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Cortical visual impairment caused by twin pregnancy
W V Good1, M C Brodsky, T L Angtuaco
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Ohio 45267-0527, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Twin pregnancy may increase the risk of cortical visual impairment in newborns. Early evaluation for twin gestation is recommended for infants with visual impairment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Perinatology
Background:
- Cortical visual impairment (CVI) is a leading cause of vision loss in children.
- The etiology of CVI can be complex and multifactorial.
- Twin pregnancies present unique obstetric and neonatal challenges.
Observation:
- This study identified three cases of infants with CVI who were products of twin pregnancies.
- One infant was a dizygotic twin who developed CVI following preterm birth.
- Two infants were monochorionic twins who developed CVI, with one case linked to twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and fetal demise.
Findings:
- Twin pregnancy appears to be an etiologic factor in the development of CVI.
- In dizygotic twins, preterm birth associated with twin gestation may lead to CVI.
- In monochorionic twins, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a significant risk factor for CVI.
Implications:
- Infants presenting with CVI shortly after birth should be assessed for a history of twin pregnancy.
- Twin pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of neurological damage affecting the visual pathways.
- Identifying twin pregnancy as a risk factor can guide early diagnosis and intervention for CVI.