Second trimester amniocentesis in assisted conception versus spontaneously conceived twins

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Genetics

Background:

• Assisted reproduction technology (ART) is increasingly used for twin pregnancies.
• Amniocentesis is a common prenatal diagnostic procedure for twin gestations.
• Outcomes of amniocentesis in ART twins compared to spontaneous twins require clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the fetal loss rate and perinatal outcomes of amniocentesis in ART-conceived twins versus spontaneously conceived twins.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 167 ART twin pregnancies and 275 spontaneous twin pregnancies undergoing genetic amniocentesis.
• Data collected between 1993 and 2006 at a tertiary fetal medicine center.
• Comparison of pregnancy loss and preterm delivery rates between the two groups.

Main Results:

• Fetal loss rates were similar: 4.2% in ART twins and 4.0% in spontaneous twins.
• The interval from amniocentesis to miscarriage was shorter in ART twins (6.2 days vs. 20.1 days).
• Preterm delivery before 37 weeks was significantly higher in ART twins (64.1%) compared to spontaneous twins (49.5%).

Conclusions:

• Amniocentesis in ART twins does not increase fetal loss rates compared to spontaneous twins.
• ART twins undergoing amniocentesis have a significantly higher risk of preterm delivery, especially before 32 weeks' gestation.