The Wuhan Twin Birth Cohort (WTBC).

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Genetics
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• The Wuhan Pre/Post-Natal Twin Birth Registry (WPTBR) is a significant resource in China for twin research.
• It has enrolled 13,869 twin pairs (27,553 individuals) from 2006 to 2016.
• The WPTBR established the Wuhan Twin Birth Cohort (WTBC) for prospective longitudinal studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design, recruitment, and data collection of the WTBC.
• To establish a comprehensive cohort for investigating genetic and environmental influences on pregnancy and twin development.
• To facilitate long-term follow-up of maternal and twin health from pregnancy through 18 years of age.

Main Methods:

• The WTBC incorporates three samples, including population-based and hospital-based cohorts linked to the WPTBR.
• Data collection includes comprehensive pre- and post-natal medical information and biological samples (maternal and twin).
• Prospective follow-up involves periodic health examinations from the first trimester of pregnancy to age 18.

Main Results:

• The WTBC has enrolled a substantial number of twin pairs with extensive biological and medical data.
• The cohort design allows for detailed analysis of prenatal and postnatal factors.
• Multiple biological samples are collected from mothers and twins throughout the study period.

Conclusions:

• The WTBC provides a unique, large-scale prospective cohort for studying twin development in China.
• It offers a valuable platform for disentangling genetic and environmental contributions to health outcomes.
• The study is poised to significantly advance understanding of pregnancy and twin development.