Analysis of 104 twin pregnancies conceived with assisted reproductive technologies and 193 spontaneously conceived twin pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate pregnancy outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART)-conceived twin pregnancies.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
A tertiary obstetric care center.


METHODS
All twin pregnancies delivered > or = 24 weeks of gestation from January 1, 1996, to December 31, 1997.


METHODS
Maternal and neonatal record review.


METHODS
Pregnancy and perinatal outcome.


RESULTS
The study group comprised 104 ART-conceived twin pregnancies, and 193 non-ART-conceived pregnancies served as controls. Mean maternal age, the proportion of nulliparae, and the percentage of women who delivered before 34 weeks' gestation was higher among the study women, whereas mean gestational age was younger. The incidences of pregnancy-induced hypertension, uterine bleeding, premature contractions, intrauterine growth retardation, fetal death, discordance, and cesarean section were significantly higher in the study group. Correspondingly, in the study group, the mean birth weight of both twins was lower; more neonates weighed < 1, 500 g, more had Apgar scores of < 7 at 5 minutes, more were admitted to the intensive care unit, and more second twin neonates died. The outcome of twin pregnancies conceived spontaneously was comparable with those conceived by ovulation induction.


CONCLUSIONS
Assisted reproductive technology-conceived twin pregnancies are at greater risk than non-ART-conceived ones for pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcome.
Daniel
Y
Y
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. danzv@green.co.il
Ochshorn
Y
Y
Fait
G
G
Geva
E
E
Bar-Am
A
A
Lessing
J B
JB
D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D008423:Maternal Age; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D012099:Reproductive Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014427:Twins