Publication:

Evaluation of perinatal outcome in twin pregnancy at tertiary care centre

Background The objective of present study was to study the incidence of perinatal mortality and morbidity in twin pregnancy and to analyse the various factors influencing perinatal outcome in these cases.

Methods A total of 117 pregnant women with twin pregnancy were analyzed between the period of September 2010 to February 2012. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria these women were analyzed with respect to fetal presentation at the onset of delivery, mode of delivery, APGAR score at 1minute, incidence of perinatal mortality and morbidity rates. Also attempt has been made to define the factors which influence the perinatal mortality and morbidity in twins.

Results In this study it is observed that there is increased incidence of malpresentations 50 (42.7%), increased incidence of congenital malformations (2.6%), increased perinatal mortality (16.7%) and morbidity (21.8%). It is observed that prematurity, i.e. gestational age <37 weeks contributed to 69.9% of total perinatal loss. All perinatal losses except 2 occurred in infants <2 kg. Major factors causing perinatal morbidity were respiratory distress syndrome in (6.4%), transient tachypnoea of newborn (6.4%), septicemia (4.3%), jaundice (3.8%) and anemia (0.9%).

Conclusions It is observed that in this study perinatal mortality and morbidity rates are increased in the event of a twin pregnancy more so for second twin. Early diagnosis of twin pregnancy, regular antenatal visits, identification and anticipation of complications, planned delivery and good NICU care will help to decrease the perinatal morbidity and mortality.