Calculated risk of chromosomal abnormalities in twin gestations.
Publication/Presentation Date
12-1-1990
Abstract
Genetic counseling concerning the risks of chromosomal abnormalities in twin gestations can be difficult; the risk of amniocentesis is weighed against that of chromosomal abnormalities in either one or both of the twins. Because most twins are dizygotic (each with a risk a priori of aneuploidy), the chance that one of the fetuses is affected is greater than would be expected for a singleton. Only three possibilities would result in either one or both twin's being affected: 1) dizygotic twins with one fetus affected, 2) dizygotic twins with both fetuses affected, and 3) monozygotic twins with both fetuses affected. Using existing tables of estimated risks of chromosomal abnormalities in singleton gestations and mathematically derived formulas, we created tables defining the age-related risks of chromosomal abnormalities in twin gestations. According to these tables, a patient at 33 years of age with a twin gestation has a risk of Down syndrome in at least one of her twins equivalent to that of a 35-year-old with a singleton. Prenatal genetic testing should be considered for women with twins at a younger age than the traditional 35.
Volume
76
Issue
6
First Page
1037
Last Page
1041
ISSN
0029-7844
Published In/Presented At
Rodis, J. F., Egan, J. F., Craffey, A., Ciarleglio, L., Greenstein, R. M., & Scorza, W. E. (1990). Calculated risk of chromosomal abnormalities in twin gestations. Obstetrics and gynecology, 76(6), 1037–1041.
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
2146537
Department(s)
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Document Type
Article