Obstetric and perinatal outcome in women with twin pregnancy and gestational diabetes

The aim of this study was to evaluate pregnancy complications and obstetric and perinatal outcomes in women with twin pregnancy and GDM. STUD DESIGN: An observational multicentre retrospective study was performed and 534 pregnant woman and 1068 twins infants allocated into two groups, 257 with GDM and 277 controls, were studied.

Pregnant women characteristics, hypertensive complications, preterm delivery rate, mode of delivery and birthweight were analysed.

Pregnant women with GDM were older (p < 0.001) and had higher body mass index (p < 0.001) than controls. GDM was associated with higher risk of prematurity in twin pregnancy (odds ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval [1.14-2.32], p = 0.005). This association was based on the association with other pregnancy complications. Birthweight Z-scores were significantly higher in the GDM group (p = 0.02). The rate of macrosomia was higher in the GDM group (p = 0.002) and small for gestational age (SGA) babies were significantly less frequent (p = 0.03). GDM was an independent predictor of macrosomia (p = 0.006).

The presence of GDM in twin pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of hypertensive complications, prematurity and macrosomia, but significantly reduces the risk of SGA infants. Prematurity was related to the presence of other associated pregnancy complications.