ZHANG Lu, YANG Huijuan, LIU Kaibo
Chinese Journal of Reproductive Health.
2023, 34(3):
228-233.
Objective To compare the outcomes of twin pregnancies according to chorionicity, and explore potential factors associated with the outcomes. Methods A total of 2 872 twin pregnancies during January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 were identified from the Beijing Maternal and Child Health Information Network System, and the chorionicity of these twins were determined during the first-trimester ultrasound examination, including 642 pairs of monochorionic twins and 2 230 pairs of dichorionic twins. Differences in adverse outcomes(miscarriage or fetal death <28 pregnancy weeks, perinatal death, death of both twins, and birth defects) were compared between 2 groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore potential factors associated with perinatal outcomes. Results The risk of miscarriage or fetal death(<28 weeks)(15.0% vs. 9.0%,OR=1.85, 95%CI 1.50-2.27), perinatal death(1.0% vs. 0.4%, OR=3.22, 95%CI 1.45-7.12), death of both twins(12.0% vs.4.6%, OR=2.71, 95%CI 1.91-3.83) was significantly higher in monochorionic twins than that in dichorionic twins. The risk of death was highest during 14-27 weeks of gestation, followed by prior to 14 weeks of gestation and 28-33 weeks of gestation, and lowest at more than 34 weeks of gestation, and in all of these stages the risk of death for monochorionic twins were higher than that for dichorionic twins. The risk of birth defects was also higher in monochorionic twins than in dichorionic twins, but the difference was not statistically significant(7.3% vs. 6.7%,OR=1.04,95%CI 0.80-1.35). Conclusion Monochorionic twin pregnancies were associated with increased risks of miscarriage, fetal death, perinatal death, and death of both twins than dichorionic twin pregnancies. Determination of the chorionicity of twins during the first-trimester ultrasound examination, regular check-ups and fetal malformation screening in the second trimester, continuous monitoring of each fetus in the third trimester and timely termination of pregnancy should be strengthened to improve the twin pregnancy outcomes, especially in monochorionic twin pregnancies.