The growth discordant twin.
The study of growth discordancy in twin gestation has gathered great momentum in recent years. Divergent intertwin growth is believed to be a direct result of the process of twinning and of the inability of the uterine environment to provide for the increased demand of multiple fetuses. The smaller twin faces increased risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity as well as reduced physical and mental development in later life. The advent of ultrasonography enabled a fairly accurate prediction of growth disparity. Although extensive investigative efforts have clarified many questions regarding divergent twin growth, the question how to manage such pregnancies remains to be answered. The present article is a review of the literature concerning the clinical aspects of growth discordant twins.
Blickstein
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Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot, Israel.
Lancet
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D004200:Diseases in Twins; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D014427:Twins