Prediction of preterm birth in twins.
Title | Prediction of preterm birth in twins. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2014 |
Authors | Makrydimas, G., & Sotiriadis A. |
Journal | Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol |
Volume | 28 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 265-72 |
Date Published | 2014 Feb |
ISSN | 1532-1932 |
Keywords | Adult, Biomarkers, Cervix Uteri, Female, Fibronectins, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Predictive Value of Tests, Pregnancy, Pregnancy, Twin, Premature Birth, Risk Factors, Sensitivity and Specificity, Twins, Ultrasonography, Prenatal |
Abstract | About 13% of twins are born before 34 weeks and 7% before 32 weeks. The prediction of preterm birth in twins is based on the same tests as in singleton pregnancies. In twin pregnancies, the cut-off for short cervix at the second trimester scan is less than 25 mm (compared with 15 mm in singletons); length less than 20 mm is associated with 42% risk for birth before 32 weeks and cervical length less than 25 mm is associated with 28% risk for birth before 28 weeks. The measurement of cervical length in pregnancies with symptoms of preterm labour may have limited accuracy in predicting preterm birth. In asymptomatic women, a positive fetal fibronectin test seems to be associated with 35% risk for birth before 32 weeks and 40% risk for birth less than 34 weeks, whereas a negative test decreases the risk to 6% and 17%, respectively. The differences in the predictive value of tests between twins and singletons reflect the diverse pathophysiology of preterm birth between the two groups. |
DOI | 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2013.11.007 |
Alternate Journal | Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol |
PubMed ID | 24360590 |