The impact of assisted reproductive technology and chorionicity in twin pregnancies complicated by obstetric cholestasis

Abstract

Objective: To assess in a cohort of twin pregnancies the prevalence of obstetric cholestasis (OC) and its correlation with the type of conception and chorionicity.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study including all the twin pregnancies delivered between 2005 and 2013 at our University Hospital was carried out. In the study population, the prevalence of OC was investigated in relationship to the impact of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and of chorionicity.

Results: Overall, 569 twin pregnancies were included in the study population. Among those complicated by OC, the rate of ART was 3-fold higher (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.2–9.5, p = 0.02), whereas the rate of dichorionicity did not differ significantly (OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.3–7.9, p = 0.53).

Conclusion: The risk of developing OC seems to be significantly higher among twin pregnancies obtained after ART in comparison with those conceived spontaneously.

Keywords:

• Assisted reproductive technology
• chorionicity
• obstetric cholestasis
• twin pregnancies

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.