The definition of discordant twin based on the intertwin birth weight difference expressed as a proportion(or percentage) of the larger tiwn's birth weight.
We performed this study in order to investigate the mortality and morbidity of discordant twins.
173 pairs of twins were born at Chonnam University Hospital between Jan. 1991 and Dec. 1995. Twins having discordancy rate below 15% were included as non-discordant 'control' group(121 paris), while between 15% and 25%(grade I, 36 paris) and more
than
25%(grade II, 16 pairs) were included as discordant 'study' group(52 pairs).
The following results were obtained
1) incidence of discordant twins was 30.0% with 20.8% of grade I and 9.2% of grade II. There were no significant differences in gestational age and birth weight between control and study group.
2) Mortality rate was 5.8% in control and 8.7% in study group(8.3% in grade I, 9.4% in grade II). Mortality rate of discordant twins(8.7%) was higher than that of control(5.8%) but statistical difference was not found. Congenital anomaly was the
most
common cause of death in discordant twins but respiratory distress syndrome and its related problems in control group.
3) Morbidity rates of discordant tiwns were more or less higher than that of controlin low birth weight, very low birth weight, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, meconium. Aspiration syndrome, congenital anomaly and congenital heart disease but
congenital
anomaly only had significance.
Because problems, we suggest tha when intertiwn growth disparity is predicted on antenatal visit, special attention and adequate surveillance including periodic sonographic examination and biophysical profile should be instituted to decrease the
mortality morbidity.
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