Obstetric Outcomes of Twin Pregnancies in Japanese Women Aged 40 and Older

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the obstetric outcomes of twin pregnancies between Japanese women aged ≥ 40 years and their younger counterparts aged 25 - 29. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of twin pregnancies managed at Japanese Red Cross Katsushika Maternity Hospital between 2002 and 2016. Women aged 40 and older at delivery (n = 117) were compared with women aged 25 - 29 at delivery (n = 536). RESULTS: Although the women ≥ 40 years old were more likely to have increased risks of HELLP (hemolytic, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet) syndrome and very low birth weight neonates, there were no measurable differences in obstetric outcomes such as hypertensive disorders, premature delivery and neonatal asphyxia between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Advanced maternal age did not seem to affect obstetric outcomes in twin pregnancies seriously.