First trimester fetal head and trunk volume predict growth disturbance in twin pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of first trimester fetal head and trunk volume (FHTV) in predicting growth disturbance in twin pregnancy.

Methods: We studied 46 twin pairs from 11 and 14 weeks to delivery. There were 35 dichorionic (76%) and 11 monochorionic (24%) pregnancies. FHTV was assessed by VOCALTM. An inter-twin discrepancy in FHTV, crown-rump length (CRL) and birthweight (BW) were defined by an inter-twin difference greater than 15%. Growth retardation was defined as BW of at least one twin below the 10th percentile.

Results: There were 17 cases (37%) of FHTV discrepancy. BW discrepancy and growth retardation were more significantly frequent in cases with FHTV discrepancy than without [11/17 (64.7%) vs 4/29 (13.8%), P = 0.0004 and 7/17 (41.2%) vs 3/29 (10.3%), P = 0.02, respectively]. The detection of BW discordance and growth retardation were significantly higher when using FHTV discordance than CRL discrepancy in the first trimester [11/15 (73%) vs 2/15 (13.3%), P = 0.00001 and 7/10 (70%) vs 1/10 (10%), P = 0.0001, respectively].

Conclusion: FHTV discrepancy is a predictor for growth disturbance in twins.