Significance of Biparietal Diameter Differences Between Twins

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Abstract
Twins of dissimilar size have increased risks at delivery and in the neonatal period. When dissimilar growth is severe, it should be reflected in birthweight and biparietal diameter (BPD) growth. Sonograms were done on 74 of 106 sets of twins. Excluding prematurity and birth trauma, difference in BPD between twins with normal outcomes in the last scan prior to delivery was 1.32 .+-. 0.20 mm (mean .+-. SE), and difference in birthweight was 250.3 .+-. 31.4 g (mean .+-. SE). In 7 sets of twins with poor outcomes (intrauterine fetal demise or severe intrauterine growth retardation) without CNS anomalies the difference in BPD between twins in the last scan, while both fetuses were alive, was 6.86 .+-. 1.06 mm (mean .+-. SE), and the difference in birthweight was 604.3 .+-. 217.2 g (mean .+-. SE). BPD and birthweights were significantly different at the P < 0.01 level. Large differences in BPD between twins may possibly indicate compromise of 1 twin.

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