Authors: Gielen, M.; van Beijsterveldt, C.E.M.; Derom, C.; Vlietinck, R.; Nijhuis, J.G.; Zeegers, M.P.A.; Boomsma, D.I.

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 25, Number 9, 20 September 2010 , pp. 2346-2353(8)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, the overall rate of preterm births has increased. The aim of the present study was to examine whether this trend is also seen for multiple gestations. More specifically, we examined if there has been a decrease in gestational age for live born monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins and if there has been a simultaneous change in birthweight. The contributions of fertility treatments and Caesarean sections were taken into consideration. All analyses were carried out in two large European twin cohorts.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 6310 live born twin pairs, born between 19642007, from the Belgian East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey and 14 712 twin pairs, born between 19902006, from the Netherlands Twin Register. Multiple regression analyses were performed with gestational age as outcome variable, and multilevel analysis with birthweight as outcome variable. All analyses were performed with and without adjustment for zygosity, parity, maternal age, mode of conception and delivery and, for the analyses of birthweight, gestational age.

RESULTS

Gestational age decreased in a linear fashion from 1964 to 2007 with a decrease of 0.25 days per year in a similar way for MZ and DZ twins. Changes in birthweight depended on gestational age: up to 32 weeks, birthweight decreased and after 32 weeks birthweight increased. The frequency of infertility treatment and Caesarean sections, primiparity and advanced maternal age increased over the years, but none of these factors influenced the secular trends in gestational age and birthweight.

CONCLUSIONS

The decrease in gestational age and change in birthweight in twins are sources of concern, especially for very preterm twins, for whom birthweight decreased. For twins born after 32 weeks, an increase in birthweight was observed and this is very likely the explanation for the decrease in gestational age.

Keywords: twins; gestational age; birthweight; secular trend; time trend

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deq160

Publication date: 2010-09-20

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Gielen, M. ;  van Beijsterveldt, C.E.M. ;  Derom, C. ;  Vlietinck, R. ;  Nijhuis, J.G. ;  Zeegers, M.P.A. ;  Boomsma, D.I.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers