Multiple Pregnancy: Epidemiology, Gestation, and Perinatal Outcome PDF

Preface

The first edition of this book was completed in 1992–93 and published in 1995. It attempted to provide a broad and inclusive perspective about the most common form of multiples, i.e. twins. At that time, no one, the editors included, could envision three dramatic events which changed the medical profession's opinions about multiples, a previously rare phenomenon. First was the emergence of the epidemic of multiple pregnancies observed worldwide, including high-order multiples. Second, and clearly a result of the first event, the relevant literature exploded, as shown in Figure 1. Finally, clinical management changed to embrace new technology, which was designed to care for these high-risk pregnancies and infants. Stated in other words, few areas in reproductive care encompassed modern technologies so intensively, so rapidly, and without geographic barriers.

The visionary foresight of David Bloomer, Managing Director of what was then the Parthenon Publishing Group, enabled the editors of this volume, working with others, to describe this epidemic in the monograph Iatrogenic Multiple Pregnancy: Clinical Implications (Figure 2a). Eventually, the co-editors, in association with Matria Healthcare, produced the first and only large-scale assessment of the most hazardous type of high-order multiples in the monograph Triplet Pregnancies and Their Consequences

In November 2002 we decided that it was not only the right time but absolutely necessary to revise the original publication Multiple Pregnancy: Epidemiology, Gestation and Perinatal Outcome, which was almost 10 years old (Figure 2c). From the outset, it was clear that this should be a complete rewrite. Further, it became evident that the text should include as wide a knowledge base as possible, so that the new findings of the past decade could attain proper recognition. A comparison of the tables of contents of the respective first and second editions says it all.

Clearly, this type of effort could not be a two-man show, and the co-editors invited a galaxy of experts from around the world to share their experience. To avoid gaps, topics were assigned that occasionally overlapped. The editors, however, must acknowledge certain limitations of this plan. First and foremost is repetition, either in the introductions of specific chapters, or in their bodies. Readers must recognize, however, that in a multiauthor text, the removal of such material would have entailed significant rewriting of the book even before it was printed. We beg your indulgence.

Second, it is apparent that some chapters have a far greater clinical orientation than others. Nonetheless, as our intent was to produce a compendium of current knowledge and experience, we believe that the juxtaposition of these types of treatises is appropriate, as the readership of this volume will desire different types of information.

The co-editors, once again, wish to offer their sincere thanks, gratitude and appreciation to their good friend and colleague, David Teplica, MD, MFA for his gracious and continuous willingness to enhance the esthetic properties of our current and previous published productions. David's photographic work is in a class of its own, renowned throughout the world in the lay and medical press, in public art galleries and in private collections.

Next, thanks go to Col. Donald Keith, the genetic copy of one of the co-editors (L.G.K.) and a dear friend of the other (I.B.), for his continuous support, constructive criticism, knowledgeable input and gallant camaraderie.

Last but not least, it is entirely appropriate to say thank you once again to the Parthenon team, starting with David Bloomer and Mrs Jean Wright, and currently transformed into Taylor and Francis with Mr Nick Dunton, Mrs Pamela Lancaster, and Mr Gerald Myers. Our numerous discussions have produced what we hope will be the ‘definitive' text on multiples. The reader will especially appreciate the decision to include changes in textual format and style, and the addition of color images throughout.