This study had two objectives. Firstly we assessed the effects of multifetal pregnancy reduction on the mothers' emotional well-being and the relationship with the children during the 2 years following intervention. Secondly at 2 years we compared mothers who had a reduction with mothers who had not and had delivered triplets. The comparisons focused on the mothers' health and their relationship with the children. Women having had a reduction in two hospitals in Paris, between May 1992 and June 1993, were contacted just after intervention for a prospective study. In all, 18 women were included. At 1 and 2 years, 10 women participated. At 2 years, 10 additional women were included. The answers of these 20 mothers were compared to those of 11 consecutive mothers of 2 year old triplets, assessed by the same psychologist in a previous prospective study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at home. The mothers' social characteristics, their parity, the children's condition at birth and 4 months were very similar between the reduction and triplet groups. One year after birth one-third of the women in the reduction group reported persistent depressive symptoms related to the reduction, mainly sadness and guilt. The others made medical and rational comments expressing no emotion. At 2 years all but two women seemed to have overcome the emotional pain associated with the reduction. The comparison with mothers of triplets indicated that the mothers' anxiety and depression, and difficult relationship with the children were less acute in the reduction group. These results presented some limitations, since a high number of women who miscarried or refused to participate in the follow-up were not assessed at 1 and 2 years. However, a majority of women who participated in the study 2 years after intervention seemed able to accept a multifetal pregnancy reduction to achieve parental goals.
INTRODUCTION: Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) is associated with intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) and severity of disease is associated with higher rates of IUFD. Antepartum management of (ICP) is highly variable. Consensus in clinical practice is to encourage delivery at 37 weeks regardless of severity. We evaluated if standardizing the management of ICP based on bile acid level would affect maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: Women diagnosed with ICP and delivered at our hospital were prospectively followed from 01/02/2012-01/01/2018. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were evaluated before and after institution of a standardized management protocol. A 6 month wash-out period was utilized. Statistical methods performed included the Chi Square test, Fischer exact probability test and the two sample t-test. IRB approval was obtained and standards upheld. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients were included in the analysis. The bile acid level was higher in the post guideline group 69 umol/L vs the pre guideline group 30 umol/L (p =0.002). No difference was noted in the cesarean rate (p=0.56), NICU admissions (p=0.075), or 5 minute APGAR (p=0.609). The rate of composite neonatal respiratory morbidity was higher in the post guideline group (p=0.0023). There was one IUFD in the post-guideline group that occurred at 28 weeks in the setting of a twin pregnancy and bile acids of 264. CONCLUSION: Induction at 39 weeks for pregnancies with bile acids 20 or less did increase composite neonatal respiratory morbidity. Guidelines and standardization of care for cholestasis of pregnancy would help reduce variability between providers and deliveries prior to 39 weeks.
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