Can growth in dichorionic twins be monitored with individualized growth assessment?
Authors: Deter R. L. , Lee W. , Dicker P. , Breathnach F. , Molphy Z. , Malone F. D. 
Published: July 2023

Objective

To characterize fetal growth in dichorionic twins using individualized growth assessment (IGA), a method based on individual growth potential estimates.

Methods

This secondary analysis included 286 fetuses/neonates from 143 dichorionic twin pregnancies that were part of the ESPRiT (Evaluation of Sonographic Predictors of Restricted Growth in Twins) study. The sample was subcategorized according to birth weight into appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA) (n = 243) and small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) (n = 43) cohorts. Serial biometric scans evaluating biparietal diameter, head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference, femur diaphysis length and estimated weight at 2‐week intervals were used to evaluate fetal growth, while measurements of birth weight, crown–heel length and HC determined neonatal growth outcome. Six abnormalities (hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, respiratory distress, sepsis and death) constituted the evaluated adverse neonatal outcomes (ANO). IGA was used to: evaluate differences in second‐trimester growth velocities between singletons (from a published dataset) and dichorionic twins (138 AGA twins with normal third‐trimester growth); describe the degree to which actual third‐trimester growth in twins followed expected growth (111 AGA twins, normal fetal growth and neonatal growth outcomes); determine if the fetal growth pathology score 1 (–FGPS1) could detect, quantify and classify twin growth pathology (224 AGA, 42 SGA); and assess the relationship between –FGPS1 and ANO (24 SGA twins with progressive growth restriction confirmed by abnormal neonatal growth outcome).

Results

The differences in second‐trimester growth velocity between singletons and twins (means and variances) were small and not statistically significant. Percent deviations from the expected third‐trimester size trajectories were within the 95% reference ranges derived from singletons at 95.7% (1677/1752) of timepoints studied. Abnormal growth was detected in 37.9% of AGA twins and 85.7% of SGA twins. Growth restriction was more heterogeneous in AGA twins, while in SGA twins progressive growth restriction was the principal type (66.7%). –FGPS1 patterns previously defined in singletons classified 97.5% of pathological twin cases. In our most severe form of growth restriction (progressive), there were only three (12.5%) ANOs related to growth abnormalities, all in cases with –FGPS1 values more negative than –2.0%. Using these criteria, the frequency of ANO was 33%.

Conclusions

With respect to growth, dichorionic twins can be considered as two singletons in the same uterus. Normally growing dichorionic twins have the same growth potential as singletons with normal growth outcome. These twins also follow expected third‐trimester growth trajectories with the same precision as do singletons. Third‐trimester growth pathology can be detected, quantified and classified using –FGPS1 as in singletons. Limited evidence of a relationship between fetal growth abnormalities and adverse neonatal outcome was found. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.