Growth Discordance is not an Independent Risk Factor for Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Twin Pregnancies

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the perinatal characteristics and outcomes in growth discordant monochorionic and dichorionic twin pregnancies concerning the difference of actual weight of each twin (appropriate for gestational age or small for gestational age; AGA or SGA). Methods: We examined normally growth (AGA–AGA) and AGA-SGA monochorionic and dichorionic twin pregnancies with birth (or fetal) weight discordancel (6 AGA-AGA and 54 AGA-SAG monochorionic, and 16 AGA-AGA and 97 AGA-SGA dichorionic twin pregnancies). In addition, we examined normally growth (AGA–AGA) and AGA-SGA monochorionic and dichorionic twin pregnancies with birth (or fetal) weight concordance as control (97 AGA-AGA and 66 AGA-SAG monochorionic, and 359 AGA-AGA and 137 AGA-SGA dichorionic twin pregnancies). Results: Growth discordance in the monochorionic and diamniotic twin pregnancies was associated with adverse outcomes only in the SGA twins of the discordant AGA-SGA twin pregnancies. Conclusion: The presence of growth discordance or growth restriction may not be an independent risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies. doi:10.4021/jcgo14w