Foetal twin ultrasound biometry

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Fetal Medicine
• Perinatology

Background:

• Fetal biometry is crucial for assessing growth and development.
• Standardized growth charts are essential for accurate interpretation of fetal measurements.
• Twin gestations present unique physiological differences impacting fetal growth compared to singleton pregnancies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare biparietal diameter (BPD) and abdominal diameter (AD) growth patterns between twin and singleton gestations.
• To determine if specific growth standards are necessary for twin pregnancies.
• To investigate potential differences in growth between monochorial and dichorial twins.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of fetal ultrasound measurements.
• Comparison of BPD and AD growth curves using established statistical methods.
• Stratification of twin data based on chorionicity.

Main Results:

• Biparietal diameter growth significantly differs between twin and singleton gestations.
• A notable trend towards lower BPD values was observed in monochorial twins.
• Abdominal diameter growth demonstrated no significant difference between twin and singleton pregnancies.

Conclusions:

• Specific BPD growth standards are recommended for twin pregnancies due to observed deviations.
• Monochorial twins may require tailored monitoring for BPD growth.
• AD measurements appear less affected by plurality, suggesting similar growth trajectories in twins and singletons.