Links

Tools

Export citation

Search in Google Scholar

Hypoalbuminemia in Donors with Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence: A Matched Case-Control Study

Journal article published in 2013 by L. Verbeek, F. Slaghekke, C. V. Hulzebos ORCID, D. Oepkes, F. J. Walther ORCID, E. Lopriore
This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

Full text: Download

Question mark in circle
Preprint: policy unknown
Question mark in circle
Postprint: policy unknown
Question mark in circle
Published version: policy unknown

Abstract

Objective: To determine the differences in albumin levels between donors and recipients with twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS). Methods: We included all consecutive monochorionic twins with TAPS with double survivors. Each twin pair was matched for gestational age at birth with 2 control nnonochorionic twin pairs unaffected by TAPS or twin-twin transfusion syndrome. We measured levels of albumin, total protein, and hemoglobin on the first day of life in donors and recipients (TAPS group) and the control group. Results: A total of 25 TAPS twin pairs and 50 control twin pairs were included in the study. The median gestational age at birth was 32 weeks in both groups. In the TAPS group, median levels (IQR) of albumin in donor twins were significantly lower than in recipient twins, i.e. 28.0 g/l (24.0-32.0) versus 32.0 g/l(30.0-34.5) (p = 0.008). Median levels (IQR) of total protein in donor twins were also lower than in recipients, i.e. 44.0 g/l (36.5-49.0) versus 49.0 g/l (46.5-51.0), respectively (p = 0.004). The median (IQR) intertwin albumin difference was significantly higher in the TAPS group than in the control group, i.e. 4.0 g/l (2.5-10.5) versus 2.0 g/l (1.0-4.0) (p = 0.003). The rate of hypoalbuminemia (