Monochorionicity in twin pregnancy as a possible factor endangering fetal development

SummaryAimTo assess the effect of monochorionicity on the duration of pregnancy, perinatal mortality and the growth of the fetus.Material and MethodThe study material included 2526 twins of both sexes (536 monochorionic twins and 1990 bichorionic twins) born at the Perinatology and Gynaecology Clinic at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences. The newborns were evaluated using the Apgar score. Each twin was assessed morphologically based on six somatic features along with histopathological evaluation of the placenta.ResultsTwins from monochorionic pregnancies with interfetal transfusion syndrome were characterized by lower levels of somatic development for their respective fetal age when compared to monochorionic twins without the syndrome. The results show that monochorionicity was more influential than placental factors in differentiating neonates with regards to somatic development.ConclusionsMonochorionic twin pregnancies are related with major health hazards and may even be life threatening for the fetuses. This risk is exemplified by: increased rates of mortality in neonates (particularly premature neonates), premature births, worse general condition on birth, and lower levels of somatic features development. As a result, monochorionicity can be considered a factor threatening the development of pregnancy