Comparison of intrauterine hematologic and biochemical values between twin pairs with and without stuck twin syndrome

Article Abstract:

Pregnancies involving the stuck twin syndrome may be identified by a hemoglobin difference of 5.25 grams per deciliter between the twins. The stuck twin syndrome refers to twin pregnancies where one fetus is much larger than the other, and there is too much fluid in one amniotic sac and not enough in the other. Some hypothesize that the bigger twin receives a larger share of the blood supply than the other twin. Researchers studied eight pairs of twins with the stuck twin syndrome before birth and compared their hemoglobin characteristics to those of twins with and without growth retardation. They found that the amount of hemoglobin difference between twins may grow along with the pregnancy. The smaller fetuses of the stuck twin pairs had much lower levels of all proteins. An abnormal opening in the placental vessels may cause the hemoglobin difference.

Evaluation, Diagnosis, Fetofetal transfusion, Cordocentesis

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Fetal RhD genotyping in fetal cells flow sorted from maternal blood

Article Abstract:

The presence in the fetus of the D antigen of the Rh blood groups may be determined without amniocentesis by taking a blood sample from the mother and sorting out fetal blood cells from within it. Researchers sorted fetal blood cells from maternal blood cells from blood samples taken from 18 Rh negative pregnant women. One woman was pregnant with twins. The blood type of 16 of 19 fetuses was correctly determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification. Three fetuses that were RhD positive were not identified, producing a test accuracy rate of 77% for RhD positive fetuses. Fetal RhD blood type was significantly associated with an amplified 261 bp fragment. Sorting of fetal blood cells to determine Rh blood type may be a noninvasive method prevents maternal blood sensitization by fetal blood.

Maternal-fetal exchange, Rh factor

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Premature parturition is characterized by in utero activation of the fetal immune system

Article Abstract:

The preterm fetus may prepare itself for birth during preterm labor by activating its immune system to fight the infections it may encounter outside the womb. Researchers obtained umbilical cord blood samples from 40 women in preterm labor with unbroken membranes. Four cell surface markers associated with immune system activation were detected in the blood samples, at higher levels than are found in term infants, in infants that were delivered within 72 hours of analysis. Immune system activation did not seem to be affected by steroid treatments, which are given during preterm labor to boost the fetal immune system. Activation of the fetal immune system was not associated with infection before birth.

Causes of, Fetus, Premature labor

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