Renin is activated in monochorionic diamniotic twins with birthweight discordance who do not have twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

Abstract

To assess renin, aldosterone, human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in cord blood from monochorionic diamniotic (MD) twins with a birthweight (BW) discordance that do not satisfy the criteria of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Cord blood samples were obtained from 28 MD twins without TTTS. They were divided into two groups on the basis of BW discordance as follows: large (>7.5%) and small (7.5%). Cord blood renin, aldosterone, hANP and BNP levels were measured. Renin levels in MD twins with a large BW discordance were significantly higher than those in MD twins with a small BW discordance, with no significant differences in aldosterone, hANP and BNP levels. A significant correlation was found between renin levels and BW discordance. Renin is activated in MD twins with a BW discordance of >7.5%, even in non-TTTS.