Iranian Journal of Neonatology

Iranian Journal of Neonatology

A Comparison of Perinatal and Neonatal Outcomes between Complicated Monochorionic Triamniotic and Dichorionic Triamniotic Pregnancies after Selective Fetal Reduction by Radiofrequency Ablation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Fatemeh Rahimi-Sharbaf 1
Mahboobeh Shirazi 1
Fatemeh Golshahi 1
Behrokh Sahebdel 1
Zeinab Assareh 2
Hamideh Parsapour 3
1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yas Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Hamadan, Iran
3 Clinical Research Development Unit of Fatemieh Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
10.22038/ijn.2026.90397.2756
Abstract
Background: Triplet pregnancies are associated with significant perinatal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, often necessitating selective fetal reduction (SFR) to improve outcomes. This study compares perinatal and neonatal outcomes between complicated monochorionic triamniotic (MC-TA) and dichorionic triamniotic (DC-TA) triplet pregnancies undergoing selective fetal reduction using radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
Methods: This retrospective cohort study, conducted at Yas Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from March 2017 to March 2024, included all complicated MC-TA and DC-TA triplet pregnancies undergoing RFA between 16 and 26 weeks’ gestation. Outcomes included live birth rate, miscarriage rate, gestational age at delivery, and neonatal metrics (birth weight, Apgar scores, and neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] admission). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Of 32 triplet pregnancies (20 DC-TA and 12 MC-TA), the mean gestational age at RFA was significantly lower in MC-TA (19.58 ± 1.8 weeks) than in DC-TA (22.3 ± 2.1 weeks; p = 0.005). Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) was the primary indication for MC-TA (50%), while selective fetal growth restriction (FGR) predominated in DC-TA (45%). The overall pregnancy survival rate was 78.1%, with live birth rates of 70% in MC-TA and 74.3% in DC-TA (p = 0.72). Miscarriage rates were 25% in MC-TA and 20% in DC-TA (p = 0.68). Mean gestational age at delivery (MC-TA: 35.1 ± 2.3 weeks; DC-TA: 34.4 ± 3.0 weeks; p = 0.51) and neonatal outcomes (birth weight, Apgar scores, and NICU admission) were comparable.
Conclusion: RFA is an effective intervention for selective fetal reduction in complicated triplet pregnancies, yielding a 78.1% pregnancy survival rate with no significant differences in perinatal or neonatal outcomes between MC-TA and DC-TA groups. RFA is recommended as a safe, minimally invasive option, with post-procedure ultrasound monitoring advised to mitigate complications.
Keywords
Dichorionic triamniotic
Monochorionic triamniotic
Neonatal outcomes
Perinatal outcomes
Radiofrequency ablation
Selective fetal reduction
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Iranian Journal of Neonatology
Volume 17, Issue 4
Autumn 2026
Pages 3-9