Associations between uterine fibroids and obstetric outcomes in twin pregnancies

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine potential associations between the presence of fibroids and obstetric outcomes in twin pregnancies. METHODS: A prospective cohort study compared obstetric outcomes between individuals with twin pregnancies who did and did not have fibroids. Patients were considered for inclusion if they underwent first-trimester ultrasonography examination, and went on to deliver at the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital between September 1, 2012 and December 31, 2014. Participants were grouped based on the presence or absence of fibroids and baseline demographics, fibroid characteristics, and obstetric outcomes were recorded and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In total, 153 patients with twin pregnancies were recruited; 51 had fibroids and 102 did not. Patients in the fibroid group demonstrated a higher maternal age (P<0.001), higher pre-pregnancy body mass index (P=0.01), and higher rate of assisted reproductive technology use (P=0.04). The presence of fibroids was not associated with any change in obstetric outcomes, and obstetric outcomes were unaffected by the number, size, location, and type of fibroids (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Fibroids were not a risk factor for any adverse obstetric outcomes among patients with twin pregnancies.