Umbilical Doppler velocimetry prediction of discordant twins.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of umbilical Doppler velocimetry as a comprehensive test for the prediction of discordant twins.


METHODS
The sets of twins were studied with duplex Doppler velocimetry for umbilical artery in third trimester. A systolic/diastolic ratio was measured for each twin. The average difference in the ratios between each twin > or = 0.4 was used to indicate abnormal test. Discordancy was identified when the birth weight difference of > 25%.


RESULTS
Among the 52 sets of twin pregnancies studied, 40 sets of twins fulfilled the study criteria. Eight sets of twins were discordant (20%). The mean gestational age at delivery was 37.15 +/- 2.24 weeks (range 28 to 41 weeks). The test correctly identified 6 of the 8 growth discordant twins which had a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 68.75%, and accuracy of 70%.


CONCLUSIONS
Umbilical Doppler velocimetry is useful in prediction of discordant twins.
Chittacharoen
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Leelapattana
P
P
Phuapradit
W
W
D000328:Adult; D004200:Diseases in Twins; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012212:Rheology; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D018617:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Pulsed; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014469:Umbilical Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*