Outcome of twin pregnancies after amniocentesis

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2012 Feb;38(2):376-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2011.01721.x. Epub 2012 Jan 10.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the miscarriage and fetal loss rates of twin pregnancies after amniocentesis.

Material and methods: The outcome of 140 twin pregnancies that had amniocentesis performed from 1997 to 2006 was reviewed.

Results: Among 140 twin pregnancies with amniocentesis, 35 were excluded (fetuses with structural anomalies, post-selective feticide, abnormal fetal karyotype, twin-twin transfusion syndrome [TTTS], termination of pregnancy, and unknown outcome). For the remaining 105 twin pregnancies, 102 had live births of all fetuses. One dichorionic twin had silent miscarriage of one fetus at 23 weeks. Another dichorionic twin had intrauterine death of one fetus at unknown gestation. One patient had preterm delivery at 32 weeks with neonatal death of one twin due to severe intrauterine growth restriction. The miscarriage rate (one or both fetuses) for twins before 24 weeks was 0.96% (1/105), the pregnancy loss (one or both fetuses) within 4 weeks of amniocentesis was 0.96% (1/105). The total fetal loss rate was 0.96% (2/210) for twins.

Conclusion: Our cohort showed a low fetal loss rate after amniocentesis for uncomplicated twin pregnancies.

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous / epidemiology*
  • Adult
  • Amniocentesis / adverse effects*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Fetal Death / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Pregnancy, Twin*