Characteristics of monochorionic-diamniotic growth-retarded twins during the third trimester

Abstract

The goal of this study was to assess the characteristics of monochorionic-diamniotic (MD) growth-retarded twin infants with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) compared with those without TTTS during the third trimester. Retrospective analyses of the growth patterns and amniotic fluid volumes were performed on 5 MD twin pregnancies in which one or both twins showed growth retardation with TTTS, and the results were compared with those without TTTS. Eighty-three percent of growth-retarded twin infants without TTTS in MD twin gestation showed an asymmetric growth pattern, while all TTTS cases showed a symmetric pattern (p<0.05). Polyhydramnios of the co-twin was found in 80% of TTTS cases, while no polyhy-dramnios was found in patients without TTTS (p<0.05). Assessment of growth patterns and amniotic fluid volume may be useful to exclude the possibility of TTTS in MD growth-retarded twin pregnancies during the third trimester. (J Nippon Med Sch 1999; 66: 300-304)