestational age at delivery (p = 0.001), shorter NICU stay (p = 0.001), higher educational level (p = 0.010), more frequently utilized psychological counseling during the decision process (p = 0.016), rated their gynecologist as more helpful for the decision (p = 0.045), required more time for their decision (p = 0.016), and were more likely to be in paid employment at follow-up (p = 0.041) than women of the triplet-group. MFPR was experienced as stressful (90%) or terrifying (10%). At 3.2 (±2.2) years after delivery, the vast majority of women in both groups were free from clinically relevant depression.

CONCLUSIONS

MFPR, though associated with emotional distress related to the procedure, results in a satisfactory psychological outcome in the majority of women. The decision for or against MFPR may be related to sociodemographic (such as educational) variables, which further supports the concept of framing in medical decision making. Having triplets most probably is associated with multiple (e.g. social or economic) consequences that may remain poorly investigated.

Expectant management versus multifetal pregnancy reduction in dichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) triplets: Single centre experience

OBJECTIVES

In trichorionic triplet pregnancies, multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) reduces the risk of preterm birth, neonatal morbidity and mortality without increasing miscarriage. A similar benefit has been suggested in dichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) pregnancy, but multiple methods are currently used. This study investigates if the method of reduction used in DCTA triplet pregnancy influences the evidence of benefit from MFPR.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of DCTA pregnancies between 2010 and 2019 who attended a single UK fetal medicine tertiary referral center. Cohorts were defined based on MFPR decision and method. The primary outcome was offspring survival until neonatal discharge. The secondary outcomes included miscarriage, preterm birth, livebirth, rates of small for gestational age (SGA) neonates, ans maternal morbidity. To evaluate the differences in neonatal survival until discharge we used Cox proportional regression to calculate hazard rates (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Differences in secondary outcomes were compared using univariate analysis.

RESULTS

The study reports the outcomes for 83 DCTA pregnancies. MFPR to DCDA twins was chosen in 19 pregnancies (14 radiofrequency ablation, RFA; 5 intrafetal laser, IFL); in 9 pregnancies selective reduction to a singleton was performed by KCl injection. The rate of pregnancies in with ≥ 1 fetus born alive was not different between groups (p = 0.90). However, the number of expected neonates alive at discharge from hospital was highest in the RFA group (89%, HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.21-0.87, p = 0.02). Rates of premature delivery before 32 weeks (p = 0.02), low birth weight (p < 0.001) and birthweight < 10th percentile (p = 0.01) were all elevated in the expectant management group, compared to women who opted for reduction. There was no difference in miscarriage between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that MFPR by RFA, an established and widely available procedure, is of benefit in promoting neonatal survival until discharge in DCTA triplets.

Number of embryos for transfer following in vitro fertilisation or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection

BACKGROUND

Transfer of more than one embryo during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) increases multiple pregnancy rates resulting in an increased risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity. Elective single embryo transfer offers a means of minimising this risk, but this potential gain needs to be balanced against the possibility of jeopardising the overall live birth rate (LBR).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of different policies for the number of embryos transferred in infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology cycles.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group specialised register of controlled trials, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from inception to March 2020. We handsearched reference lists of articles and relevant conference proceedings. We also communicated with experts in the field regarding any additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different policies for the number of embryos transferred following IVF or ICSI in infertile women. Studies of fresh or frozen and thawed transfer of one to four embryos at cleavage or blastocyst stage were eligible.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias. The primary outcomes were LBR and multiple pregnancy rate. The secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates. We analysed data using risk ratios (RR), Peto odds ratio (Peto OR) and a fixed effect model.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 17 RCTs in the review (2505 women). The main limitation was inadequate reporting of study methods and moderate to high risk of performance bias due to lack of blinding. A majority of the studies had low numbers of participants. None of the trials compared repeated single embryo transfer (SET) with multiple embryo transfer. Reported results of multiple embryo transfer below refer to double embryo transfer. Repeated single embryo transfer versus multiple embryo transfer in a single cycle Repeated SET was compared with double embryo transfer (DET) in four studies of cleavage-stage transfer. In these studies the SET group received either two cycles of fresh SET (one study) or one cycle of fresh SET followed by one frozen SET (three studies). The cumulative live birth rate after repeated SET may be little or no different from the rate after one cycle of DET (RR 0.95, 95% CI (confidence interval) 0.82 to 1.10; I² = 0%; 4 studies, 985 participants; low-quality evidence). This suggests that for a woman with a 42% chance of live birth following a single cycle of DET, the repeated SET would yield pregnancy rates between 34% and 46%. The multiple pregnancy rate associated with repeated SET is probably reduced compared to a single cycle of DET (Peto OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.21; I² = 0%; 4 studies, 985 participants; moderate-quality evidence). This suggests that for a woman with a 13% risk of multiple pregnancy following a single cycle of DET, the risk following repeated SET would be between 0% and 3%. The clinical pregnancy rate (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.12; I² = 47%; 3 studies, 943 participants; low-quality evidence) after repeated SET may be little or no different from the rate after one cycle of DET. There may be little or no difference in the miscarriage rate between the two groups. Single versus multiple embryo transfer in a single cycle A single cycle of SET was compared with a single cycle of DET in 13 studies, 11 comparing cleavage-stage transfers and three comparing blastocyst-stage transfers.One study reported both cleavage and blastocyst stage transfers. Low-quality evidence suggests that the live birth rate per woman may be reduced in women who have SET in comparison with those who have DET (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.75; I² = 0%; 12 studies, 1904 participants; low-quality evidence). Thus, for a woman with a 46% chance of live birth following a single cycle of DET, the chance following a single cycle of SET would be between 27% and 35%. The multiple pregnancy rate per woman is probably lower in those who have SET than those who have DET (Peto OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.22; I² = 0%; 13 studies, 1952 participants; moderate-quality evidence). This suggests that for a woman with a 15% risk of multiple pregnancy following a single cycle of DET, the risk following a single cycle of SET would be between 2% and 4%. Low-quality evidence suggests that the clinical pregnancy rate may be lower in women who have SET than in those who have DET (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.77; I² = 0%; 10 studies, 1860 participants; low-quality evidence). There may be little or no difference in the miscarriage rate between the two groups.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Although DET achieves higher live birth and clinical pregnancy rates per fresh cycle, the evidence suggests that the difference in effectiveness may be substantially offset when elective SET is followed by a further transfer of a single embryo in fresh or frozen cycle, while simultaneously reducing multiple pregnancies, at least among women with a good prognosis. The quality of evidence was low to moderate primarily due to inadequate reporting of study methods and absence of masking those delivering, as well as receiving the interventions.

Number of embryos for transfer following in vitro fertilisation or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection

BACKGROUND

Multiple embryo transfer during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) increases multiple pregnancy rates causing maternal and perinatal morbidity. Single embryo transfer is now being seriously considered as a means of minimising the risk of multiple pregnancy. However, this needs to be balanced against the risk of jeopardising the overall live birth rate.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of different policies for the number of embryos transferred in couples who undergo assisted reproductive technology (ART).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and EMBASE, from inception to July 2013. We handsearched reference lists of articles, trial registers and relevant conference proceedings and contacted researchers in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different policies for the number of embryos transferred following IVF or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in subfertile women. Studies of fresh or frozen and thawed transfer of one, two, three or four embryos at cleavage or blastocyst stage were eligible.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias and extracted the data. The overall quality of the evidence was graded in a summary of findings table.

MAIN RESULTS

Fourteen RCTs were included in the review (2165 women). Thirteen compared cleavage-stage transfers (2017 women) and two compared blastocyst transfers (148 women): one study compared both. No studies compared repeated multiple versus repeated single embryo transfer (SET). DET versus repeated SETDET was compared with repeated SET in three studies of cleavage-stage transfer. In these studies the SET group received either two cycles of fresh SET (one study) or one cycle of fresh SET followed by one frozen SET in a natural or hormone-stimulated cycle (two studies). When these three studies were pooled, the cumulative live birth rate after one cycle of DET was not significantly different from the rate after repeated SET (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.62, three studies, n=811, I(2)=0%, low quality evidence). This suggests that for a woman with a 40% chance of live birth following a single cycle of DET, the chance following repeated SET would be between 30% and 42%. The multiple pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the DET group (OR 30.54, 95% CI 7.46 to 124.95, three RCTs, n = 811, I(2) = 23%, low quality evidence), suggesting that for a woman with a 15% risk of multiple pregnancy following a single cycle of DET, the risk following repeated SET would be between 0% and 2%. Single-cycle DET versus single-cycle SETA single cycle of DET was compared with a single cycle of SET in 10 studies, nine comparing cleavage-stage transfers and two comparing blastocyst-stage transfers. When all studies were pooled the live birth rate was significantly higher in the DET group (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.68 to 2.57, nine studies, n = 1564, I(2) = 0%, high quality evidence). This suggests that for a woman with a 40% chance of live birth following a single cycle of DET, the chance following a single cycle of SET would be between 22% and 30%. The multiple pregnancy rate was also significantly higher in the DET group (OR 8.47, 95% CI 4.97 to 14.43, 10 studies, n = 1612, I(2) = 45%, high quality evidence), suggesting that for a woman with a 15% risk of multiple pregnancy following a single cycle of DET, the risk following a single cycle of SET would be between 1% and 4%. The heterogeneity for this analysis was attributable to a study with a high rate of cross-over between treatment arms. Other comparisons Other fresh cycle comparisons were evaluated in three studies which compared DET versus transfer of three or four embryos. Live birth rates did not differ significantly between the groups for any comparison, but there was a significantly lower multiple pregnancy rate in the DET group than in the three embryo transfer (TET) group (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.99, two studies, n = 343, I(2) = 0%).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In a single fresh IVF cycle, single embryo transfer is associated with a lower live birth rate than double embryo transfer. However, there is no evidence of a significant difference in the cumulative live birth rate when a single cycle of double embryo transfer is compared with repeated SET (either two cycles of fresh SET or one cycle of fresh SET followed by one frozen SET in a natural or hormone-stimulated cycle). Single embryo transfer is associated with much lower rates of multiple pregnancy than other embryo transfer policies. A policy of repeated SET may minimise the risk of multiple pregnancy in couples undergoing ART without substantially reducing the likelihood of achieving a live birth. Most of the evidence currently available concerns younger women with a good prognosis.

Number of embryos for transfer following in-vitro fertilisation or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection

BACKGROUND

Multiple embryo transfer during IVF has increased multiple pregnancy rates (MPR) causing maternal and perinatal morbidity. Elective single embryo transfer (SET) is now being considered as an effective means of reducing this iatrogenic complication.

OBJECTIVES

To determine in couples undergoing IVF/ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection) whether:(1) elective transfer of two embryos improves the probability of livebirth compared with:(a) elective single embryo transfer,(b) three embryo transfer (TET) or(c) four embryo transfer (FET).(2) elective transfer of three embryos improves the probability of livebirth compared with:(a) elective single embryo transfer, or(b) elective four embryo transfer.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group's trials register (searched March 2008), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2008), MEDLINE (1970 to 2008), EMBASE (1985 to 2008) and reference lists of articles. Relevant conference proceedings were hand-searched and researchers in the field contacted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility and quality of trials.

MAIN RESULTS

For the update in 2008 five trials compared DET with SET. DET versus TET and DET versus FET were evaluated in a single small trial each. The difference in cumulative livebirth rates (CLBR) after DET and those after SET followed by transfer of a single frozen thawed embryo (1FZET) was not statistically significant (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.11; p=0.18). There was no statistically significant difference in CLBR after a single fresh cycle of DET versus two fresh cycles of SET (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.56 to 2.69, p= 0.60 ). The live birth rate (LBR) per woman in a single fresh treatment was higher following DET than SET (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.65 to 2.66, p<0.00001). The MPR was lower following SET (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.11; p< 0.00001). The CLBR following two fresh cycles of DET versus two fresh cycles of TET (OR 0.77, 95%CI 0.22 to 2.65, p=0.67) and CLBR after three fresh cycles of DET versus three fresh cycles of TET showed no statistically significant differences (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.24 to 2.52; p=0.67). There were no statistically significant differences between DET and TET in terms of LBR (OR 0.40, 95%CI 0.09 to 1.85; p=0.24) and MPR (OR 0.17, 95%CI 0.01 to 3.85; p= 0.27). DET led to lower LBR than FET but the difference was not statistically significant (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.05; p = 0.06).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In a single fresh IVF cycle, SET is associated with a lower LBR than DET. However there is no significant difference in CLBR following SET+ 1FZET and the LBR following a single cycle of DET. MPR are lowered following SET compared with other transfer policies. There are insufficient data on the outcome of two versus three and four embryo transfer policies.

Sometimes doing the right thing sucks: frame combinations and multi-fetal pregnancy reduction decision difficulty

Data are analyzed for 54 women who made an appointment with a North American Center specializing in multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) to be counseled and possibly have a reduction. The impact on decision difficulty of combinations of three frames through which patients may understand and consider their options and use to justify their decisions are examined: a conceptional frame marked by a belief that life begins at conception; a medical frame marked by a belief in the statistics regarding risk and risk prevention through selective reduction; and a lifestyle frame marked by a belief that a balance of children and career has normative value. All data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and observation during the visit to the center over an average 2.5h period. Decision difficulty was indicated by self-assessed decision difficulty and by residual emotional turmoil surrounding the decision. Qualitative comparative analysis was used to analyze the impact of combinations of frames on decision difficulty. Separate analyses were conducted for those reducing only to three fetuses (or deciding not to reduce) and women who chose to reduce below three fetuses. Results indicated that for those with a non-intense conceptional frame, the decision was comparatively easy no matter whether the patients had high or low values of medical and lifestyle frames. For those with an intense conceptional frame, the decision was almost uniformly difficult, with the exception of those who chose to reduce only to three fetuses. Simplifying the results to their most parsimonious scenarios oversimplifies the results and precludes an understanding of how women can feel pulled in different directions by the dictates of the frames they hold. Variations in the characterization of intense medical frames, for example, can both pull toward reduction to two fetuses and neutralize shame and guilt by seeming to remove personal responsibility for the decision. We conclude that the examination of frame combinations is an important tool for understanding the way women carrying multiple fetuses negotiate their way through multi-fetal pregnancies, and that it may have more general relevance for understanding pregnancy decisions in context.

Psychological aspects of prenatal diagnosis and its implications in multiple pregnancies

Couples expecting twins are often unrealistically optimistic and are therefore unprepared for the complications as well as the practical and emotional impact the birth of twins can have on the family. All such couples will need information and support throughout the pregnancy and beyond. In this review, the various aspects that should be addressed are discussed, in particular, health care workers and counsellors need to be aware of the stress experienced by parents who have been through prolonged treatment for infertility or who face the special problems associated with the loss of one twin (implies the loss could be other than death).

Number of embryos for transfer following in-vitro fertilisation or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection

BACKGROUND

The traditional reliance on the transfer of multiple embryos during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in order to maximise the chance of pregnancy, has resulted in increasing rates of multiple pregnancies. Women undergoing IVF had a 20 - fold increased risk of twins and 400 - fold increased risk of higher order pregnancies (Martin 1998). The maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality as well as national health service costs associated with multiple pregnancies is significantly high in comparison with singleton births (Luke 1992; Callahan 1994; Goldfarb 1996). Single embryo transfer is now being considered as an effective means of reducing this iatrogenic complication. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of elective two embryo transfer in comparison with single and more than two embryo transfer following IVF and ICSI (intra cytoplasmic sperm injection) treatment.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review is to determine, whether in couples who undergo IVF/ICSI: (1) the elective transfer of two embryos improves the probability of livebirth compared with: (a) Single embryo transfer, (b) Three embryo transfer or (c) Four embryo transfer.(2) the elective transfer of three embryos improves the probability of livebirth compared with: (a) Single embryo transfer, or (b) Four embryo transfer,

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group's trials register (searched June 2003), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2003), MEDLINE (1970 to 2003), EMBASE (1985 to 2003) and reference lists of articles. We also handsearched relevant conference proceedings and contacted researchers in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only randomised controlled trials were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility and quality of trials.

MAIN RESULTS

We found no studies that compared a policy of transferring multiple embryos on one cycle versus a policy of cryo- preservation and transfer of a single embryo over multiple cycles. We also found no trials comparing transfer of two versus three embryos. Three small, poorly reported trials compared transfer of two versus one embryo in a single cycle, and one small, poorly reported trial compared transfer of two versus four embryos in a single cycle. The clinical pregnancy rate per woman/couple associated with two embryo transfer was significantly higher compared to single embryo transfer (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.50; test for overall effect p = 0.006). The live birth rate per woman/couple associated with two embryo transfer was also significantly higher than that associated with single embryo transfer (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.12 to 3.22, test for overall effect p=0.02). The multiple pregnancy rate was significantly lower in women who had single embryo transfer (OR 9.97, 95% CI 2.61 to 38.19; p = 0.0008). The effectiveness of double embryo transfer versus four embryo transfer was tested in a single trial. There was no statistically significant differences in the clinical pregnancy rate (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.26 to 2.16; p=0.6), and multiple pregnancy rates (OR 0.44. 95% CI 0.10 to 1.97; p = 0.28) between the two groups. The livebirth rate in the four embryo transfer group was higher compared to the two embryo transfer group, but the results were not statistically significant (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.05; p = 0.06).

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

The results of this systematic review suggest that live birth and pregnancy rates following single embryo transfer are lower than those following double embryo transfer as are the chances of multiple pregnancy including twins. As such, it is unlikely that the conclusions are robust enough to catalyse a change in clinical practice. The studies included are limited by their small sample size, so that even large differences might be hidden. Cumulative livebirth rates are seldom reported. The data were inadequate to draw conclusions about single embryo transfer and first frozen single embryo transfer (1FZET) or subsequent single frozen embryo transfers. Until more evidence is available single embryo transfer may not be the preferred choice for all patients undergoing IVF/ICSI. Clinicians may need to individualise protocols for couples based on their risks of multiple pregnancy. A definitive pragmatic, large multi centre randomised controlled trial comparing single embryo versus double embryo transfer in terms of clinical and cost effectiveness as well as acceptability is required. The primary outcome measured should be cumulative livebirth per woman/couple.

?I couldn't think that far?: Infertile women's decision making about multifetal reduction

In this phenomenological study women's experiences regarding their decisions to undergo or forgo multifetal reduction of their higher-order multiple pregnancies were explored. Seven women who had conceived higher-order multiple pregnancies as the result of in vitro fertilization were interviewed. Four participants accepted reduction, whereas three participants declined. Three themes were discerned: (a) the presence of infertility as a barrier to contemplating hyperfertility; (b) multiple-birth pregnancy as yet another form of loss for infertile women; and (c) the lasting effects of having made the decision.

Role of fertility treatments in multiple pregnancy at National Women's Hospital from 1996 to 2001

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of fertility treatments on multiple pregnancy rates.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective audit of women with multiple pregnancies from 1996 to 2001 at National Women's Hospital (NWH), Auckland, New Zealand was conducted. Information was collected regarding the demographics, fertility treatment, outcome of the pregnancy and complications experienced by women discharged with multiple births as an discharge diagnosis.

RESULTS

For the years 1996-2001 there were 1136 multiple births at NWH. Of these births, 201 (18%) were conceived following fertility treatment. Seventeen percent of twin births and 44% of triplet births were conceived following fertility treatment. There was a statistically significant increase in the number of births conceived following fertility treatment, from 9%, in 1996 to 24%, in 2001, although the proportion of births that were multiple overall did not change (20% in 1996 and 2.3%, in 2001). Sixty-three percent of all fertility conceived multiple births were following in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. Sixty percent of these women had two embryos transferred and 31% had three embryos transferred. Ovulation induction with follicle-stimulating hormone accounted for 19% of all fertility conceived multiple births. Nineteen percent of fertility conceived multiple births followed clomiphene treatment alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of multiple pregnancies as a result of fertility treatments has increased over the 6 years studied.

Decision making regarding multifetal reduction

OBJECTIVE

To identify salient variables that influence decision making regarding multifetal reduction (MFR) and describe their effect on individuals over time.

DESIGN

Prospective, exploratory, descriptive design, using qualitative and quantitative methods.

SETTING

Midwestern tertiary care center.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 11 consecutive consenting couples with triplet or higher-order pregnancies who elected to undergo MFR.

METHODS

Semistructured audiotaped telephone interviews at three points: (a) 2 weeks postreduction, (b) 6 weeks postpartum, and (c) 6 months postpartum; a demographic and marital adjustment questionnaire.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Themes identified by content analysis and compared via matrix analysis between males and females and at three points in time; trends in marital adjustment.

RESULTS

Dominant variables influencing MFR decision making were risks associated with higher-order pregnancies and preservation of infants' and mothers' health. Most participants identified emotional issues, including moral and ethical dilemmas, as the most difficult aspect of reduction. Over time, participants reported feeling more positive about their decision; nonetheless, negative feelings emerged progressively.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk aversion favored MFR decision making. Yet, both making and living with the decision were emotionally difficult for this sample. Interventions are needed to assist couples with this decision and its consequences.

Mourning and psychological issues in multiple birth loss

Grief after the death of some or all multiples differs from mourning for a singleton loss in many important respects. A review of the unique features of grief for a multiple birth loss is followed by practical suggestions for empathic care. Cherished mementos and photos, and disposition options for deceased children are discussed. Counselling needs of parents and siblings are detailed, and management options for many complex pregnancy and infant loss scenarios are presented. The abundant resources listed will help caregivers and families better cope with one of the most difficult complications of plural parenthood.

The interpretation and use of statistics in assisted reproductive technologies

This article has discussed some of the uses and limitations of currently available statistics for ART programs. A well-known example from statistics states that flipping a coin will produce "heads" 50% of the time and "tails" 50% of the time, provided that the coin is flipped enough times. Experience also shows that the result of individual flips cannot be predicted. Similarly, in ART, statistics can only give general probabilities and not meaningful predictions of the outcome of any particular cycle. Patients should be aware of the limits of statistical analysis as it applies to their individual treatment.

Integrating quantitative and qualitative methods to study multifetal pregnancy reduction

This study integrates quantitative and qualitative research methods to examine the psychologic repercussions of multifetal pregnancy reduction, a recently developed reproductive technology. Two theoretical vantage points, descriptive psychiatry and psychoanalytic theory, were used to understand the emotional impact of the medical intervention, which involves aborting some but not all of the fetuses in a multifetal pregnancy. Quantitative analysis of diagnostic interviews indicated that women who underwent pregnancy reductions were at no greater risk than controls for developing depressive disorder. Although multifetal pregnancy reduction posed no apparent mental health risk, women experienced it as stressful and distressing. Women's responses were organized and understood via qualitative analyses based on six contemporary psychoanalytic perspectives: drive theory, ego psychology, object relations theory, self-psychology, interpersonal viewpoints, and developmental concepts. Some of the practical and philosophic implications of qualitative and quantitative strategies are considered.

Probabilities for singleton and multiple pregnancies after in vitro fertilization

OBJECTIVE

To help physicians provide risk estimates for specific pregnancy outcomes.

DESIGN

Computation of exact binomial probabilities for singleton and multiple pregnancies as a function of two inputs: the number of embryos transferred and the implantation rate. Inputs were varied over the range of values reported in the literature.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Probabilities for a singleton pregnancy (none), a multiple pregnancy (Pmult), and no pregnancy (Pnone) after one IVF cycle.

RESULT(S)

Given a 30% implantation rate and three embryos transferred, Pone=.44, Pmult=.22, and Pnone=.34. Although further increasing the number of embryos transferred increases the chance of pregnancy, it also raises the probability of a multiple pregnancy and lowers the chance of a singleton pregnancy. Although varying the implantation rate changes the specific probability estimates, the same trade-off persists.

CONCLUSION(S)

Those who consider an IVF "success" to be a singleton pregnancy should be attentive to the number of embryos transferred. Infertility therapy may be one area in medicine where more is not necessarily better.