Twin pregnancies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Ochsenbein-Kölble
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Cervical Length ◽  
Monochorionic Twins ◽  
Diastolic Velocity ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Specialized Care ◽  
Fetal Malformations ◽  
Twin Pregnancies

AbstractTwin pregnancies, resulting in 2–3 % of all deliveries, are high risk pregnancies which need specialized care. A correct dating of pregnancy and the assessment of the chorionicity/amnionicity in the first trimester (< = 13 + 6 gestational weeks, GW) is essential for further monitoring. During first trimester risk stratification of monochorionic pregnancies includes evaluation of discordance of crown-rump-lengths, nuchal translucencies and amniotic fluid. At 16 GW sonographic risk evaluation of monochorionic twins involves differences in amniotic fluid and abdominal circumferences and detection of a velamentous cord insertion. A screening for fetal malformations with cervical length measurement as screening for preterm birth (cut-off < 25 mm) should be offered all twin pregnancies around 20 GW. In uncomplicated dichorionic pregnancies US examination should be performed every 4 weeks onwards to check fetal growth and amniotic fluid. An intertwin weight discordance > 20 % identifies pregnancies at increased risk of adverse outcome. Monochorionic pregnancies should be followed at least every two weeks for screening of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), twin-anemia-polycythemia-sequence (TAPS) and selective fetal growth retardation (sFGR) with a start at 16 GW. The type 1–3 classification of sFGR in monochorionic twins depends on the pattern of end-diastolic velocity at the umbilical artery Doppler. The diagnosis of TTTS requires the presence of an oligyohydramnios (deepest vertical pocket (DVP) < 2 cm) in the donor twin and a polyhydramnios (DVP > 8 cm) in the recipient twin. However, the diagnosis of TAPS is based on the finding of discordant MCA Doppler values with a delta-MCA PV > 0.5 MoM.

scholarly journals Assessing an impact on perinatal outcome in monochorionic and dichorionic twin pregnancy complicated with discordant fetal growth

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-60
Author(s):  
K. V. Kostyukov ◽  
K. A. Gladkova ◽  
O. V. Ionov
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Twin Pregnancy ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Monochorionic Twins ◽  
Monochorionic Twin ◽  
Antenatal Period ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Twin Pregnancies

Introduction. Multifetal pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Type of placentation and discordant fetal growth may be risk factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes.Aim: to compare an impact of dichorionic and monochorionic twin pregnancies with symmetric and discordant fetal growth on perinatal outcomes, as well as morbidity and mortality.Materials and Methods. There was conducted a retrospective study of 485 pregnant women and paired 959 newborns. Depending on the type of chorionicity, subjects were stratified into two study groups being further subdivided into based on describing fetal weight discordance. The antenatal period and the neonatal outcome of newborns in groups and subgroups were compared.Results. We analyzed 308 dichorionic and 177 monochorionic twin pregnancies. It was found that neonate discordant growth was observed in 5.4 % and 13.4 % (p < 0.001), respectively. The incidence of assisted reproductive technologies was higher in dichorionic than in monochorionic twins comprising 66.5 and 40.7 % (р < 0.001). Antenatal mortality in monochorionic vs. dichorionic twins was by 8-fold higher. The preterm birth rate in monochorionic vs. dichorionic twins was 74.6 and 62.7% (p = 0.009), respectively. Neonate body weight in monochorionic vs. dichorionic twins was lowered comprising 1991 and 2430 gr. (р < 0.001), respectively. Low Apgar scores were more common for monochorionic twins with discordant body weight. The rate of early neonatal mortality in monochorionic vs. dichorionic twins was 4.4 % vs. 1.5 % (p = 0.009), whereas in dichorionic vs. monochorionic twins with weight discordance it was up to 5.8 and 10.5% (р < 0.001), respectively.Conclusion. Monochorionic twin pregnancy complicated with growth discordance is associated with a higher risk of adverse antenatal period as well as neonatal morbidity and mortality compared to symmetric DCDA twins. Chorionicity and growth discordancy represent important predictors for outcome of twin pregnancy.

The role of ultrasound in the prediction of birth weight discordance in twin pregnancies: are we there yet?

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Raquel Neves ◽  
Filipa Nunes ◽  
Miguel Branco ◽  
Maria do Céu Almeida ◽  
Isabel Santos Silva
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Fetal Growth Restriction ◽  
Predictive Performance ◽  
Growth Restriction ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
Fetal Malformations ◽  
Twin Pregnancies

AbstractObjective:To analyze the accuracy of ultrasound prediction of birth weight discordance (BWD) and the influence of chorionicity and fetal growth restriction (FGR) on ultrasound performance.Methods:Retrospective analysis of 176 twin pregnancies at a Portuguese tertiary center, between 2008 and 2014. Last ultrasound biometry was recorded. Cases with delivery before 24 weeks, fetal malformations, interval between last ultrasound and deliver >3 weeks, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and monoamniotic pregnancies were excluded. The accuracy of prediction of BWD was assessed using the area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC).Results:BWD ≥20% was present in 21.6% of twin pregnancies. EBW had the best predictive performance for BWD (AUC 0.838, 95%CI 0.760–0.916), with a negative predictive value of 86.9% and a positive predictive value of 51.3%. Chorionicity did not influence ultrasound performance. None of the biometric variables analyzed was predictive of BWD in pregnancies without FGR.Conclusion:The accuracy of ultrasound in the prediction of BWD is limited, particularly in pregnancies without fetal growth restriction. Clinical decisions should not rely on BWD alone.

First-trimester fetal growth discordance and development of preeclampsia in dichorionic twin pregnancies

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya Maric ◽  
Natasha Singh ◽  
Keith Duncan ◽  
Guy J. Thorpe-Beeston ◽  
Makrina D. Savvidou
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Crown Rump Length ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Twin Pregnancies ◽  
Control Study

AbstractTo investigate the relation between first-trimester fetal growth discrepancy, as assessed by crown-rump length (CRL) at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks of gestation, and subsequent development of preeclampsia (PE) in dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies. The association between inter-twin CRL and birth weight (BW) discrepancy was also investigated.This was a retrospective, case-control study of DCDA twin pregnancies. Inter-twin CRL discrepancy was calculated as 100×(larger CRL–smaller CRL)/larger CRL. BW discordance was calculated as 100×(larger BW–smaller BW)/larger BW.The study included 299 DCDA pregnancies that remained normotensive and 35 that subsequently developed PE. There was no significant difference in the inter-twin CRL discrepancy between pregnancies complicated by PE and those that were not [3.2%, interquartile range (IQR): 0.5–4.5% vs. 3.3%, IQR: 1.4–5.5%; P=0.17]. There was a positive correlation between inter-twin CRL and BW discrepancy but only in pregnancies that remained normotensive (P<0.001). In women that subsequently developed PE, there was no association between inter-twin CRL and BW discordance (P=0.54).In unselected DCDA twins, first-trimester CRL discrepancy is not different between pregnancies that subsequently develop PE and those that remain normotensive. Furthermore, in pregnancies that are complicated by PE, the association between inter-twin CRL and BW discrepancy appears to be lost.

Mid-pregnancy cervical length as a risk factor for cesarean section in women with twin pregnancies

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 780-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Su Jin Sung ◽  
Seung Mi Lee ◽  
Sohee Oh ◽  
Joo Hee Choi ◽  
Jee Yoon Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Cesarean Section ◽  
Cervical Length ◽  
Spontaneous Preterm Birth ◽  
Short Cervix ◽  
Trial Of Labor ◽  
Nulliparous Women ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Twin Pregnancies

Abstract Objective: It is well known that a short cervix at mid-pregnancy is a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth in both singleton and twin gestations. Recent evidence also suggests that a long cervix at mid-pregnancy is a predictor of the risk of cesarean section (C/S) in singleton gestation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a long cervix at mid-pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of C/S in women with twin pregnancies. Methods: We enrolled 746 women pregnant with twins whose cervical length was measured by trans-vaginal ultrasonography at a mean of 22 weeks of gestation and who delivered in our institution. Cases with a short cervix [cervical length (CL) <15 mm] were excluded. Cases were divided into four groups according to the quartile of CL. Results: The rate of C/S increased according to the quartile of CL (47% in the 1st quartile, 51% in the 2nd quartile, 56% in the 3rd quartile and 62% in the 4th quartile, P<0.005, χ2 for trend). CL was an independent risk factor for C/S even after adjustment for confounding variables. When confining analysis to women who delivered after a trial of labor (n=418), to nulliparous women (n=633) or to those who delivered at late preterm or full term (n=666), the rate of C/S also increased according to the quartile of CL, and the relationship between CL and the risk of C/S remained significant after adjustment in each group. Conclusion: In women pregnant with twins, long CL at mid-pregnancy was a risk factor for C/S.

scholarly journals Cervical Length and Androgens in Pregnant Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Has Metformin Any Effect?

2016 ◽  
Vol 101 (6) ◽  
pp. 2325-2331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tone Shetelig Løvvik ◽  
Solhild Stridsklev ◽  
Sven M. Carlsen ◽  
Øyvind Salvesen ◽  
Eszter Vanky
Keyword(s):  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Preterm Delivery ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Cervical Length ◽  
Cervical Ripening ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Gestational Week ◽  
Androgen Levels

Abstract Context: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have increased risk of preterm delivery. Shortening of the cervix is a sign of preterm delivery. Objective: This study aimed to investigate potential effect of metformin on cervical length and whether androgen levels correlate with cervical length in PCOS pregnancies. Design and Setting: This was a sub-study of a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study (The PregMet study) performed at 11 secondary or tertiary centers from 2005 to 2009. Participants: Two-hundred sixty-one pregnancies of 245 women with PCOS, age 18–42 years participated. Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to metformin or placebo from first trimester to delivery. Outcome Measurements: We compared cervical length and androgen levels in metformin and placebo groups at gestational weeks 19 and 32. We also explored whether cervical length correlated with androgen levels. Results: We found no difference in cervical length between the metformin and the placebo groups at gestational week 19 and 32. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) tended to be higher in the metformin group. There were no correlations between androgens and cervical length at week 19. At gestational week 32, androstenedione (P = .02) and DHEAS (P = .03) showed a trend toward negative correlation to cervical length. High androstenedione level correlated with shortening of cervical length from week 19 to 32 when adjusted for confounders (P = .003). T (P = .03), DHEAS (P = .02), and free testosterone index (P = .03) showed a similar trend. Conclusion: Metformin in pregnancy did not affect cervical length in women with PCOS. High maternal androgen levels correlated with cervical shortening from the second to the third trimester of pregnancy, as a sign of cervical ripening.

scholarly journals Triploidies in First and Second Trimesters of Pregnancies in Turkey

2007 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z Yilmaz ◽  
F Sahin ◽  
E Tarim ◽  
E Kuscu
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Fetal Loss ◽  
Maternal Serum ◽  
Trisomy 18 ◽  
Amniotic Fluid Cell ◽  
Spontaneous Abortions ◽  
Maternal Serum Screening ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Fetal Malformations ◽  
Karyotype Analyses

Triploidies in First and Second Trimesters of Pregnancies in TurkeyTriploidy is the most common chromosomal abnormality in human conceptions that cause fetal loss before 20 weeks of gestation and has an incidence of 1 in 10,000 live births. Placental changes, fetal malformations and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) occur in triploid pregnancies. We performed karyotype analyses of 75 spontaneous abortions and 1,114 amniotic fluid cultures by conventional methods between 2002 and 2005 at our cytogenetics laboratory. Triploidy was detected in five spontaneous abortions and four amniotic fluid samples. Abortions were between the 9th and 13th weeks of pregnancy, and cytogenetic analyses revealed a 69, XXY karyotype in four of the aborted fetuses and a 69, XXX karyotype in one. Amniotic fluid cell cultures revealed a 69, XXX karyotype in three cases and 69, XXY in one. Amniocentesis was performed in four patients because of an increased trisomy 18 risk detected in maternal serum screening. In pregnant women undergoing second trimester amniocentesis, increased risk for trisomy 18 may be due to triploidy and should be taken into account during genetic counseling.

Outcome of monochorionic-biamniotic twins conceived by assisted reproduction: a population-based study

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreja Trojner Bregar ◽  
Isaac Blickstein ◽  
Ivan Verdenik ◽  
Miha Lucovnik ◽  
Natasa Tul
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproduction ◽  
Perinatal Outcomes ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Monochorionic Twins ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Maternal Characteristics ◽  
Assisted Reproduction Technology ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Adverse Perinatal Outcomes ◽  
Twin Pregnancies

AbstractObjecive:To evaluate the perinatal outcome of monochorionic-diamniotic twins conceived by assisted reproduction technology (ART).Methods:We compared data from a national population-based perinatal registry on perinatal outcomes of monochorionic-diamniotic twins conceived by ART with their dichorionic counterparts and with spontaneous monochorionic-diamniotic twins. We compared maternal characteristics, pregnancy complications and perinatal outcomes.Results:Monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancies (n=45) comprised 5.5% of all ART twins, and 9.3% of all monochorionic twins in this dataset. ART does not appear to increase the already high risk of monochorionicity compared to spontaneous conception, with the latter having an increased incidence for birth weight <1500 g [odds ratio (OD) 2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–5.4].Conclusion:Our results disagree with hospital-based data and suggest that monochorionic-diamniotic twins following ART are not at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes compared to spontaneous monochorionic-diamniotic twins as well as to dichorionc twins conceived by ART.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Levels in Twins and Its Correlation With Discordance

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuat Emre Canpolat ◽  
Ferhat Çekmez ◽  
Serdar Ümit Sarici ◽  
Ayşe Korkmaz ◽  
Murat Yurdakok
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Genetic Similarity ◽  
Insulin Like Growth Factor ◽  
Maternal Environment ◽  
Monochorionic Twins ◽  
Correlation Tests ◽  
Discordant Twins ◽  
Twin Pregnancies ◽  
Second Twin

This study aims to determine whether fetal growth is related to insulin-like growth factor-1 in dichorionic and monochorionic twins and also aims to investigate the correlation of insulin-like growth factor-1 to birthweight discordance in twins. We studied 100 women with twin pregnancies. The correlation tests of 36 discordant twins (15 monochorionic, 21 dichorionic) showed correlation between insulin-like growth factor-1 difference and birthweight discordance (insulin-like growth factor-1 vs. birthweight of first twin,r= +0.915, at 0.01 level, IGF-1 vs birthweight of second twinr= +0.790, at 0.01 level). In 49 monochorionic twins, independent of discordance, there was a correlation between birthweight discordance and insulin-like growth factor-1 difference (r= .538, at the 0.01 level). This correlation was not significant in dichorionic twins,r= .144,p= .01. These data suggest that growth discordances of twins exposed to the same maternal environment may be due to variations in IGF-1, depending upon the genetic similarity.

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