#169 Multifetal Gestations: Twin, Triplet, and Higher-Order Multifetal Pregnancies Flashcards
Why is there an increased incidence in multifetal gestations?
- Shift toward older maternal age at conception
2. Increased use of ART
What is the principal complication encountered with multifetal gestations?
Spontaneous preterm birth
What is the risk of stillbirth and neonatal death in multifetal compared to singleton gestations?
Fivefold increase in stillbirth.
Sevenfold increase of neonatal death (primarily d/t complications of prematurity)
Women with multifetal gestations are ___ times more likely to give birth preterm than singletons?
6
Women with multifetal gestations are ____ times more likely to deliver before 32 wks than singletons
13
What are the mean birthweights and GAs of singletons, twins, triplets, quads?
Singleton: 3296g/38.7wks
Twins: 2336g/35.3wks
Triplets: 1660g/31.9wks
Quads: 1291g/29.5wks
What percent of pregnancies are born less than 32 weeks (singletons, twins, triplets, quads)?
1.6, 11.4, 36.8, 64.5
What percent of pregnancies are born less than 37 weeks (singletons, twins, triplets, quads)
10.4, 58.8, 94.4, 98.3
What are the rates of cerebral palsy per 1000 live births (singletons, twins, triplets)?
1.6, 7, 28
What is the infant mortality rate per 1000 live births (singletons, twins, triplets, quads)
5.4, 23.6, 52.5, 96.3
True or false: twins born at <32wks are at the same risk of high-grade intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia when compared to singletons of same GA?
False. Twice the risk
When is assessment of chorionicity most accurate?
Early in gestation, first trimester or early second trimester
Do monochorionic twins or dichorionic twins have higher frequency of fetal and congenital anomalies?
Monochorionic
Do monochorionic or dichorionic twins have higher frequency of prematurity and fetal growth restriction?
Monochorionic
What medical complications are more common in women with multifetal gestations?
Hyperemesis, gestational DM, hypertension, anemia, hemorrhage, cesarean delivery, and postpartum hemorrhage, placental abruption
What is the incidence of hypertensive conditions in single, twin, triplet pregnancies?
6.5%, 12.7%, 20%
Does preeclampsia occur earlier, later, or at the same time in multifetal compared to singleton pregnancies?
Earlier
Older women are more likely to have which of the following compared to younger women: gestational hypertension, gestational DM, placental abruption
All of them
What is the rate of multiples in women <20 compared to women >40?
16.3 per 1000 live births vs 71.1 per 1000 live births
Which ART techniques may have the most significant effect on increase of multifetal pregnancies?
IVF and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with gonadotropins
Does multifetal reduction lead to decreased risk of preeclampsia?
Yes
Do pregnancy reduction from triplets > twins lead to lower pregnancy loss, antenatal complications, preterm birth, SGA infants, cesarean delivery, neonatal deaths
Yes
Is it better in multifetal pregnancy reduction to reduce a dichorionic or monochorionic? Why?
Dichorionic. If one fetus of a monochorionic twin pair is reduced, the negative effects on the development of other are unknown. For this reason, usually recommended that both fetuses of a monochorionic pair are reduced
What is the unintended loss rate after selective fetal termination in higher order multiples compared with twin gestations?
11.1% vs 2.4%
What are ultrasound signs of a dichorionic pregnancy?
Two placentas visualized, differing fetal sex, twin peak sign (lambda or delta sign)
What screening methods and interventions are available to help prevent preterm birth in asymptomatic multifetal gestations?
No interventions that prevent preterm delivery in multifetal gestations identifed to be at risk based on screening methods. Use of screening methods in these asymptomatic women not recommended
In women with multifetal gestations and symptoms of preterm labor are fetal fibronectin tests and short cervical length predictive/helpful?
Positive predictive value is poor, should not be used exclusively to direct management in setting of acute symptoms
Are there interventions that can prolong pregnancy in women with multifetal gestations?
No. Prophylactic cerclage, routine hospitalization and bed rest, prophylactic tocolytics, prophylactic pessary have not been proven to decrease morbidity and mortality and, therefore, should not be used in women with multifetal gestations
What is the effect of ultrasound indicated cerlage placement for twin gestation?
Doubles the rate of spontaneous preterm birth