N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in monochorionic diamniotic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction.

OBJECTIVE

To compare serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels at birth between monochorionic diamniotic twins with and without selective intrauterine growth restriction.

STUDY DESIGN

Blood samples were collected from 73 monochorionic diamniotic twins without twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Two groups were studied on the basis of fetal ultrasonographic findings: 16 twins with and 57 twins without selective intrauterine growth restriction. Selective intrauterine growth restriction was defined as an estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile in one twin at 18 to 26 weeks of gestation. Serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels were measured.

RESULT

Serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in monochorionic diamniotic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction were significantly higher than in those without selective intrauterine growth restriction. Selective intrauterine growth restriction was independently associated with increased N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels.

CONCLUSION

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels at birth are elevated in monochorionic diamniotic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction.