Selected neonatal outcomes in dizygotic twins after IVF versus non-IVF pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE
To compare neonatal outcome among twins conceived after in vitro fertilisation (IVF) with that of spontaneously conceived twins.


METHODS
Comparison of different-sex (dizygotic) twins born after IVF with non-IVF dizygotic twins.


METHODS
National health registers in Sweden.


METHODS
All births in Sweden during the period 1982-2007.


METHODS
We studied gestational duration, lowest birthweight and birthweight difference in the twin pair, presence of one or two twins with a respiratory complication, and with jaundice in one or both twins. Risk estimates were calculated as odds ratios with adjustments for year of birth, maternal age, parity and smoking in pregnancy.


METHODS
Gestational duration, birth weight, respiratory complications, jaundice.


RESULTS
We studied 1545 pairs of dizygotic twins born after IVF, and 8675 pairs of dizygotic twins where IVF was not known to have occurred. The risk for preterm delivery before 32 weeks of gestation was significantly increased among dizygotic twin pairs born after IVF compared with non-IVF dizygotic twin pairs. No significant difference in low birthweight or birthweight difference within twin pairs was seen. There was an increased occurrence of twin pairs with respiratory problems or jaundice, but only the latter diagnosis occurred in a statistically significant excess.


CONCLUSIONS
The study confirms recent findings that IVF is associated with an increased risk for some neonatal complications, not only among singletons but also among twins.
Källén
B
B
Tornblad Institute, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden.
Finnström
O
O
Lindam
A
A
Nilsson
E
E
Nygren
K-G
KG
Olausson
P Otterblad
PO
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007567:Jaundice, Neonatal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D008423:Maternal Age; D008875:Middle Aged; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000151:congenital / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D014429:Twins, Dizygotic; D055815:Young Adult