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Previous Volume 340:738-739 March 4, 1999 Number 9 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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To the Editor: It is unknown why monozygotic twins are more frequent in conceptions brought about by assisted-reproduction techniques.^1,2,3,4 One hypothesis is that the exposure of the zona pellucida to biochemical or mechanical trauma leads to herniation of the blastocyst and cleavage of the zygote. This possibility is not only of biologic importance in understanding spontaneous monozygotic twinning but is a major area of clinical concern, primarily because of the confirmed increase in morbidity and mortality associated with monozygotic twinning.

A zygote may split anytime during the first 14 days after fertilization, resulting in the various forms of monozygotic twins. . . . [Full Text of this Article]

References

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• Vitthala, S., Gelbaya, T.A., Brison, D.R., Fitzgerald, C.T., Nardo, L.G. (2009). The risk of monozygotic twins after assisted reproductive technology: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 15: 45-55 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Aston, K I, Peterson, C M, Carrell, D T (2008). Monozygotic twinning associated with assisted reproductive technologies: a review. Reproduction 136: 377-386 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
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