Studies have reported controversial findings on the association between fetal growth restriction (FGR) or intertwin weight discordance and the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) in twin pregnancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between twin growth disorders and HDP. Twin pregnancies resulting in two live births at St George's Hospital between 2000 and 2019 were included. FGR or small-for-gestational-age (SGA) at birth was assessed using singleton and twin reference charts. Intertwin discordance [(large birthweight - small birthweight)/(large birthweight) × 100%)] was calculated. Logistic regression models were performed. SGA (aOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.60-3.44, p < 0.001), intertwin discordance ≥25% (aOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.26-3.49, p = 0.004) and their co-existence (aOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.16-3.54, p = 0.013) were significantly associated with HDP. After adjusting for the known maternal risk factors of HDP and the intertwin discordance, SGA (using the twin charts) was the strongest independent risk factor associated with HDP (aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.40-3.22, p < 0.001) and preeclampsia (aOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.45-3.76, p < 0.001). This study highlights that the presence of at least one SGA twin is significantly associated with HDP during pregnancy. Therefore, maternal blood pressure should be closely monitored in twin pregnancies complicated by SGA with or without intertwin discordance.
Keywords: birthweight discordance; fetal growth restriction; hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; preeclampsia; small for gestational age; twin pregnancy.