Twin chorionicity and zygosity both vary with maternal age

Amanda Yeaton-Massey, Teresa N. Sparks, Mary E. Norton, Laura Jelliffe-Pawlowski, Robert J. Currier

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To determine the ratio of dichorionic (DC) to monochorionic (MC) twins by maternal age. Methods: We reviewed all twin pregnancies undergoing first trimester screening (FTS) with nuchal translucency from April 2009 to December 2012 with sonographic determination of chorionicity. Cases were linked to newborn screening (NBS) results and zygosity estimated based on rates of fetal sex discordance. The ratio of DC to MC placentation by maternal age was calculated. Results: We identified 11,351 twin pregnancies with FTS and documented chorionicity. Among these, 7861 (64.2%) had linked data on FTS and NBS to allow estimation of zygosity based on neonatal sex. Of these, 1464 (18.6%) were MC and 6406 (81.4%) DC. The MC twin rate remained constant while the DC twin rate increased with maternal age until 40 years. At <20 years, 55% of twin pregnancies were monozygotic (MZ), as compared to 29% at > 40 years. Of MZ twins, 38% were DC at < 20years, while 53% were DC at >40 years. Conclusions: Our data suggest a relationship of both zygosity and chorionicity with maternal age. DZ twinning increased with maternal age, while among MZ twins, the proportion that were DC also increased with maternal age.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1074-1079
Number of pages6
JournalPrenatal Diagnosis
Volume41
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Genetics(clinical)

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