Study population
We conducted a retrospective study of patients with complicated MC
multiple pregnancies who underwent selective reduction by RFA in single
fetal therapy center between 2015 Jan and 2018 Dec. According to the
difference of the needle insert angle, the study subjects were divided
into two groups, abdominal insert angle group (n=116) and dorsal insert
angle group(n=29). those who underwent dorsal needle insertion were all
due to being positioned prone continuously throughout the procedure.
Prior to the procedure, a comprehensive ultrasound examination was
performed in order to confirm the gestational age and chorionicity, and
also to confirm the diagnosis and staging of complicated MC multiple
gestation. RFA was one option of fetal therapy methods for all case of
complicated MC multiple pregnancies such as triplets, quadruplets, TTTS,
sIUGR, TRAP, TAPs, and discordance for structural anomalies. Since more
than one intrauterine treatment options were available for each case,
all pregnant women and their husbands received a thorough consultation
prior to the procedure of RFA.
All pregnant women rolled in the study have given their written informed
consent and that the study protocol was approved by the committee of
local hospital on human research.