Abstract

Introduction

It is well known that cervical incompetence and associated preterm birth confers greater morbidity and mortality on birth outcomes, with an additional increased risk of cervical incompetence in higher order gestations. While the pathophysiology of cervical incompetence has yet to be elucidated, research has identified risk factors and assessed outcomes of numerous interventions. Cervical cerclage has been shown, in certain situations involving singleton pregnancies, to improve outcomes. Conversely, rescue cerclage increases the risk of preterm birth in twin gestations. However, these studies did not consider the unique situation of infertile patients, with known cervical incompetence, who have utilized assisted reproductive technologies to attain pregnancy. This study aims to describe the outcomes of infertile patients with known cervical incompetence, carrying twin gestation, who have undergone cervical cerclage.

Methods

This case series includes eight infertile patients who have cervical incompetence resulting in fetal loss between 20-24 weeks after in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET). These patients continued with IVF treatments and subsequently conceived twins. All patients underwent prophylactic cervical cerclage placement before 12 weeks. The outcomes of these pregnancies are reviewed.

Results

All pregnancies resulted in the delivery of viable twins. Six of the eight pregnancies (75%) were carried beyond 34 weeks. One pregnancy delivered at 31 weeks and one pregnancy delivered at 25 weeks after placental abruption.

Conclusions

This data suggest that the use of prophylactic cervical cerclage may be beneficial in improving reproductive outcomes in infertile patients with known cervical incompetence that subsequently conceived twin gestations via IVF-ET treatment.