Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 August 2014
The Authors have investigated the problem of foetal membranes in monozygotic and dizygotic twin pregnancies. The material consisted of anamnestic information derived from the twin case files of Rome's Mendel Institute.
In a sizable number of twin cases (3, 107) it was possible to establish zygosity and the various frequencies of monochorionic or dichorial single or double placenta.
Statistical analysis of this material shows that the frequency of monozygotic twin pregnancies with one placenta and one chorion is 68.35%, while 31.65% have two placentae and two choria. On the other hand, 83.29% of dizygotic twin pregnancies have two placentae and two choria, while 16.71% have one placenta and one chorion.
These figures exceed the material's margin of error, calculated on the basis of an appropriate index. Some case, diagnosed as bichorial with one placenta, are explained as due to two placentae fused into one piece, causing a mistaken diagnosis at birth.
Lavoro in omaggio al 70° genetliaco del Prof. Walter W. Williams, Direttore del'International Journal of Fertility.