Perinatal Outcomes In Twin Pregnancies Research Articles

Perinatal Outcome in Twin Pregnancy

Perinatal Outcome in Twin Pregnancy

Cerclage for Management of Twin Pregnancies With Short Cervical Length: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study [33D

INTRODUCTION: Cerclage for prevention of preterm birth (PTB) in twin pregnancies with short cervical length (CL) remains controversial. The study purpose was to compare perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies with short CL managed with cerclage vs no cerclage. METHODS: Single-center retrospective cohort study of twin pregnancies with transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) CL less than or equal to 25mm between 16 and 24 weeks gestation from 2010 to 2016. Monoamniotic, anomalous, or aneuploid fetuses, and pregnancies with indicated PTB were excluded. Primary outcomes were mean gestational age (GA) at delivery, interval from diagnosis to delivery, and birth weight. Secondary outcomes were incidence of PTB less than 28, 32, 34, and 37 weeks, cesarean section, low Apgar (less than 7), and NICU admission. RESULTS: Twenty-two women were included, twelve managed with cerclage and ten without. Mean GA at delivery was significantly higher, 32.8 ± 3.59 vs 29.3 ± 5.31 weeks (P=.0122); interval from diagnosis to delivery was significantly prolonged, 96.58 ± 23.36 vs 51.1 ± 27.71 days (P=.0001); and neonatal birth weight was significantly higher, 1990.58 ± 670.06 vs 1477.35 ± 796.90 (P=.0252) in the cerclage vs no cerclage group. Incidence of PTB less than 34 weeks GA was significantly less 33.33% vs 80% (P=.0027) and low Apgar was significantly lower 4.17% vs 30% (P=0.0353) in the cerclage vs no cerclage group. CONCLUSION: Cerclage placement in twin pregnancies with short CL was associated with higher mean GA at delivery, prolongation of pregnancy by 45 days, and decreased PTB less than 34 weeks GA compared to no cerclage.

Adverse pregnancy, birth, and infant outcomes in twins: effects of maternal fertility status and infant gender combinations; the Massachusetts Outcomes Study of Assisted Reproductive Technology

It is unknown whether the risk of adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies among subfertile women, conceived with and without invitro fertilization, differs from those conceived spontaneously. We sought to evaluate the effects of fertility status on adverse perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies on a population basis. All twin live births of ≥22 weeks' gestation and ≥350 g birthweight to Massachusetts resident women in 2004 through 2010 were linked to hospital discharge records, vital records, and invitro fertilization cycles. Women were categorized by their fertility status as invitro fertilization, subfertile, or fertile, and by twin pair genders (all, like, unlike). Women whose births linked to invitro fertilization cycles were classified as invitro fertilization; those with indicators of subfertility but without invitro fertilization treatment were classified as subfertile; all others were classified as fertile. Risks of 6 adverse pregnancy outcomes (gestational diabetes, pregnancy hypertension, uterine bleeding, placental complications [placenta abruptio, placenta previa, and vasa previa], prenatal hospitalizations, and primary cesarean) and 9 adverse infant outcomes (very low birthweight, low birthweight, small-for-gestation birthweight, large-for-gestation birthweight, very preterm [<32 weeks], preterm, birth defects, neonatal death, and infant death) were modeled by fertility status with the fertile group as reference, using multivariate log binomial regression and reported as adjusted relative risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The study population included 10,352 women with twin pregnancies (6090 fertile, 724 subfertile, and 3538 invitro fertilization). Among all twins, the risks for all 6 adverse pregnancy outcomes were significantly increased for the subfertile and invitro fertilization groups, with highest risks for uterine bleeding (adjusted relative risk ratios, 1.92 and 2.58, respectively) and placental complications (adjusted relative risk ratios, 2.07 and 1.83, respectively). Among all twins, the risks for those born to subfertile women were significantly increased for very preterm birth and neonatal and infant death (adjusted relative risk ratios, 1.36, 1.89, and 1.87, respectively). Risks were significantly increased among invitro fertilization twins for very preterm birth, preterm birth, and birth defects (adjusted relative risk ratios, 1.28, 1.07, and 1.26, respectively). Risks of all maternal and most infant adverse outcomes were increased for subfertile and invitro fertilization twins. Among all twins, the highest risks were for uterine bleeding and placental complications for the subfertile and invitro fertilization groups, and neonatal and infant death in the subfertile group. These findings provide further evidence supporting single embryo transfer and more cautious use of ovulation induction.

Multifetal reduction of triplets to twins compared with non-reduced twins: a meta-analysis

The current systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies following multifetal pregnancy reduction (MPR) compared with non-reduced twins. We considered all studies comparing perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies following MPR to non-reduced twin pregnancies. Our search yielded 639 publications, of which 91 were assessed for eligibility. A total of 22 studies met our inclusion criteria. Overall, fetal reduction of triplets to twins resulted in comparable perinatal outcomes to non-reduced twins with regards to gestational age and birthweight at delivery, pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks, as well as the development of gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Of all outcomes, only the Caesarean section rate was significantly higher in the MPR group compared with the non-reduced twins group with an odds ratio of 1.95 (95% confidence interval 1.33–2.87). This meta-analysis suggests that MPR of triplet pregnancies to twins is associated with comparable perinatal outcomes to that of non-reduced twins. This information can further help in guiding, and probably reassuring, clinician and patient decision-making when faced with high-order multifetal pregnancies.

Impact of oocyte donation on perinatal outcome in twin pregnancies

To compare perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies after oocyte donation (OD), invitro fertilization (IVF) with autologous oocyte (AO), and non-IVF conception. Five-year retrospective cohort study. Tertiary university medical center. All patients with twin pregnancies who gave birth after 24weeks of gestation. The outcomes of 102 OD twin pregnancies were compared with those of 201 AO and 369 non-IVF twin pregnancies. None. Obstetrical complications (pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, cholestasis, preterm rupture of membranes, mode of delivery, and postpartum hemorrhage) and neonatal outcome (preterm birth, low birth weight, neonatal hospitalization, and perinatal mortality). There was an increased incidence of preeclampsia (OD 26.5%, AO 7.0%, non-IVF 8.7%) and postpartum hemorrhage (OD 23.5%, AO 12.4%, non-IVF 7.6%) in the OD group compared with the AO and non-IVF groups. After adjustment for confounding factors, including maternal age and chorionicity, the risk of preeclampsia remained higher in the OD group, as did the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. The OD group was not at higher risk than the AO and non-IVF groups for other complications, particularly for preterm birth or low birth weight. OD twin pregnancies are associated with a higher risk of preeclampsia and postpartum hemorrhage than AO and non-IVF twin pregnancies.

Perinatal Outcome in Relation to Chorionicity in Twin Pregnancy

The incidence of multiple gestations is increasing worldwide and many studies have shown higher perinatal morbidity and mortality rates in monochorionic twins compared to dichorionic. The aim of this study was to assess the twin population born at a tertiary center and to evaluate the impact of chorionicity on perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies. Retrospective study of all twins born in a tertiary center from January 2004 to December 2013. In this period, 1051 twins were born, related to 540 gestations (26.7% monochorionic; 73.3% dichorionic). There was no statistical significant difference between the groups concerning obstetric complications. The monochorionic group had a higher incidence of intrauterine growth restriction (20.5 vs 11.3%, p < 0.001), lower mean maternal age (29.9 vs 31.9 years, p < 0.001), lower mean gestational age (33.4 vs 34.3 weeks, p < 0.05) and lower mean birth weight (1943 vs 2147 g, p < 0.001). Monochorionic twins had a higher incidence of hyaline membrane disease (7 vs 4%, p < 0.05), sepsis (10.3 vs 5.8%, p < 0.05) and anemia (9.5 vs 5.4%, p < 0.05). There were no statistical significant differences concerning necrotizing enterocolitis, intraperiventricular hemorrhage or retinopathy of prematurity. Perinatal mortality was higher in the monochorionic group (5.2 vs 2.9%, p < 0.05). Monochorionic twins represent considerable challenges to both obstetricians and neonatologists and should be monitored and delivered at tertiary centers. Currently gemelarity has a major impact on total births. It would be interesting to develop protocols to standardize clinical approach to twins.

Outcomes of twin pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in singleton pregnancy is associated with large for gestational age neonates and adverse perinatal outcomes; however, the impact of GDM in twin pregnancy is unclear. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies complicated by GDM by performing a meta-analysis of observational studies. Studies investigating GDM in twin pregnancy were identified through an online search of three databases: Medline, Embase and Web of Science. Selection criteria comprised full paper observational studies (retrospective or prospective) published in English that examined GDM in twin pregnancy compared with non-GDM twin pregnancy and reported on birth weight and/or adverse perinatal outcomes. Random-effects models with inverse-variance weighting were used to calculate standardized mean differences and unadjusted odds ratios. Sensitivity analyses were carried out to determine the impact of possible maternal confounders (body mass index and age) and GDM diagnostic criteria on perinatal outcomes. Thirteen observational studies were included. GDM twins were born at the same gestation as non-GDM twins, with marginally lower birth weight. There was no difference in the incidence of large or small for gestational age neonates. Although there was no correlation between GDM in twin pregnancy and respiratory distress, neonatal hypoglycemic or low Apgar score, GDM twins had a higher rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission (OR 1.49; 95% confidence interval: 1.10, 2.02; P<0.01). Identification and subsequent treatment of GDM in twin pregnancy demonstrates a similar risk of adverse perinatal outcomes compared with non-GDM twin pregnancies.

Short- and long-term perinatal outcome in twin pregnancies affected by weight discordance.

The objective was to investigate the association between chorionicity-specific intertwin birthweight discordance and adverse outcomes including long-term follow up at 6, 18, and 48-60 months after term via Ages and Stages Questionnaire. In this secondary analysis of a cohort study (Oldenburg et al., n = 1688) and a randomized controlled trial (PREDICT study, n = 1045) twin pairs were divided into three groups according to chorionicity-specific birthweight discordance: <75th percentile, 75th-90th percentile and >90th percentile. Information on infant mortality, admittance to neonatal intensive care units, and gestational age at delivery was available for all pairs. Detailed neonatal outcomes were available for 656 pairs from PREDICT, of which 567 pairs had at least one Ages and Stages Questionnair follow-up. Logistic regression models were used for dichotomous outcomes. Ages and Stages Questionnair scores were compared using the method of generalized estimating equation to account for the correlation within twins. The 75th and 90th percentiles for birthweight discordance were 14.8 and 21.4% for monochorionic and 16.0 and 23.8% for dichorionic twins. After adjustment for small for gestational age and gender, birthweight discordance >75th and >90th percentile was associated with induced delivery <34 weeks [odds ratio 1.71 (95% confidence interval 1.11-2.65) and odds ratio 2.83 (95% confidence interval 1.73-4.64), respectively]. Discordance >75th-percentile was associated with an increased risk of infant mortality after 28 days [odds ratio 4.69 (95% confidence interval 1.07-20.45)] but not with major neonatal complications or with low mean Ages and Stages Questionnair scores at 6, 18, and 48-60 months after term. Chorionicity-specific intertwin birthweight discordance is a risk factor for induced preterm delivery and infant mortality, but not for lower scores for neurophysiological development at 6, 18, and 48-60 months.

Outcome of early versus late multifetal pregnancy reduction

Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MPR) is an accepted method of reducing complications of triplet pregnancies and higher-order multifetal pregnancies. Eighty-three pregnancies that underwent early (68 weeks) transvaginal MPR were compared with 125 pregnancies that underwent late (11–14 weeks) transabdominal MPR. Rates of pregnancy loss, preterm delivery, gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders were similar among both groups. Early MPR was associated with a lower risk for small for gestational age newborns (6.5% versus 19.2%; P = 0.034; OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.92) and a higher risk for single-fetus loss (6% versus 0.8%; P = 0.041; OR 10.58; 95% CI 1.1 to 101.94). Preterm delivery rates seemed to be similar between the two groups. In MPR from triplets, an apparent benefit was observed for early MPR in preterm deliveries before 37 weeks, whereas, in MPR from high-order pregnancies, a benefit was observed for late MPR in deliveries before 32 weeks. Perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies after early and late MPR seem to be grossly similar. Optimal timing for multifetal reduction depends on other factors, namely, the selectivity of the procedure and patient's preference.

Assessing Weight Gain by the 2009 Institute of Medicine Guidelines and Perinatal Outcomes in Twin Pregnancy.

Objective The objective is to estimate the impact of maternal weight gain outside the 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations on perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies. Study Design Twin pregnancies with two live births between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2014 delivered after 23weeks Finger Lakes Region Perinatal Data System (FLRPDS) and Central New York Region Perinatal Data System were included. Women were classified into three groups using pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Perinatal outcomes in women with low or excessive weekly maternal weight gain were assessed using normal weekly weight gain as the referent in each BMI group. Results Low weight gain increased the risk of preterm delivery, birth weight less than the 10th percentile for one or both twins and decreased risk of macrosomia across all BMI groups. There was a decreased risk of hypertensive disorders in women with normal pre-pregnancy weight and an increased risk of gestational diabetes with low weight gain in obese women. Excessive weight gain increased the risk of hypertensive disorders and macrosomia across all BMI groups and decreased the risk of birth weight less than 10th percentile one twin in normal pre-pregnancy BMI group. Conclusion Among twin pregnancies, low weight gain is associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery in all BMI groups and increased risk of gestational diabetes in obese women. Our study did not reveal any benefit from excessive weekly weight gain with potential harm of an increase in risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Normal weight gain per 2009 IOM guidelines should be encouraged to improve pregnancy outcome in all pre-pregnancy BMI groups.

Clinical outcomes after assisted reproductive technology in twin pregnancies: chorionicity-based comparison

The chorionicity–based evaluation of the perinatal risk in twin pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology (ART) is lacking. A retrospective review was performed of all twin pregnancies monitored prenatally and delivered at our hospital between 2010 and 2014. Chorionicity was diagnosed by ultrasound examination at first trimester and confirmed by postnatal pathology. Pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were prospectively recorded. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated in a logistic regression model. A total of 1153 twin pregnancies were analyzed. The occurrence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) was 3 times as frequent in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies after ART as in those spontaneous counterparts (aOR 3.0; 95%CI 1.1–3.2). The prevalence of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancies (ICP) was significantly higher in dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies following ART compared to spontaneous DCDA pregnancies (aOR 3.3; 95%CI 1.3–5.6). Perinatal outcomes did not differ between two conception methods, either in MCDA or DCDA twin pregnancies. Based on differentiation of chorionicity, ART is associated with the increased risk of PPROM in MCDA twin pregnancies and with a higher rate of ICP in DCDA twin gestations. ART does not increase adversity of perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies.

Gestational diabetes mellitus does not increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in twin pregnancies

Objective To evaluate the influence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on maternal and perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features of both twin and singleton pregnancies, which delivered in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013. The twin pregnancies were divided into two groups: those with (GDM-T, n=51) and without GDM (non-GDM-T, n=130), which were matched by maternal age and delivery time (within one month) in a ratio of 1∶2 among singleton pregnancies with (GDM-S, n=102) and without GDM (non-GDM-S, n=102), respectively. The differences of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes among these four groups were examined. The overall assessment of pregnancy outcomes was completed using Delphi method. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way analysis of variance, t test, Kruskal-Wallis test, rank test, Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results (1) When compared to GDM-S and non-GDM-S group respectively, less women conceived with the help of assisted reproductive technology, higher proportion of women underwent and gestational age at delivery tend to be earlier in GDM-T and non-GDM-T group (all P 0.01). Similarly, no significant difference was found in prenatal glycosylated hemoglobin value between GDM-T and GDM-S group (P>0.01). (2) There was no significant difference in the incidences of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, anemia, premature rupture of membranes, oligohydramnios, placental abruption, postpartum hemorrhage, asphyxia neonatorum, small for gestational age, hypoglycemia of newborn, hyperbilirubinemia of newborn and perinatal death between GDM-T group and the other three groups (all P>0.01) . Higher incidences of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and postpartum hemorrhage were shown in the GDM-T group than in the GDM-S and non-GDM-S groups, respectively (both P 0.01). (3) The overall assessment of pregnancy outcomes did not show any difference between GDM-T group and the other three groups (χ2=6.707, P>0.01). However, the score for fetal outcomes in the GDM-T group was higher than in the GDM-S and non-GDM-S group, but lower than in non-GDM-T group [M(Q)=1.0(2.3), 0.0(3.0), 0.0(0.0), 1.0(2.8) score, χ2=122.818, P<0.01]. Conclusions GDM does not increase the risk of adverse pregnant outcomes in twin pregnancies. Key words: Diabetes, gestational; Pregnancy, twin; Pregnancy outcome

Cerclage in twin pregnancy with dilated cervix between 16 to 24 weeks of gestation: retrospective cohort study

Cervical dilation in the second trimester is associated with a greater than 90% rate of spontaneous preterm birth and a poor perinatal prognosis. To compare the perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies with dilated cervix in women who underwent either cerclage or expectant management. Retrospective cohort study of asymptomatic twin pregnancies identified with cervical dilation of ≥1 cm at 16-24 weeks (1997-2014) at 7 institutions. Exclusion criteria were genetic or major fetal anomaly, multifetal reduction at >14 weeks, prior cerclage placement, monochorionic-monoamniotic placentation, active vaginal bleeding, labor, chorioamnionitis, elective termination of pregnancy, or medically indicated preterm birth. The primary outcome was incidence of spontaneous preterm birth at <34 weeks. Secondary outcomes were incidence of spontaneous preterm birth at <32 weeks, <28 weeks, and <24 weeks; perinatal mortality; and composite adverse neonatal outcome (respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis). A total of 76 women with twin pregnancy with dilated cervix of 1.0-4.5 cm were managed with either cerclage (n= 38) or expectant management (n= 38). Demographic characteristics were not significantly different. Analysis was adjusted for amniocentesis and vaginal progesterone use. In the cerclage group, 29 women (76%) received prophylactic indomethacin and 36 (94%) received prophylactic antibiotics, whereas the expectant management group did not. Interval from time at diagnosis of open cervix to delivery in the cerclage group was 10.46 ± 5.6 weeks vs 3.7 ± 3.2 weeks in the expectant management group, with a mean difference of 6.76 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.71-8.81). There were significant decreases in spontaneous preterm birth at <34 weeks (52.6% vs 94.7%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.06; 95% CI, 0.03-0.34), at <32 weeks (44.7% vs 89.4%; aOR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.03-0.34); at <28 weeks (31.6% vs 89.4%; aOR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01-0.2); and at <24 weeks (13.1% vs 47.3%; aOR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.05-0.54). There werealso significant reductions in perinatal mortality (27.6% vs 59.2%; aOR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.11-0.5), neonatal intensive care unit admission (75.9% vs 97.6%; aOR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01-0.66), and composite adverse neonatal outcome (33.9% vs 90.5%; aOR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01-0.21). Cerclage, indomethacin, and antibiotics in twin pregnancies with dilated cervix ≥1 cm before 24 weeks were associated with significant longer latency period from diagnosis to delivery (6.7 weeks), decreased incidence of spontaneous preterm birth at any given gestational age, and improved perinatal outcome when compared with expectant management.

Perinatal outcomes with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in twin pregnancies

Objective: To describe perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies complicated by intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women delivered at a large tertiary obstetric center in Shanghai, China from January 2006 to May 2014. Delivery data were abstracted from medical records of all twin gestations delivered at the hospital.Results: A total of 129/1922(6.7%) twin and 1190/92 273 singleton (1.3%) pregnancies were complicated by ICP. An increased risk of stillbirth among twin pregnancies was observed (3.9% and 0.8% in the ICP and non-ICP groups, respectively; aOR 5.75, 95% CI 2.00–16.6). Stillbirths with ICP and twins occurred between 33 and 35 weeks gestation compared to 36–38 weeks gestation among singletons. ICP in twins was also associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (<37 weeks) with an aOR of 4.17 (95% CI 2.47–7.04) and an aOR of 1.89 (95% CI 1.26–2.85) for delivery <35 weeks. Twin pregnancies complicated by ICP also had increased meconium staining of amniotic fluid and lower birth weight.Conclusions: Twin pregnancies with ICP have significantly increased risks of adverse perinatal outcomes including stillbirth and preterm birth. Stillbirth occurs at an earlier gestational age in twin gestation compared to singletons, suggesting that earlier scheduled delivery should be considered in these women.

Perinatal outcome after fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in triplet pregnancies.

The introduction of fetoscopic laser surgery of placental anastomoses has led to a significant improvement of perinatal outcome of twin pregnancies affected by twin-to-twin-transfusion syndrome (TTTS). To quantify the perinatal outcome and neurological morbidity in triplet pregnancies complicated by TTTS, which were treated with fetoscopic laser surgery. Medline, Embase, Cinahl and Cochrane were searched. The outcomes observed were: fetal and perinatal survival, preterm birth and abnormal neurological outcome. Two authors reviewed all abstracts independently. Meta-analyses of proportions were used to combine data. Eight studies (126 triplet pregnancies, 104 dichorionic-triamniotic [DCTA] and 22 monochorionic-triamniotic [MCTA]) treated with fetoscopic laser surgery were included in this review. In DCTA and MCTA pregnancies, fetal losses were 18.9% and 28.9%, respectively; perinatal losses were 23.6% and 75.0%; preterm births <28 weeks of gestation were 16.9% and 37.1%; preterm births <32 weeks of gestation were 50.0% and 69.5%; at least one fetus survived in 95.4% and 88.9% of the pregnancies; at least two fetuses survived in 81.8% and 68.3% of the pregnancies; and in 55.9% and 48.4% pregnancies all triplets survived. Finally, the incidence of abnormal neurological outcomes ranged from 0 to 37% in DCTA and from 0 to 50% in MCTA triplets. Both DTCA and MCTA triplet pregnancies affected by TTTS are at high risk of adverse perinatal outcome. Both DTCA and MCTA triplet pregnancies affected by TTTS are at high risk of adverse perinatal outcome.

Efficacy of ultrasound-indicated cerclage in twin pregnancies

We sought to compare the perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with short cervical length (CL) with ultrasound-indicated cerclage (UIC) vs no cerclage (control). This was a retrospective cohort study of asymptomatic twin pregnancies with transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) CL ≤25 mm at 16-24 weeks from 1995 through 2012 at 4 separate institutions. Exclusion criteria were: genetic or major fetal anomaly, multifetal reduction >14 weeks, monochorionic-monoamniotic placentation, or medically indicated preterm birth (PTB). Primary outcome was spontaneous PTB (SPTB) <34 weeks. Secondary outcome was SPTB <28, <32, and <37 weeks. We also planned to evaluate primary and secondary outcome for the subgroup of twin pregnancies with CL ≤15 mm. In all, 140 women with twin pregnancy and TVU-CL ≤25 mm were managed with either UIC (n = 57) or no cerclage (n = 83). Demographic characteristics were not significantly different except women who underwent UIC presented at an earlier gestational age (GA) at diagnosis of short CL. After adjusting for GA at presentation, there were no differences in GA at delivery or SPTB <28 weeks: 12 (21.2%) vs 20 (24.1%) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68-1.37), <32 weeks: 22 (38.6%) vs 36 (43.4%) aOR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.1-1.13), or <34 weeks: 29 (50.9%) vs 53 (63.9%) (aOR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.16-1.1). In the subgroup of women with CL ≤15 mm (32 with UIC and 39 controls) the interval between diagnosis to delivery was significantly prolonged by 12.5 ± 4.5 vs 8.8 ± 4.6 weeks (P < .001); SPTB <34 weeks was significantly decreased: 16 (50%) vs 31 (79.5%) (aOR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.31-0.83) as was admission to neonatal intensive care unit: 38/58 (65.5%) vs 63/76 (82.9%) (aOR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.24-0.81) when the UIC group was compared with the control group, respectively. UIC in asymptomatic twin pregnancies with TVU-CL ≤25 mm was not associated with significant effects on perinatal outcomes compared to controls. However, in the planned subgroup analysis of asymptomatic twin pregnancies with TVU-CL ≤15 mm before 24 weeks, UIC was associated with a significant prolongation of pregnancy by almost 4 more weeks, significantly decreased SPTB <34 weeks by 49%, and admission to neonatal intensive care unit by 58% compared with controls.

593: Perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) compared with those conceived naturally

593: Perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) compared with those conceived naturally

Perinatal outcome of twin pregnancies following multifetal pregnancy reduction: when is the optimal time to perform it?

To compare the perinatal outcome of early (7-8 weeks of gestation) transvaginal multifetal pregnancy reduction (MPR) from triplets and higher order multiples to twins with late (11-14 weeks) transabdominal MPR.

Effectiveness of progestogens to improve perinatal outcome in twin pregnancies: an individual participant data meta-analysis.

In twin pregnancies, the rates of adverse perinatal outcome and subsequent long-term morbidity are substantial, and mainly result from preterm birth (PTB). To assess the effectiveness of progestogen treatment in the prevention of neonatal morbidity or PTB in twin pregnancies using individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA). We searched international scientific databases, trial registration websites, and references of identified articles. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17Pc) or vaginally administered natural progesterone, compared with placebo or no treatment. Investigators of identified RCTs were asked to share their IPD. The primary outcome was a composite of perinatal mortality and severe neonatal morbidity. Prespecified subgroup analyses were performed for chorionicity, cervical length, and prior spontaneous PTB. Thirteen trials included 3768 women and their 7536 babies. Neither 17Pc nor vaginal progesterone reduced the incidence of adverse perinatal outcome (17Pc relative risk, RR 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.97-1.4, vaginal progesterone RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.77-1.2). In a subgroup of women with a cervical length of ≤25 mm, vaginal progesterone reduced adverse perinatal outcome when cervical length was measured at randomisation (15/56 versus 22/60; RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.47-0.70) or before 24 weeks of gestation (14/52 versus 21/56; RR 0.56; 95% CI 0.42-0.75). In unselected women with an uncomplicated twin gestation, treatment with progestogens (intramuscular 17Pc or vaginal natural progesterone) does not improve perinatal outcome. Vaginal progesterone may be effective in the reduction of adverse perinatal outcome in women with a cervical length of ≤25 mm; however, further research is warranted to confirm this finding.

Obstetric and perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies conceived following IVF/ICSI treatment compared with spontaneously conceived twin pregnancies

ObjectiveTwin pregnancy is associated with increased obstetric and perinatal risk. There are conflicting reports on whether assisted conception (ART) further increases these risks. The aim of this study is to assess the obstetric and perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies according to mode of conception. Study designA retrospective study of all viable dichorionic-diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies (n=539) delivered at Cork University Maternity Hospital, Ireland between 2009 and 2012, divided according to spontaneous conception (SC) and ART conception, specifically IVF or ICSI. ResultsThe ART conceived group were on average 4 years older (36.8±4.23 vs 32.3±4.93 years) and more frequently nulliparous (73.7%; n=126 vs 36.1%; n=133) than their SC counterparts (p<0.001).There was no significant difference in maternal antenatal complications. ART twins were twice as likely to be delivered by caesarean section (CS) (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.76–3.14). There was no significant difference in the rates of preterm birth or NICU admission according to mode of conception. ART conceived twins were almost twice as likely to be delivered moderately preterm (32–33+6) (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.21–3.23) and were more likely to have RDS and neonatal hypoglycaemia ConclusionsTwin pregnancy, irrespective of mode of conception, carries an increased risk of morbidity and mortality for both mother and babies and therefore couples should be counselled regarding the increased risk of iatrogenic twinning associated with double embryo transfer. However, for those that do conceive twins, they can be advised that assisted conception conveys no significant disadvantage over naturally conceived twin pregnancies.