This comprehensive review explores the practice of fetal reduction through potassium chloride infusion in unruptured heterotopic pregnancies. Heterotopic pregnancies, characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of intrauterine and extrauterine gestations, present unique challenges in reproductive medicine. The review defines fetal reduction and underscores its significance in mitigating risks associated with heterotopic pregnancies, including the threat of rupture, maternal morbidity, and adverse outcomes. The analysis encompasses the background, methods, efficacy, ethical considerations, and future directions related to the procedure. Findings highlight the efficacy and safety of potassium chloride infusion, emphasizing the importance of proper patient selection and counseling. Implications for clinical practice underscore the procedure's viability in specific cases where the benefits outweigh the associated risks. The review concludes with recommendations for future studies, encouraging further research on procedural techniques, alternative methods, and the psychosocial impact on patients. This work is a foundation for advancing the management of unruptured heterotopic pregnancies, providing insights for clinicians and researchers to improve clinical outcomes and patient care.
Keywords: clinical outcomes; fetal reduction; potassium chloride infusion; reproductive medicine; risk mitigation; unruptured heterotopic pregnancy.
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