Original Article

Journal of Perinatology (2006) 26, 170–175. doi:10.1038/sj.jp.7211457; published online 9 February 2006

Monochorionic monoamniotic twins: neonatal outcome

L Cordero1, A Franco2 and S D Joy2

  1. 1Department of Pediatrics and Obstetrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
  2. 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

Correspondence: Dr L Cordero, Department of Pediatrics and Obstetrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, The Ohio State University Medical Center, The Ohio State University, N118 Doan Hall, 410 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1228, USA. E-mail: leandro.cordero@osumc.edu

Received 3 October 2005; Revised 8 December 2005; Accepted 19 December 2005; Published online 9 February 2006.

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Abstract

Background:

 

Monochorionic monoamniotic twins (MoMo) occur in one of 10 000 pregnancies. Cord entanglement, malformations, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTS) and prematurity are responsible for their high perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Objective:

 

To report our experience with 36 sets of MoMo twins (1990 to 2005) and to provide updated information for counseling.

Methods:

 

Chorionicity was determined by placental examination, gestational age and TTS clinically and by sonography. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) was diagnosed with a twin-specific nomogram.

Results:

 

Cord entanglement was observed in 15 pregnancies, but only one twin with entanglement and a true knot, experienced related morbidity. Four of 71 live births were IUGR. Malformations were diagnosed prenatally (one hypoplastic left heart and one body stalk) and postnatally (one vertebral anomalies-anal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula-renal defect (VATER) and two lung hypoplasias). Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome affected three sets of twins. Five twin sets delivered before 31, 19 sets at 31 to 32 and 12 sets at 33 to 34 weeks. Six of 71 (8%) twins died (four malformations, one TTS and one 26 weeks premature). Head ultrasounds in 59 of 65 survivors showed two (3%) periventricular leukomalacia, five (9%) Grade I–II intraventricular hemorrhage and 52 (88%) normal.

Conclusions:

 

Monochorionic monoamniotic twins remain a group at risk for cord entanglement, congenital malformations, TTS and prematurity. Although their neonatal mortality and morbidity is high, outcomes for survival are better than anticipated.

Keywords:

monochorionic, monoamniotic, twins, perinatal, neonatal, outcome

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