Perinatal Outcomes In Monozygotic Pregnancies Resulting From Assisted Reproductive Technology Procedures: A Single-Center 6-Year Experience Based On A Large Cohort Of Pregnancies

Abstract

Objective: Monozygotic twin (MZT) pregnancies increase the risk of maternal and infant mortality and include many complications. The present study describes our assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures from the viewpoint of perinatal outcomes in MZT pregnancies. Methods: In this retrospective clinical cross-sectional study, 1159 in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles performed between October 2014 and December 2019 were reviewed and perinatal outcomes and general clinical conditions analyzed. Results: Sixteen MZT pregnancies were observed, resulting in an incidence of 1.38%. The MZT pregnancy incidence for patients aged ≤35 and >35 years were 0.2% and 1.1%, respectively. Eight MZT pregnancies resulted in live births, while five ended in miscarriage. A significant positive correlation was found between the number of attempts and the age of female (r:0.674, p=0.004) and male (r:0.657, p=0.006) partners. Cumulus-Oocytes Complexes (COC) (r:0.635, p=0.008), Metaphase II Oocyte (MIIO) (r:0.627, p=0.009), Pronucleus Oocyte (PO) (r:0.585, p=0.017) were correlated with serum AMH levels. The number of MZT was positively correlated with male partner age (r:0.527, p=0.036) and negatively correlated with embryo transfer day (ETd) (r:-0.548, p=0.028). Conclusions: The incidence of MZT pregnancies observed in this study was similar to the incidence reported in the literature, although risk was more pronounced among women aged >35 years. Due to potential risks for mothers and fetuses, MZT pregnancies may become a problem as the number of individuals seeking IVF continues to increase. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.