Objective: To evaluate delayed interval deliveries in multiple gestations in regard of delayed interval and neonatal survival and to provide a protocol.
Methods: Data of multiple pregnancies with delayed interval delivery at a tertiary maternity unit between 2002 and 2017 were collected. Contraindications for evaluation of a delay of the delivery of the remaining child were: severe maternal blood loss, poor maternal general condition, preeclampsia, placental abruption, fetal distress, serious congenital malformations of the remaining child, chorioamnionitis, and premature rupture of membranes of the second fetus. A total of 14 cases was included in this retrospective monocentric analysis.
Results: The cohort comprised nine twin and five triplet pregnancies. Mean gestational age at delivery of the first fetus was 21 + 6 and 26 + 0 of the retained fetus, respectively. The earliest delivery of the first fetus was at 15 + 2 weeks. The mean interval of the delay was 29.3 days (2-82 days). Mortality of the first fetuses was 53.3%, while it was 17.6% for the retained fetuses. Maternal outcome was good in general: two cases of major blood loss occurred with the necessity of a blood transfusion.
Conclusion: Delayed interval delivery is a reasonable approach in cases of an imminent preterm birth in multiple gestations which can be performed with a good fetal outcome and limited maternal risks. The situation when this procedure may be an option always comes unexpected. Therefore, the team of perinatologists should keep it in mind as one potential therapeutic approach. In addition, a standard protocol for the procedure should be established in the perinatal center.
Keywords: Delayed interval delivery; Multiple gestations; Preterm birth; Triplets; Twins.