Selective reduction
Selective reduction (pronounced: sɪˈlɛktɪv rɪˈdʌkʃən) is a medical procedure used in multiple pregnancies, specifically those resulting from assisted reproductive technology (ART), to reduce the number of fetuses to a safer number. The term originates from the combination of "selective", meaning to choose, and "reduction", meaning to make smaller in size, number, or extent.
Procedure
The procedure is typically performed in the first trimester of pregnancy. It involves the use of ultrasound guidance to inject a solution, usually potassium chloride, into the heart of one or more fetuses. This causes cardiac arrest and the cessation of development of the selected fetus or fetuses. The remaining fetuses continue to develop normally.
Indications
Selective reduction is often recommended in cases of multiple pregnancies where the health of the mother or the fetuses is at risk. Risks associated with multiple pregnancies include preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. Selective reduction can also be used in cases where one or more of the fetuses have been diagnosed with a serious or life-threatening condition.
Ethical considerations
The use of selective reduction has been the subject of ethical debate. Some argue that the procedure is a form of abortion, while others maintain that it is a necessary intervention to protect the health of the mother and the remaining fetuses.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Selective reduction
- Wikipedia's article - Selective reduction
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