A comparison of early gestational age markers in viable twin pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer versus spontaneous conception with ovarian stimulation.
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.
Dietterich
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University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Camden Cooper Hospital, USA.
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Lurie
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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
D015415:Biomarkers; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human