Authors: Gleicher, Norbert; Barad, David H

Source: Expert Review of Obstretrics and Gynecology, Volume 3, Number 4, July 2008 , pp. 481-486(6)

Publisher: Expert Reviews

Abstract:

Twin pregnancies are widely considered to carry higher risks for mothers and offspring than singleton deliveries. Therefore, authorities have increasingly argued in favor of reducing the high prevalence of twin pregnancies after fertility treatments. Attempts at such a reduction with IVF have been the primary motivation for the increasing popularity of single-embryo transfer (SET). If it were to be proved that the outcome risks of twin pregnancies do not exceed those of singletons and if data suggested that twin pregnancies may, indeed, represent a more cost-effective approach for most infertility patients towards building a family, the basic rationale for SET would, therefore, be eliminated. Such data were recently developed and are reviewed here. The conclusions from those data are that, in a vast majority of infertility patients, SET is outright contraindicated and should not be offered, except as part of experimental studies and with appropriate informed consents. Only patients with obstetrical contraindications to twinning and infertility patients with specific desire for only one offspring should be considered candidates for SET.

Keywords: cost; embryo transfer; IVF; maternal risk; multiple births; perinatal risk; twin pregnancy; twins

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1586/17474108.3.4.481

Affiliations: 1: Center for Human Reproduction - New York and the Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, NY, USA; and The Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA., Email: ngleicher@thechr.com

Publication date: 2008-07-01

More about this publication?

• Expert Review of Obstetircs and Gynecology provides a unique forum for critical and cutting-edge assessments in this diverse therapeutic area. With rigorous editorial policies, this timely publication is dedicated to complete and comprehensive coverage of key issues in women's healthcare.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Information for Advertisers
• Terms & Conditions
• Information for Librarians
• Free Trials
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Gleicher, Norbert ;  Barad, David H

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers