Role of Cerebroplacental Ratio Discordance at 16-20 Weeks in Predicting Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies' Specific Complications

Role of Cerebroplacental Ratio Discordance at 16-20 Weeks in Predicting Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies' Specific Complications : a Prospective Cohort Study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the predictive value of CPR discordance at 16-20 weeks in MCDA twin pregnancies in predicting monochorionic-specific complications such as TTTS, TAPS, sFGR and IUFD of one or both fetuses

Monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies are at a higher risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality because of the risk of developing unique complications. These include twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) , twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS) and intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) of one or both fetuses. Therefore, early identification of these conditions is warranted to plan proper perinatal surveillance and management to improve outcome.

Sparse studies have found that inter-twin differences in Doppler ultrasound may occur prior to meeting diagnostic criteria for TTTS, TAPS, sFGR or adverse perinatal outcomes.

This study will try to reveal the potential clinical predictive value of inter-twin cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) discordance in the surveillance of MC twin pregnancies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18 years or more and able to consent.
• Monochorionic Diamniotic twin pregnancy.
• Discordant inter-twin cerebroplacental ratio at 16-20 weeks of gestation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Fetal structural malformations or chromosomal abnormalities in any of the twins as detected by anomaly scan antenatally or neonatal examination postnatally (chromosomal abnormalities and some congenital malformations can interfere with normal fetal growth).
• Identified infectious etiologies detected during immediate postnatal examination or during pregnancy (fetal infections can cause FGR ,usually symmetric type particularly if they occur in early gestation).
• Referral after development of Twin to twin transfusion syndrome, twin anemia polycythemia sequence or selective fetal growth restriction.
• Single fetal demise at the time enrollment in the study.
• Conjoint twins.