Prenatal diagnosis of thalassemia in twin pregnancies in mainland China

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe our experience with prenatal diagnosis of thalassemia in twin pregnancies at a tertiary referral centre in mainland China. All cases of twin pregnancies at risk of α- or β-thalassemias were followed over an eight-year period. There were 32 twin pregnancies at a mean gestation of 14 weeks (range, 11–21 weeks) at risk of thalassemias, including 19 at risk of α-thalassemia and 13 at risk of β-thalassemia. Chorionicity was determined by ultrasound before prenatal diagnosis. In 19 twin pregnancies at risk of α-thalassemia, there were four where both foetuses were affected, 13 where both foetuses were not affected, and two where one foetus was affected and the other one was not affected. In 13 twin pregnancies at risk of β-thalassemia, there were five where both foetuses were affected, six where both foetuses were not affected, and two where one foetus was affected and the other one was not affected. The pregnancies with two affected foetuses were aborted (including four affected by α-thalassemia and five affected by β-thalassemia), and in pregnancies with one normal twin and one affected twin, the affected foetuses were selectively aborted (including two twins affected by α-thalassemia, and two twins affected by β-thalassemia). Efforts should be taken to reduce the risks of the mother and foetuses in prenatal diagnosis without compromising the precise diagnosis.