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Published in: Current Hypertension Reports 1/2021

01-01-2021 | Hypertension | Preeclampsia (VD Garovic, Section Editor)

Multiple Gestations and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: What Do We Know?

Authors: Kavita Narang, Linda M. Szymanski

Published in: Current Hypertension Reports | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The occurrence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) including gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia is proportional to the number of fetuses: singletons 6.5%, twins 12.7%, and triplets 20.0%. Literature on HDP in multifetal gestation is sparse compared with singletons. We aim to summarize the current evidence on HDP, specifically in twins.

Recent Findings

HDP occurs more frequently, at an earlier gestational age, and can present more severely and atypically in twin pregnancies. HDP in twins carries a higher risk of maternal/fetal morbidity and mortality including renal failure, stroke, cardiac arrest, pulmonary edema, placental abruption, cesarean delivery, fetal growth restriction, and iatrogenic preterm delivery. Low-dose aspirin (60–150 mg) should be initiated in all multifetal pregnancies to reduce the risk of preeclampsia.

Summary

To improve outcomes and reduce inherent risks associated with multiple gestations, twins should be managed as high-risk pregnancies, and different from singletons.
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Metadata
Title
Multiple Gestations and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: What Do We Know?
Authors
Kavita Narang
Linda M. Szymanski
Publication date
01-01-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Hypertension Reports / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 1522-6417
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3111
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-020-01107-4

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