The use of human placental lactogen, oxytocinase and estriol in twin pregnancies with intrauterine growth retardation.

In 38 twin pregnancies human placental lactogen (HPL) and oxytocinase were measured in serum and estriol in urine. Eleven women carried light-for-dates (LFD) twins (birth weight less than P5), and 27 had appropriate-for-dates twins (birth weight greater than P5). We investigated if intrauterine growth retardation in these patients could be detected either by the biochemical measurements of by clinical examination. The values of oxytocinase and estriol were not related to fetal weight. A serum level of HPL of 12 mg/l after 34 wk of gestation proved to be helpful in the detection of LFD twins. The predictive value of a positive test was 64% (7/11) and of a negative test 84% (21/25). Eight LFD twins were suspected clinically. If clinical examination and HPL measurements were used in conjunction all LFD twins could have been suspected before birth.