[Embryo reduction in multiple pregnancies. A French multicenter study].

Objective: To study the outcome of multifetal pregnancy embryo reductions (MFPR) in France.

Study Design: A retrospective questionnaire multicenter survey was conducted in 11 French centers. 262 consecutive MFPR were collected. Miscarriage and prematurity rates were analyzed as a function of the starting number of embryos, the finishing number after MFPR, and the technique of MFPR.

Results: There were 41 pregnancy losses before 24 weeks (16%), and 221 deliveries at 25 menstrual weeks or later (84%). Prematurity was significantly correlated to the finishing number of embryos following MFPR. However, even when a single embryo was left, there were 30% of premature deliveries.

Conclusion: MFPR decreases the risk of prematurity in multifetal pregnancies of high order, and this is best achieved when a single embryo is left.