Twins With complications: Impact on Neurodevelopment

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Twin pregnancies With complications: Impact on Neurodevelopment Study via Registry Follow up (TWINS-RF)

  • IRAS ID

    202436

  • Contact name

    Asma Khalil

  • Contact email

    Asma.Khalil@stgeorges.nhs.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 7 months, 30 days

  • Research summary

    When identical twins share a placenta (monochorionic) they are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental delay (disability), especially when there are problems in the shared blood supply in the placenta (this includes conditions like twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, twin anaemia polycythaemia sequence and selective fetal growth restriction). The incidence of neurodevelopmental delay in the surviving children of these pregnancies and the factors associated with worse long-term neurodevelopmental outcome are yet to be established. \n\nThe primary research objective is to establish the incidence of adverse neurodevelopment in normal and complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies. We plan to recruit pregnancies where the delivery occurred at least one year ago. When possible, the controls will be matched to the gestational age at delivery. When possible, the controls will be matched to the gestational age at delivery of the cases. Eligible women will be identified by research staff from the TAMBA multiple pregnancy registry. All women identified from the registry will be sent an information leaflet about the study and invited to take part. Those who agree to take part will be asked to sign a consent form. \nwill be asked to complete the Age & Stage Questionnaire 3rd edition (ASQ-3) in respect of their child/children. The ASQ-3 is a parent-completed questionnaire which contains 30 developmental items that are divided into five areas: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving and personal–social. \n\nThe assessment of responses will be performed by researchers who are blinded to whether this pregnancy was complicated or not, in order to avoid potential investigators’ bias. A follow-up telephone call will be made a few days later to ensure receipt and to address any question the parents might have. If the questionnaire is not returned within two weeks, a second questionnaire will be sent by certified mail and a second telephone call will be made to remind the parents to return the questionnaire

  • REC name

    London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    18/LO/1750

  • Date of REC Opinion

    12 Nov 2018

  • REC opinion

    Unfavourable Opinion