title: A comparison of early gestational age markers in viable twin pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer versus spontaneous conception with ovarian stimulation.
abstract: The objective of this study was to determine whether there were differences in gestational age markers in dizygotic twin pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) when compared with dizygotic twin pregnancies spontaneously conceived following ovulation inducing therapy drugs without assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Thirty-one sets of twins conceived by IVF-ET and 33 sets of twins conceived without ART were monitored by serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (B-hCG) levels and transvaginal sonographic measurements of sac size (SS) and crown-rump length (CRL). Comparison between groups found that SS was significantly smaller in the IVF-ET group as compared to the non-ART group 21-35 days post-ovulation (p < .05). The CRL was similar in both groups as well as the doubling times of B-hCG. These data indicate that in dizygotic twin pregnancies initial development of SS may be slower following IVF-ET than in spontaneously conceived twins.
authors.affiliation: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Camden Cooper Hospital, USA.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dietterich
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Check
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lurie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000097:blood; D018568:Crown-Rump Length; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D014427:Twins; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human