4D Sonographic Assessment of Intertwin Contacts

JOURNAL TITLE: Donald School Journal of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Author
1. Bernat Serra
2. Sofia Fournier
3. Sonia Baulies
4. Wiku Andonotopo
ISSN
0973-614X
DOI
10.5005/jp-journals-10009-1237
Volume
6
Issue
2
Publishing Year
2012
Pages
6
Author Affiliations
    1. Medical School University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
    2. Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
    3. Tangerang General Hospital, Banten, Indonesia
    4. University of Indonesia, Tangerang General Hospital, Banten, Indonesia
    1. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Institut Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
    1. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Institut Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
    1. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Institut Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
  • Article keywords
    Fetal neurological development, Twins, 4D, Fetal behavior

    Abstract

    Objective

    To assess the onset and frequency of first interfetal contacts by 4D sonography.

    Subjects and methods

    Twenty twin pregnancies were scanned transvaginally between 56 (8 weeks) and 69 postmenstrual days (9+6 weeks) and onward transabdominally, at weekly intervals until 112 postmenstrual days (16 weeks). Scans were recorded on DVD and analyzed retrospectively. The moment of onset, type and frequency of intertwin contacts were assessed.

    Results

    First interhuman contacts were observed between 61 (8+5 weeks) and 68 (9+5 weeks) postmenstrual days. The frequency of different movements varied according to the gestational age. ‘Touch no reaction’ and ‘First reaction’ were common and frequent from 70 postmenstrual days (10 weeks) onward. ‘Slow body movements’ were more common than ‘Fast body movements’. ‘Complex contacts’ were more frequent at 94 postmenstrual days (13+3 weeks). Simple contacts diminished around 100 postmenstrual days (14+2 weeks). ‘Complex contacts’ and ‘diffuse interactions’ were more commonly observed between 105 (15 weeks) and 112 postmenstrual days (16 weeks). No significant differences were found when different gender combinations were compared.

    Conclusion

    Intertwin contacts start as soon as 8+5 weeks of gestation and complex or diffuse interactions are already seen at 15 to 16 weeks of gestation.

    How to cite this article

    Prats P, Serra B, Fournier S, Baulies S, Andonotopo W, Kurjak A. 4D Sonographic Assessment of Intertwin Contacts. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2012;6(2):154-159.

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