About twins: Epidemiological, genetic, and obstetrical aspects, specific risks, and outcome

The incidence of twin pregnancies has increased steadily for the last 40 years due to assisted reproductive technology and increased maternal childbearing age. Multiple pregnancies, especially monochorionic twin pregnancies, carry a high risk for the mother and the fetuses and require close follow-u...

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Published in:Archives de pédiatrie : organe officiel de la Société française de pédiatrie 2017-12, Vol.24 (12), p.1299-1311
Main Authors: Tauzin, M, Felix, A, Michot, C, Dedieu, C, Aoust, L, Fortas, F, Guillier, C, Ngo, J, Wachter, P-Y, Petermann, L, Kermorvant-Duchemin, E
Format: Article
Language:fre
Subjects:
Diseases in Twins - epidemiology
Diseases in Twins - genetics
Female
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications
Pregnancy Outcome
Pregnancy, Twin
Risk Factors
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Summary:The incidence of twin pregnancies has increased steadily for the last 40 years due to assisted reproductive technology and increased maternal childbearing age. Multiple pregnancies, especially monochorionic twin pregnancies, carry a high risk for the mother and the fetuses and require close follow-up. Twins are exposed to a higher risk of perinatal anoxia, in utero fetal demise, preterm birth, congenital malformations, fetal growth restriction, and vascular complications. Compared to singletons, twins are at higher risk of perinatal mortality and impaired neurodevelopmental outcome, justifying a thorough follow-up by pediatricians, including assessment and management of familial and psychosocial impact. This paper discusses the epidemiological, obstetrical, and genetic issues raised by twin pregnancies and reviews the data on the perinatal and neurological long-term outcomes of twins, as well as the psychosocial impact of multiple births on twins and their families.
ISSN:1769-664X
DOI:10.1016/j.arcped.2017.09.023