Role of fetal cardiac assessment in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in preterm dichorionic twins

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the role of the fetal modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) and fetal cardiac output index measurement in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes among preterm dichorionic twins. Materials and Method: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the X Clinic and included 34 dichorionic twin fetuses born early preterm and 40 dichorionic twin fetuses born late preterm. The early preterm group was divided into two according to whether they were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The groups' cardiac function and Mod-MPI measurements were compared regarding their predictive ability for adverse perinatal outcomes. Results: The Mod-MPI values were similar between the early and late preterm groups (p=0.144). The left ventricular cardiac output Z-score was lower in the preterm group (p=0.014). The Mod-MPI and left ventricular outflow tract-isovolumetric contraction and isovolumetric relaxation times were significantly higher among the newborns admitted to the NICU in the early preterm group (p=0.002, p=0.003, and p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Our study suggests that the Mod-MPI measurement can be used to predict adverse perinatal outcomes in dichorionic twin fetuses born in the early preterm period.