Characteristics of monochorionic-diamniotic growth-retarded twins during the third trimester.

Abstract

The goal of this study was to assess the characteristics of monochorionic-diamniotic (MD) growth-retarded twin infants with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) compared with those without TTTS during the third trimester. Retrospective analyses of the growth patterns and amniotic fluid volumes were performed on 5 MD twin pregnancies in which one or both twins showed growth retardation with TTTS, and the results weve compared with those without TTTS. Eighty-three percent of growth-retarded twin infants without TTTS in MD twin gestation showed an asymmetric growth pattern, while all TTTS cases showed a symmetric pattern (p < 0.05). Polyhydramnios of the co-twin was found in 80% of TTTS cases, while no polyhydramnios was found in patients without TTTS (p < 0.05). Assessment of growth patterns and amniotic fluid volume may be useful to exclude the possibility of TTTS in MD growth-retarded twin pregnancies during the third trimester.

• Authors: S Suzuki, S Okudaira, R Sawa, Y Yoneyama, H Asakura, S Shin, K Kaneko, T Araki
• Journal: Nihon Ika Daigaku zasshi (Nihon Ika Daigaku Zasshi) Vol. 66 Issue 5 Pg. 300-4 (Oct 1999) ISSN: 0048-0444 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 10547994 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Twin Study)

Topics

• Adult
• Amnion (diagnostic imaging)
• Amniotic Fluid
• Chorion (diagnostic imaging)
• Female
• Fetal Growth Retardation (complications, diagnostic imaging)
• Fetofetal Transfusion (complications, diagnosis)
• Humans
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Trimester, Third
• Pregnancy, Multiple
• Retrospective Studies
• Ultrasonography, Prenatal