Oxidative stress in twin neonates is influenced by birth weight and weight discordance

ObjectivesTo evaluate the extent of oxidative stress in neonates born from multiple gestation pregnancies who are at high risk of prematurity and growth abnormalities.Design and methodsBlood samples were collected from umbilical cord of 72 twins, born at gestational age of 28–38 weeks, and 20 consecutive control singletons. Oxidative stress parameters (15-F2t-isoprostane, a marker of lipid peroxidation, and total antioxidant capacity, tAOC), were measured in cord plasma.ResultsLevels of 15-F2t-isoprostane showed a moderate negative correlation with birth weight and were higher in small co-twins of discordant pairs; tAOC was positively correlated with birth weight but no significant difference was found between co-twins.ConclusionsOxidative stress levels in twins are mainly influenced by birth weight and weight discordance. We suggest that evaluation of cord blood 15-F2t-isoprostane might be of clinical value as maker of pre- and perinatal distress in twinning.