RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of first-trimester uterine artery Doppler with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in twin pregnancies. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of twin pregnancies followed at the University Hospital Center of Central Lisbon, Portugal, between January 2010 and December 2022. First-trimester uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) was determined and compared between twin pregnancies (n = 454) and singleton pregnancies (n = 908), matched to maternal and pregnancy characteristics. Maternal characteristics and mean UtA-PI were analyzed for gestational age, birth weight, gestational hypertension, early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia, HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome, and preterm birth. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: The mean first-trimester UtA-PI was significantly lower in dichorionic twins than in singletons (P < 0.001). To study hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in twins, 390 pregnancies were included: 311 (79.7%) dichorionic and 79 (20.3%) monochorionic twins. The observed rates of early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, and HELLP syndrome were 1.0%, 4.4%, 7.4%, and 1.5%, respectively. We achieved a 100% detection rate for early-onset pre-eclampsia using the UtA-PI 90th centile for twins. However, when singleton references were considered, the detection rate decreased to 50%. UtA-PI at or above the 95th centile was associated with increased odds for preterm birth before 32 weeks (adjusted odds ratio 4.1, 95% confidence interval 1.0-16.7, P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Unless other major risk factors for hypertensive disorders are present, women with low UtA-PI will probably not benefit from aspirin prophylaxis. Close monitoring of all twin pregnancies for hypertensive disorders is still recommended.
RESUMO
Introduction: Didelphys uterus, two separate uterine horns or a double uterus with two separate cervices, is one of several congenital uterine anomalies (CUA), accounting for 5% of CUA. CUA could be associated with dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and decreased fertility. During pregnancy, it has been associated with higher risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, malpresentation, and fetal growth restriction. There still is insufficient evidence on the efficacy and safety of surgical interventions in CUA, including hemihysterectomy, in what improvement of reproductive performance is concerned. Objective: The aim of the present case report is to review the literature and complement information on pregnancy outcomes after hemihysterectomy, contributing to a better counseling of women planning a pregnancy under these circumstances. Case Presentation. This paper case reports a successful pregnancy in a woman previously submitted to a hemihysterectomy and removal of a vaginal septum by hysteroscopy, due to a symptomatic didelphys uterus. An ipsilateral renal agenesis was also present. A cesarean was performed at 38 weeks' gestation and a healthy baby was born. Discussion. This paper reports an exceptional clinical situation, with only 9 cases described in the last 6 decades. As in previously reported cases, a cesarean was performed at term, resulting in a live childbirth. In these cases, a higher live birth rate and a lower incidence of preterm deliveries was found, comparing with uterine didelphys pregnancies. Conclusion: Understanding both the exact nature of a uterine anomaly before a surgical treatment and the prognosis for a future pregnancy after the intervention are of paramount importance for precise counseling of future parents.
