Abstract
Birth weight discordance in multiple pregnancies is not uncommon, and signif icant birth weight difference is a risk factor for adverse outcomes. Aim. To investigate perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies with significant (over 25%) birth weight discordance. Material and methods. The study comprised 485 pregnant women and their 959 newborns. Two groups were formed based on the presence or absence of birth weight discordance, in which the antenatal and neonatal periods were analyzed. Results. Birth weight discordance was detected in 18.8% of twins. The antenatal mortality rate in groups with and without birth weight discordance was 6.6% and 1.3%, respectively, p = 0.008. The median gestational age of twins with and without birth weight discordance was 33.6 and 36.0 weeks, respectively, p <0.001. Twins with birth weight discordance had significantly lower birth weight (1654g) than concordant twins (2386g), p <0.001. The neonatal mortality rate of twins with birth weight discordance was 9.1% compared with 1% in concordant twins, p <0.001. Discordant twins had higher neonatal morbidity (21.6%) than concordant twins (6.1%), (p = 0.002). Conclusion. Twin birth weight discordance is a risk factor for antenatal death, premature birth, and surgical delivery. At the same time, birth weight discordance is associated with high neonatal morbidity (respiratory and neurological disorders) and mortality.