The Effectiveness of Routine Cerclage in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Twins

TL;DR

This study examines whether routine cervical cerclage helps prevent preterm births in IVF twin pregnancies with normal cervical length.

Contribution

It evaluates the effectiveness of routine cerclage in IVF twins, a specific subgroup not previously studied.

Findings

Routine cerclage did not significantly reduce preterm birth rates in IVF twins with normal cervical length.

IVF twin pregnancies were associated with late maternal age and low birth weight.

No significant differences in gestational age or birth weight were observed between the groups.

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of twin pregnancies is on the rise worldwide due to assisted reproductive technologies. Cervical dilatation is a frequent complication and can be considered a cause of premature births in twin pregnancies. In vitro fertilization (IVF) twins are more prone to preterm delivery. Routine cervical cerclage with normal cervical length is not recommended in twins, but studies were not done on IVF twins. So, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of routine transvaginal cerclage in twin IVF pregnancies with normal cervical length on maternofetal outcome.

Materials and methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted at a maternity hospital in eastern India from January 2016 to December 2019 with over 21800 deliveries. Two groups were taken, cases were those IVF twins with normal cervical length in whom cervical cerclage was done as they have referred to our hospital from the IVF centers for cerclage and in control no-cervical cerclage as they are referred from other IVF centers where cerclage was not a routine protocol. We have excluded cerclage done for history, ultrasound indicated, uterine anomalies, and monochorionic twins. Fifteen participants were recruited in both cases and controls.

Results: In our study 2 (6.66%), 4 (13%), and 26 (86%) were IVF twins delivered at a gestational age of <28 weeks, 28-32 weeks, and 32-37 weeks, respectively. The mean age of participants, mean gestation age at delivery, and birth weight in cases and control were 35.27 ± 5.98 years (min: 23; max: 45), 32.40 ± 5.54 years (min: 25; max: 44); 34 weeks 2 days ± 3.28 (min: 31; max: 37), 33 weeks 5 days ± 1.66 (min: 25; max: 37); 1961.33 ± 340 gram, 1899.33 ± 437.48 gram, respectively with no statistical significant difference (p = 0.186, p = 1, p = 0.668, respectively)

Conclusion: Routine transvaginal cerclage is not effective in twin IVF pregnancies with normal cervical length for preventing preterm births. IVF twin women usually present at a late age and their birth weight are also low.