The effect of fertility drugs and in vitro methods on the outcome of 106 triplet pregnancies

Objective: To compare the effect of fertility drugs and IVF on the outcome of triplet pregnancies. Design: Prospective clinical study. Setting: A single university medical center. Patients: One hundred six consecutive triplet pregnancies treated from 1984 through 1992. Main Outcome Measures: The frequency of pregnancy loss, livebirths, and antenatal and neonatal complications was compared in spontaneous, clomiphene citrate (CC), menotropins, and IVF triplet pregnancies. Results: Eighty-one of the 106 (76.4%) triplet pregnancies progressed beyond 25 weeks, comprising 6 of 7 (85.7%) spontaneous pregnancies, 13 of 16 (81.2%) CC induced, 44 of 56 (78.6%) menotropin induced, and 18 of 27 (66.6%) IVF gestations. There were no significant differences in the stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates according to the mode of conception. The mean gestational ages and the mean birth weights were similar in the four groups. The frequency of premature contractions, premature rupture of membranes, cesarean section, and neonatal complications were similar in the ovulation induction and IVF pregnancies. Conclusion: Triplet pregnancies after ovulation induction and IVF have a similar outcome.