bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delayed Interval Delivery of Two Remaining Fetuses in Quintuplet Pregnancy After Embryo Reduction: Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: de Jong M.W. , van Lingen R.A. , Wildschut J. , van Eijck J. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA case report is presented with a prolonged interval between delivery of 25 days. A quintuplet pregnancy resulted from hormonal stimulation of ovulation. Two fetuses remained after an embryo reduction was performed at 11 weeks gestation. At 22.5 weeks gestation the first twin (310 g) was delivered after spontaneous rupture of membranes. Using tocolytic agents, the second twin (710 g) was born at 26 weeks of gestation. This case is discussed and a review of the literature is given.
Influence of Clinical Variables on Triplet Birth Weight
Authors: Newman R.B. , Jones J.S. , Miller M.C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe small size of most reported triplet series has resulted in conflicting statements about the influence of several clinical variables on triplet birth weight. Therefore, obstetrical and neonatal data were collected on 196 mothers and their 580 infants (8 stillbirths excluded). Gestational age was based on the date of fertilization in 13 IVF triplets and on the date of ovulation in 90 medically induced triplets. Obstetrical and ultrasonic criteria were used to estimate the date of confinement in 93 spontaneous triplets. Birth weight appeared to be higher in males and with higher maternal parity, independent of gestational age. The apparent effect of medical technologies such as ovulation induction or IVF on combined triplet birth weight disappeared when maternal parity and fetal gender were controlled. Preeclampsia, maternal race and zygosity were not significantly associated with birth weight. While birth order did not significantly effect ultimate birth weight, the heaviest triplet did present first more often than would be expected by chance alone. Future evaluation of neonatal outcome data in multifetal gestations should control for gestational age, fetal gender and maternal parity. It appears that triplet birth weight is not affected by etiology, which is important given the significant impact of medical technologies.
Time Trends in Characteristics and Outcome of Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Moreault L. , Marcoux S. , Fabia J. , Tennina S. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis study describes the evolution in fetal and neonatal mortality rates among twin pairs born in 22 hospitals located in the eastern regions of the province of Quebec in 1976-1978 (n = 776 pairs) and 1982-1985 (n = 712 pairs). It also assesses the contribution of maternal factors, obstetrical care and characteristics of twins in the variation of the risk of death over time. The fetal mortality rate did not improve from 1976-1978 (22.6 per 1000) to 1982-1985 (28.1 per 1000). However, the neonatal mortality rate declined from 44.7 to 34.7 per 1000 liveborn first twins and from 56.8 to 36.1 per 1000 liveborn second twins. For first twins as for second twins, birthweight-specific neonatal mortality rates decreased within birth weight categories under 2500 g. In the second period, 96.9% of twin pregnancies were detected before confinement compared to 59.6% in the earlier period. The proportion of twins delivered by obstetricians, the percentage of twin births occurring in ultraspecialized perinatal units and the frequency of caesarean sections increased markedly. The proportion of preterm births increased over time (34.5% vs 43.1%) whereas the percentage of low birthweight twins decreased but not significantly (54.3% 51.6%). In this study, changes in maternal age, parity, educational level, sex of pairs, qualification of the physician, and level of care available at the hospital of birth, did not account for the decrease in neonatal mortality rates among twins. The increase in the frequency of caesarean sections seemed to explain only a small proportion of the decrease in the neonatal mortality rate among second twins. In the second as well as in the first period, the neonatal mortality rate for twins was six times higher than that for singletons.
Factors Associated with Neonatal Problems in Twin Gestations
Authors: Fraser D. , Picard R. , Picard E. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe examined the neonatal outcome of 644 twins weighing 500 g or more and 656 singletons, born in the years 1984-1986 in the Soroka Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel. There was nearly a four-fold risk of antepartum death in twins vs singletons, which disappeared when birth weight was controlled for. The risks for intrapartum and early neonatal mortality were not raised in this population. A statistically significant relative risk for congenital heart malformations in twins vs singletons remained (RR = 5.0, 95% CI = 1.5-16.3), after controlling for maternal age. Significantly higher rates of hyalin membrane disease, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, anemia and septicemia were found in twins. Controlling for the confounding of the association between twinning and mortality or morbidity caused by differences in distributions of mode of delivery or gestational age between twins and singletons, was not as efficient as the controlling for birth weight. Thus, adjustment for birth weight removed all the excess risks detected except in hypoglycemia. Our findings suggest that the-lower birth weight of twins, which is so intimately associated with multiple gestations, is probably the single most important factor associated with neonatal problems found in twin births.
Recurrent Spontaneous Twinning
Authors: Blickstein I. , Borenstein R. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe perinatal outcome of seven recurrent twin deliveries after 28 weeks gestation, was compared to the first twin delivery and to randomly selected controls matched for parity, maternal age and gestational age. The outcome of the recurrent twin gestation was associated with significantly increased gestational age (P < 0.04) and mean twin birth weight (P < 0.05) compared to the first twin pregnancy. When compared to controls matched for maternal age and gestational age they were of significantly higher parity (P < 0.005) but had otherwise similar obstetric characteristics as when compared to controls matched for parity. These data suggest a better outcome for the recurrent compared to the first twin gestation. The frequencies of repeat twinning (0.0165% of all deliveries) and the calculated probability of having by chance a recurrent twin delivery were significantly different (P < 10−6) suggesting that both deliveries may be stochastically dependent events.
Congenital Anomalies in Twins in Northern Ireland. II: Neural Tube Defects, 1974-1979
Authors: Little J. , Nevin N.C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn a large population-based study in Northern Ireland during the period 1974-1979, the rate of anencephalus in twins (9.1/10,000) was found to be less than that in singletons (24.3/10,000). This finding is in contrast with most other studies and the possibility of underascertainment of twin cases is considered, but it is concluded that chance is the likeliest explanation. The rate of spina bifida in twins (36.4/10,000) was similar to that in singletons (31.9/10,000). All of the twins with anencephalus were female and from pairs of like sex. Rates of spina bifida in twins from pairs of the two sex types were similar but, unusually, there was a male preponderance. As in previous studies, the great majority of twins with NTDs had unaffected cotwins.
Maternal Alcohol and Pentazocine Abuse: Neonatal Behavior and Morphology in an Opposite-Sex Twin Pair
Authors: Riese Marilyn L. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA pair of preterm, opposite-sex twins were examined during the lying-in period for behavioral and morphological effects of maternal alcohol and pentazocine abuse during pregnancy. A few morphological features typical of fetal alcohol syndrome were observed in each infant, and the male infant only was above the standardized mean in minor physical anomalies. The male's behavioral scores were more likely to be deviant from the standardized mean than the female's. Specifically, the male was more irritable, both spontaneously and in response to specific stimuli; highly active while awake and handled for the presentation of stimuli; more active than average during sleep; and low on ratings that reflect the attitude of the examiner toward the infant. These findings imply individual and gender differences in behavioral susceptibility to teratogens.
Structural Congenital Defects in Multiple Births
Authors: Mastroiacovo P. , Botto L. 
Published: July 2016

The prevalence of twinning and higher order multiple births is high and is increasing in many countries, due at least in part to fertility-enhancing medical therapies. About 1 in 40-45 births is a twin; it is thus important to investigate whether the twinning status confers a higher risk for morbidity and mortality, particularly early in life. Birth defects are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric age-group. The purpose of this review is to consider the evidence for an increased risk of some birth defects associated with twinning, using data from the literature and the Italian Multicentre Birth Defects Registry (IPIMC), to illustrate some of the challenging aspects of the study of birth defects in twins, and to suggest some guidelines for future investigations.Twins are a heterogeneous group. They may differ in origin and genetic similarity, as for monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins; and in placentation (monochorial monoamniotic, monochorial diamniotic, dichorial with separate or fused placentae). Likewise, birth defects are known to be heterogeneous in presentation, pathogenesis, and etiology. Thus, the question raised here is not whether or not birth defects ‘in general’ are more common in twins, but rather whether or not there are any specific types of defects that are more frequent among specific types of twins. To maintain the generality of the discussion, this review will focus on those structural defects which are not unique to twins; conjoined twins and arcadia, defects which are unique to the twinning process, will not be discussed.
Studio Epidemiologico del Nato da Gravidanza Plurima
Authors: Cianciulli D. , Pezzati M. , Carbone C. , Mainardi G. , Panero C. , Biagioli-Cosenza E. , Biadaioli R. , La Torre A. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractLa gravidanza gemellare è stata sempre considerata «a rischio» come dimostrato dalla elevata incidenza di mortalità e morbosità. L'entità del rischio è stata valutata con una indagine statistica condotta sui nati nel periodo 1987-1993 nella U.O. di Neonatologia annessa alla Clinica Ostetrico-Ginecologica dell'Università di Firenze. Vengono riferiti i risultati di uno studio relativo all'incidenza di patologia in 463 gemelli confrontata con quella osservata in 15,658 nati da parto singolo. L'incidenza della gemellarità è stata del 2.87% (la media nazionale si aggira intorno al 2%). L'età gestazionale media dei gemelli oscilla intorno alle 35 settimane. Il 38% dei gemelli presenta un peso alla nascita ≥ 2,500g. rispetto al 94% dei singoli; il 12% dei gemelli è nato con peso < 1,500g. rispetto all'1.5% dei singoli. Il basso peso dei gemelli alla nascita è il risultato della prematurità e del ritardo di accrescimento. L'evento malformativp nella nostra U.O. è stato del 2.98% nelle gravidanze singole e del 5.61% nelle gravidanze plurime. La mortalità neonatale precoce è stata del 4.89% nei gemelli contro lo 0.46% nei singoli. La mortalità perinatale è stata del 7.77% nei gemelli contro l'1.15% nei singoli. La patologia respiratoria ha inciso nel parto singolo per il 2.31% e nel parto plurimo per il 4.96%. I risultati della nostra indagine sono stati discussi e confrontati con quelli della letteratura.
Indagine Parallels Familiare e Gemellare nella Psoriasi
Authors: Cavalieri R. 
Published: July 2016

La Psoriasi è una dermatosi nota e chiara da diagnosticare con incidenza in ogni popolo e in molte famiglie molto elevata, pur con variabilità clinica notevole. La sua ereditarietà è incontestabile, pur tuttavia profonda è l'incertezza per quanto riguarda i vari parametri della sua ereditabilità. Le cause di ciò possono essere giustificate dalla totale variabilità di chnicizzazione in ogni soggetto psoriasico che va dai primi giorni di vita a oltre gli 80 anni.Inoltre trattandosi di malattia dell'uomo ogni sperimentazione è inibita. Solo l'indagine gemellare può figurare come una sperimentazione in natura. Per rendere più veritiera possibile l'indagine su questo argomento, occorrono quindi osservazioni dirette su cifre molto elevate di questi malati.A questo scopo abbiamo portato la nostra osservazione su:– 8,000 casi di psoriasi– 655 alberi genealogici di famiglie con almeno un caso di psoriasi, studiate almeno per tre generazioni.In parallelo si è svolta l'osservazione su coppie gemellari consultando 10,000 coppie di gemelli (gemelloteca dell'Istituto Mendel). Sono state recepite 2,000 risposte dalle quali si evince che coppie di gemelli con psoriasi risultano almeno n. 26. Da notare che le coppie da noi esaminate erano sempre molto giovani. L'indagine popolazionistica nota in tutto il mondo varia da 1% a 2%. Da notare che ogni popolo anche di colore ne è colpito, ma in modo molto differenziato. Dalla nostra casistica evinta da un Centro di ampia consultazione, risulta che in Italia la dermatosi incide nello 0.9% fra tutta la popolazione. Tra i dermopazienti l'incidenza raggiunge 1'8%.
“Silent” Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Low-Birthweight Twins
Authors: Zanardo V. , Trevisanuto D. , Dani C. , Milanesi O. , Guglielmi A. , Cantarutti F. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractDuring a screening protocol of early echocardiographic diagnosis (ATL MK 600) and treatment of “silent” PDA in RDS preterms with BW ≤ 1.750 kg, clinical data on premature twins were collected, including diagnosis of both PDA and BPD, to investigate whether twin birth influences PDA incidence and BPD development. Out of the 290 RDS preterms evaluated, 96 (33%) showed evidence of PDA, and a total of 79 (27%) developed BPD, 47 (16%) with associated PDA and 32 (11%) without PDA. Out of 238 singletons, 74 (31%) presented “silent” PDA and a total of 75 (31%) developed BPD, 44 (18%) with associated PDA, and 31 (13%) without PDA. In 52 other twins (18% of the total number of babies studied), 22 (42% of this subgroup) presented evidence of “silent” PDA, and 4 (8% of the subgroup), developed BPD, 3 with associated PDA (6% of the subgroup), and 1 without PDA (2% of the subgroup). From these data, it is inferred that that low-birthweight twins are at high risk for PDA hemodynamic complications during RDS, and may benefit from early induced ductal closure. Instead, in RDS twins, BPD was statistically less frequent (at the 99% C.L.) probably because twinning enhances fetal lung maturity, influencing enzymatic and nonenzymatic protective systems of lung defence.
An Italian Army Twin Register
Authors: Gedda L. , Messinetti S. , Brenci G. , Ronzani G. 
Published: July 2016

Since military service in Italy is obligatory for all 20-year olds (“conscripts”) who do not choose to perform alternative civilian service, we thought of utilizing the data derived from the examinations all conscripts undergo, and selecting information relative to twins. The material we have gathered from the country's Draft Boards concerns the period from October 1987 to December 1988, and this information allows to determine: 1) the twin status of a conscript and the identification of his cotwin; 2) aptitude for military service; 3) occupation; 4) presence of twins in the father's or mother's lineage; 5) home address and telephone number.The twin material collected concerns 2,739 male pairs and 1,433 pairs of both sexes, classified with respect to:1) Aptitude for military service;2) Choice of occupation;3) Presence of twins in the family.
Genetic Variance and Heritability of Temperament Among Chinese Twin Infants
Authors: Chen C.J. , Yu M.W. , Wang C.J. , Tong S.L. , Tien M. , Lee T.Y. , Lue H.C. , Huang F.Y. , Lan C.C. , Yang K.H. , Wang H.C. , Shih H.Y. , Liu C.Y. , Chen J.S. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn order to examine the genetic variance and heritability of temperament among Chinese infants in Taiwan, a total of 62 pairs of same-sexed twin infants given birth in four major general teaching hospitals in Taipei City were studied. Based on placentation and 12 red blood cell antigens, 44 MZ and 18 DZ pairs were identified. Temperament was assessed at the age of six months by the Chinese edition of Carey's Temperament scale. Significant genetic variance was observed for activity level, approach or withdrawal, intensity of reaction, quality of mood, and threshold of responsiveness, with a heritability of 0.64, 0.56, 0.74, 0.39, and 0.45, respectively. There was no significant intrapair difference in temperamental characteristics between monochorionic and dichorionic MZ twins.
An Examination of the Psychological and Behavioural Factors in the Development of Language Retardation in Twins
Authors: Sandbank A.C. , Brown G.A. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractUsing therapeutic intervention, the psychological and behavioural factors in the development of language retardation in two pairs of 4-year-old MZ twins have been examined. Although some factors are common to those found in singletons with language retardation, the factors peculiar to the twin situation are highlighted.
Raising Twin Babies and Problems in the Family
Authors: Chang C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractOut of 296 mothers of twins interviewed about difficulties encountered while rearing twins, 49% mentioned inadequate sleep, 18% financial strain, 39% emotional disturbance, 22% disturbance in the marital relationship, and 43% lack of time to take care of other children. With the growth of twins, the problems gradually decreased, except for emotional disturbance, the most difficult period being the first year. Only 15% reported leaving the babies in the care of relatives during the day time. Overall, 68.2% felt the support from the father, but 39% of them felt the support was useless; 49% felt support from the mother-in-law, but 43% of them regarded the mother-in-law to be of no help; 36% were supported by their own mothers, but 54% mentioned that they had received little help. One must conclude that social support from relatives was inadequate. Public policy should take this fact into account and provide public health nurses and social workers to help the mothers of twins, especially during the first year.
Temperament and Neonatal Risk in Full-Term and Preterm Combined Vaginal/Cesarean Section Twin Pairs
Authors: Riese M.L. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractTen pairs of full-term and 8 pairs of preterm twins from combined vaginal and Cesarean section deliveries were evaluated on measures of neonatal temperament, developmental status, and integrity to determine if the Cesarean-delivered infant was compromised relative to its vaginally-delivered twin. There were no significant differences, within groups, between the vaginal and Cesarean section infants on measures of risk and developmental status. Analyses of variance of paired comparisons performed on the temperament measures indicated that, for the full-term group, there were no significant differences in ratings between vaginally and Cesarean-delivered infants. In contrast, preterm infants delivered by Cesarean section were more active during sleep than their vaginally-delivered cotwins. This finding, together with previous findings demonstrating a relation between this measure and temperament at 9, 18, and 24 months of age, suggested that the preterm Cesarean-delivered infant may be at risk in this area when compared with its twin. In the main, however, the results demonstrated that infants born by Cesarean section following vaginal delivery of their twins were not more compromised than their twin siblings.
Frequency of Triplets and Triplet Zygosity Types among U.S. Births, 1964
Authors: Allen Gordon 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe frequency of triplets in the U.S. white population may have reached an all-time low around 1964, at 78 sets per million deliveries. One-fourth of those were monozygotic as estimated by the difference method, or 18% by Bulmer's theoretical model. By 1983 the frequency of triplets had nearly doubled, the increase presumably occurring in dizygotic and trizygotic types. In Belgium most triplet pregnancies now result from artificial induction of ovulation, which is expected to occur mainly in older mothers. In the U.S., however, triplets have increased as much in young mothers as in older mothers, proportionally. This age distribution of the increase may be partly explained by a decrease in parity in older mothers since 1964.
Fertility, Fecundity and Twinning: A Comparison of the Trends in Births and Twinning in Australia from 1854 to 1982
Authors: Doherty John D.H. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe trends in births and in twinning in Australia are compared from 1854 to 1982. Until about 1930 the twinning rate increased as births fell. The two rates then became concordant. The relationship of fecundity to twinning is discussed. Comparison with other countries is made. The period embraces the demographic transition when changing contraceptive practices would have had a variable effect on twinning.
The Validity of Weinberg's Rule in the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey (EFPTS)
Authors: Vlietinck R. , Derom C. , Derom R. , den Berghe H. Van , Thiery M. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractMost population studies of twins estimate the number of monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) pairs by Weinberg's differential rule. This rule assumes that within the DZ twins the numbers of unlike-sexed (U) and like-sexed (L) twins are equal. The literature on the validity of Weinberg's rule is still controversial. In this prospective population-based study (EFPTS) of 2,589 twin pairs, of whom 2,577 were of known zygosity and placentation, the estimates of Weinberg's rule agree well with the results of direct zygosity determination.
Restrictiveness-Permissiveness of Their Environment as Perceived by Kibbutz Twins and Singletons
Authors: Guttman Ruth , Nathan Michael , Esrachi Amir 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis research compares similarities and differences between kibbutz twins and singletons on individual perceptions of extent of restriction imposed by their fathers and mothers, teachers, caretakers and peers with regard to the children's choices, plans, and actual activities. During the past two years, the parents of all kibbutz twins in Israel of age 1 to 18 have been contacted. They provided background information about themselves and their twin children. In each kibbutz, two control singletons were selected of the same sex and age for each twin pair, yielding a “quartet”. With the aid of a mapping sentence, questionnaires were constructed to help ascertain the child's role in life areas such as family, friendship, school, hobbies, work, amusement. Questionnaires with the same facet design are being administered to children (twin and singleton), mothers, fathers, teachers, and caretakers. In addition, each child is given a battery of tests — including the verbal WISC, Block Design, Raven Matrices, and Reading Comprehension. The children will be interviewed and tested in three successive years, beginning either in grade 4 or 5. Data will thus be obtained on changes in perception of permissiveness-restrictiveness and their relation to performance at ages 9 to 13. To date 9-year-olds in 14 kibbutzim have been interviewed. Analyses of responses to four questions are presented in this paper. The preliminary analyses indicate that twins and singletons have similar means and distributions with regard to the extent to which the children feel they are told what to do by either parent.