Guideline No. 440: Management of Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies

Objective: This guideline reviews the evidence-based management of normal and complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies. Target Population: Women with monochorionic twin or higher order multiple pregnancies. Benefits, Harms, and Costs: Implementation of these recommendations should improve the management of both complicated and uncomplicated monochorionic (and higher order multiple) twin pregnancies. They will help users monitor monochorionic twin pregnancies appropriately and identify and manage monochorionic twin complications optimally in a timely manner, thereby reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality. These recommendations entail more frequent ultrasound monitoring of monochorionic twins compared to dichorionic twins. Evidence: Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed and the Cochrane Library using appropriate MeSH headings (Twins, Monozygotic; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Placenta; Fetofetal Transfusion; Fetal Death; Fetal Growth Retardation). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no date limits, but results were limited to English or French language materials. Validation Methods: The content and recommendations were drafted and agreed upon by the principal authors. The Board of the SOGC approved the final draft for publication. The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation(GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). Intended Audience: Maternal-fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians, radiologists, sonographers, family physicians, nurses, midwives, residents, and other health care providers who care for women with monochorionic twin or higher order multiple pregnancies. Tweetable Abstract: Canadian (SOGC) guidelines for the diagnosis, ultrasound surveillance and management of monochorionic twin pregnancy complications, including TTTS, TAPS, sFGR (sIUGR), acardiac (TRAP), monoamniotic twins and intrauterine death of one MC twin.

Automated summary

This guideline provides evidence-based management recommendations for both normal and complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies. Implementing these recommendations can improve the monitoring and management of both uncomplicated and complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies, which reduces perinatal morbidity and mortality. The guideline also highlights the importance of more frequent ultrasound monitoring for monochorionic twins compared to dichorionic twins.