Actualización en técnicas y estrategias en la reducción del embarazo multifetal

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Embryonic or fetal reduction consists of the selective interruption of the development of one or more fetuses in a multiple pregnancy. It arises as a result of the increase in assisted reproduction. Its objective is to mitigate maternal-fetal risks and complications. It requires optimal techniques and strategies in its clinical application. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the various techniques and strategies currently employed in the reduction of multifetal pregnancy in order to optimize its clinical application. METHODOLOGY: A positivist paradigm was used through searches in electronic databases specialized in the biomedical field, such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and Web of Science. Original articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in indexed scientific journals from the last five years (2019-2024) were included to ensure up-to-date information. Subsequently, a critical synthesis was carried out highlighting the strengths, limitations of the analyzed techniques, and areas that require further research and development. DEVELOPMENT: Key aspects such as the characteristics and risks of multiple pregnancies, indications and types of fetal reduction, conventional techniques used, as well as emerging approaches of current techniques were addressed. The advantages, disadvantages, success rates and considerations of each technique were analyzed, supported by updated scientific evidence.