A Triplet Pregnancy With Spontaneous Delivery of a Fetus at Gestational Age of 20 Weeks and Pregnancy Continuation of Two Other Fetuses Until Week 33

Delayed Interval Delivery in Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes in Dichorionic Triamniotic Triplets: Ethical Considerations for Maternal Health Case Report

Background

Although there are numerous studies on delayed interval delivery in twins, this study is one of few reporting on preterm premature rupture of membranes in triplets and even fewer on dichorionic triamniotic triplet twins. The case presented here highlights the important interplay between informed consent and patient autonomy. Case Presentation. A 37-year-old woman gravida 1, para 0 with a dichorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancy experienced preterm premature rupture of membranes of the singleton triplet at 15 weeks and six days of gestation. Delayed interval delivery was offered to the parents, who chose to continue the pregnancy while acknowledging the risks for maternal and foetal health. The patient was treated with prophylactic intravenous antibiotics and discharged on oral antibiotics after an eight-day admission. Two days after being discharged, she was readmitted with clinical signs of chorioamnionitis. Within six hours, the preterm premature rupture of membranes singleton was delivered. Three days later, she again presented to the hospital with preterm premature rupture of membranes of one of the dichorionic twins. After discussion with the maternal foetal medicine team, the parents chose to terminate the pregnancy. Delayed interval delivery was not successful in this patient, and it is unclear at which gestational age it is too early to offer expectant management.

Conclusions

The case affirmed the very poor foetal survival rate when the first delivery occurs at under 20 weeks' gestation. A standardised management of delayed interval delivery should be established to assist with consistent parental counselling.

Spontaneous fetal reduction in triplets and prolongation of twin pregnancy for 111 days as an outpatient: a case report

Background

Multiple gestation has been on the rise because of advancement in assisted reproductive technology. Triplet pregnancy is associated with fetal loss and preterm birth as its major complications. Spontaneous triplet pregnancy is rare. In the case of fetal loss, delayed interval delivery has been used to achieve delivery of the retained fetuses. There is no common approach to delayed interval delivery.

Case

A 31-year-old East African lady with spontaneous triplet pregnancy presented to our institution at gestation age of 19 weeks with features of threatened miscarriage. One fetus was miscarried, and delayed interval delivery was done as an outpatient. At gestation age of 35 weeks, she delivered healthy twins by cesarean section.

Conclusion

Delayed interval delivery improves neonatal outcomes of high-order pregnancy after fetal loss even in a resource-limited setting.

Abdelazim and Shikanova suggested protocol of Ain Shams and West Kazakhstan Universities for management of delayed-interval delivery of the second twin: Case report

Background

The incidence of multiple gestations increased after the assisted reproductive techniques. Preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes are the most common complications of multiple gestations. Traditionally, if one fetus is delivered preterm in twin pregnancies, the situation is managed by delivery of the second fetus. Recently, there are reported cases of delayed-interval delivery (DID) of the second twin, with good outcome without established protocol for management of such cases. This report presents the protocol suggested by Abdelazim and Shikanova for the management of DID of the remaining second twin.

Conclusion

The birth weight and the survival rate increased after Abdelazim and Shikanova suggested protocol for management of DID of the remaining second twin without any maternal risks or complications. DID should be done in tertiary centers after informing the parents about the possible risks of keeping the live second twin in the hostile intrauterine environment.