Use of ultrasound and hormone assays in the diagnosis, management, and outcome of twin pregnancy.
A study of 79 twin pregnancies was conducted between 1973 and 1976 with particular reference to the use of ultrasound and hormone analysis. There were 17 perinatal deaths, a perinatal mortality rate of 107 per 1000 deliveries. The contributing factors were antepartum anoxia (40%), prematurity (30%), congenital abnormalities (18%), and obstetric trauma (12%). During the period of study there was a complete change in the method of confirming twin pregnancies, ie, in 1973, 84% were confirmed by x-ray and in 1976, 86% by ultrasound. About 40% were diagnosed at 28 weeks' gestation or earlier. The ranges (mean +/- 2 SD) for human placental lactogen (hPL) and urinary estrogens have been established for twin pregnancy, and the value of these measurements in the antenatal management of twin gestations is discussed.
D001724:Birth Weight; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities; D004967:Estrogens / Q000652:urine*; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010928:Placental Lactogen / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D014427:Twins; D014463:Ultrasonography
D004967:Estrogens; D010928:Placental Lactogen