Sofie Sondrup Poulsen1, Marianne Sinding2, Ditte Nymark Hansen3, David A Peters4, Jens B Frøkjær5, Anne Sørensen3. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Reberbansgade 15, 9000, Aalborg, Denmark. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Viborg Regional Hospital, Heibergs Alle 4, 8800, Viborg, Denmark. Electronic address: masore78@hotmail.com. 3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Reberbansgade 15, 9000, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Sdr. Skovvej 15, 9000, Aalborg, Denmark. 4. Department of Clinical Engineering, Central Denmark Region, Olof Palmes Alle 13, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark. 5. Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Sdr. Skovvej 15, 9000, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Radiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Hobrovej 18-22, 9000, Aalborg, Denmark.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Intertwin birthweight (BW) difference is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcome. Ultrasound estimated fetal weight (EFW) is the current method to predict intertwin BW difference, however, the sensitivity is poor. Therefore, new methods are needed. Placental T2* estimated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides non-invasive information about the placental function. This study aimed to investigate placental T2* difference as a new predictor of BW difference, and to compare it to the EFW. METHODS: We included 25 dichorionic twin pairs at 19-38 weeks' gestation. Placental T2* was obtained by MRI and EFW by ultrasound. Correlations between each predictor and BW difference were examined by simple linear regression, and the combined model was analyzed by multiple linear regression and likelihood ratio test. RESULTS: Strong positive correlations were demonstrated between intertwin differences in placental T2* and BW (r = 0.80, p < 0.005), and EFW and BW (r = 0.64, p < 0.005). Placental T2* difference was a strong independent predictor of BW difference (p < 0.001), and the combined model performed better than each predictor alone (p < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: This pilot study demonstrates that placental T2* difference may be a predictor of intertwin BW difference irrespectively of fetal size. The clinical potential of this method deserves further investigation in a larger clinical study.
INTRODUCTION: Intertwin birthweight (BW) difference is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcome. Ultrasound estimated fetal weight (EFW) is the current method to predict intertwin BW difference, however, the sensitivity is poor. Therefore, new methods are needed. Placental T2* estimated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides non-invasive information about the placental function. This study aimed to investigate placental T2* difference as a new predictor of BW difference, and to compare it to the EFW. METHODS: We included 25 dichorionic twin pairs at 19-38 weeks' gestation. Placental T2* was obtained by MRI and EFW by ultrasound. Correlations between each predictor and BW difference were examined by simple linear regression, and the combined model was analyzed by multiple linear regression and likelihood ratio test. RESULTS: Strong positive correlations were demonstrated between intertwin differences in placental T2* and BW (r = 0.80, p < 0.005), and EFW and BW (r = 0.64, p < 0.005). Placental T2* difference was a strong independent predictor of BW difference (p < 0.001), and the combined model performed better than each predictor alone (p < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: This pilot study demonstrates that placental T2* difference may be a predictor of intertwin BW difference irrespectively of fetal size. The clinical potential of this method deserves further investigation in a larger clinical study.
Authors: Esra Abaci Turk; Jeffrey N Stout; Christopher Ha; Jie Luo; Borjan Gagoski; Filiz Yetisir; Polina Golland; Lawrence L Wald; Elfar Adalsteinsson; Julian N Robinson; Drucilla J Roberts; William H Barth; P Ellen Grant Journal: Top Magn Reson Imaging Date: 2019-10
Authors: Alison Ho; Jana Hutter; Paddy Slator; Laurence Jackson; Paul T Seed; Laura Mccabe; Mudher Al-Adnani; Andreas Marnerides; Simi George; Lisa Story; Joseph V Hajnal; Mary Rutherford; Lucy C Chappell Journal: Placenta Date: 2020-12-13 Impact factor: 3.481