Omphalocele-exstrophy-imperforate anus-spinal defects (OEIS) in triplet pregnancy after IVF and CVS

BACKGROUND: Omphalocele-exstrophy-imperforate anus-spinal defects (OEIS) complex is a rare sporadic condition. CASE: We identified an infant with major malformations resembling OEIS. He was the product of a 30-week triplet pregnancy conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and evaluated by chorionic villi sampling (CVS). In this article, we review the possible pathogenetic mechanisms in this case, including IVF, multiple gestation, trauma to the uterus or uterine vessels following CVS, and placenta accreta. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the cumulative effects of all or some of these factors may have resulted in uteroplacental insufficiency adequate to produce this phenotype. This case provides additional evidence for the uterine vascular pathogenesis of OEIS complex in humans. (C) 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.