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

Objectives: To 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 methods: Blood 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-F(2t)-isoprostane, a marker of lipid peroxidation, and total antioxidant capacity, tAOC), were measured in cord plasma. Results: Levels of 15-F(2t)-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. Conclusions: Oxidative stress levels in twins are mainly influenced by birth weight and weight discordance. We suggest that evaluation of cord blood 15-F(2t)-isoprostane might be of clinical value as maker of pre- and perinatal distress in twinning. (C) 2011 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.