2007GuideToTheFirstYear
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catch them early, it seems clear that we should<br />
monitor co-MZ twins when one twin has a<br />
significant medical problem. The chances that<br />
this will happen in DZ twins is much less,<br />
because these twins only share about half of<br />
their genes in common.<br />
There are dramatic examples where MZ<br />
twins have been excellent transplant donors<br />
and recipients, with no possibility that the<br />
transplanted organ will be rejected. There is<br />
no need to use anti-rejection chemotherapy<br />
when organs are donated between MZ twins.<br />
DZ twins might make quite good matches,<br />
but anti-rejection therapy will always be<br />
required.<br />
Some of these points may seem a bit grim<br />
and serious, but they are within the experience<br />
of every professional who helps twins deal with<br />
their lives and their biology. Fortunately, most<br />
twins never encounter these problems. But if I<br />
were a parent of twins, I would definitely want<br />
to know my children's zygosity.<br />
Geoffrey Machin, M.D., Ph.D., internationally<br />
recognized fetal pathologist, has helped twins<br />
and their parents with questions of zygosity for<br />
more than 10 years. He has known more than<br />
300 twin pairs who thought they were DZ learn<br />
they were MZ after a DNA test.<br />
Identical or Fraternal?<br />
The Twin DNA Test<br />
Easy, at-home testing.<br />
99+% accuracy.<br />
Results in 7-10 business days.<br />
Affordable.<br />
order online:<br />
www.proactivegenetics.com<br />
© 2007 TWINS Magazine. To subscribe: call 1-888-55-TWINS or www.TwinsMagazine.com GUIDE TO THE FIRST YEAR 33
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