title: Effect of morphological and functional changes in the secundines on biometric parameters of newborns from dichorionic twin pregnancies.
abstract: The aim of the study was to determine if, and to what extent, structural and functional changes of the secundines influence biometric parameters of neonates from dichorionic twin pregnancies.
  
  
  
  The study included neonates from dichorionic, diamniotic twin pregnancies, along with their secundines. Based on histopathological examination of the secundines, the mass and dimensions of the placenta, length and condition of the umbilical cord, chorionicity, focal lesions, and microscopic placental abnormalities were determined for 445 pairs of twins. Morphological development of examined twins was characterized on the basis of their six somatic traits, while birth status of the newborns was assessed based on their Apgar scores. Statistical analysis included Student t-tests, Snedecor's F-tests, post-hoc tests, non-parametric chi-squared Pearson's tests, and determination of Spearman coefficients of rank correlation.
  
  
  
  The lowest values of analyzed somatic traits were observed in twins who had placentas with velamentous or marginal cord insertion. Inflammatory lesions in the placenta and placental abruption turned out to have the greatest impact of all analyzed abnormalities of the secundines. Inflammatory lesions in the placenta were associated with lower values of biometric parameters and a greater likelihood of preterm birth. Neonates with a history of placental abruption were characterized by significantly lower birth weight and smaller chest circumference.
  
  
  
  Morphological changes in the secundines have a limited impact on biometric parameters of neonates from dichorionic twin pregnancies. In turn, functional changes exert a significant effect and more often contribute to impaired fetal development.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, University School of Physical Education in Poznan, Poland. malwasz@interia.pl.
authors.forename: Małgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Waszak
authors.forename: Krystyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cieślik
authors.forename: Marek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pietryga
authors.forename: Jacek
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lewandowski
authors.forename: Marek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chuchracki
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nowak-Markwitz
authors.forename: Grzegorz
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bręborowicz
mesh_terms: D001724:Birth Weight; D002823:Chorion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009929:Organ Size; D010920:Placenta / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D059285:Pregnancy, Twin; D014429:Twins, Dizygotic; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
keywords: inflammatory lesions of the secundines; limited maternofetal exchange; marginal cord insertion; placental abruption; velamentous cord insertion