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Increased monozygotic twinning rate after ovulation induction.
Lancet (London, England)
|May 30, 1987
Summary
Artificial induction of ovulation (AIO) increases the rate of monozygotic twinning, suggesting a biological mechanism influencing twin and triplet rates. This study found higher zygotic splitting after AIO compared to spontaneous conceptions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Human genetics
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Multiple births are often attributed to the fertilization of multiple eggs.
- The rate of monozygotic twinning (identical twins) is generally considered stable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of artificial induction of ovulation (AIO) on zygotic splitting rates.
- To determine if AIO influences the frequency of monozygotic twinning.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the East Flanders Prospective Twin Study (1978-1985).
- Comparison of zygotic splitting frequencies in spontaneous vs. AIO-induced multiple births.
- Statistical analysis of twinning and tripling rates.
Main Results:
- The frequency of zygotic splitting after AIO was 1.2%, significantly higher than the expected 0.45% in spontaneous twins and triplets.
- Zygotic division rates were significantly higher in triplets compared to twins following AIO.
- AIO was identified as a potential biological factor affecting monozygotic twinning rates.
Conclusions:
- Artificial induction of ovulation appears to be the first identified biological mechanism that increases the rate of monozygotic twinning.
- The findings suggest that AIO not only increases the chance of multiple ovulations but also enhances zygotic splitting.