Authors
Roshni Radhakrishnana, Ratish Radhakrishnanb. aDepartment of OBG, Sree Gokulam Medical College & Research Foundation, Kerala, India; bDepartment of CVTS, Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala, India.
Abstract
Background: Despite advances in obstetrics and gynaecology, the perinatal mortality among twins still remains high. This study compares the perinatal outcome of first and second twin.
Materials & Methods: A prospective study was conducted at Institute of maternal and Child Health, Calicut over a period of one year; 2005 to 2006. 200 (antenatal women with) twin pregnancies were followed up from antenatal period, upon their admission to ward and labour room.
Results: 45% had preterm deliveries, 48% had vertex-vertex as the commonest presentation. 37.5% of 2nd twin required caesarian section compared to 35.5% of 1st twin. The mean birth weight of first twin was 2.09 kg and 2nd twin was 2.03 kg. NICU admission was required in 28.5% of 2nd twin compared to 23% of 1st twin. Perinatal mortality of 2nd twin was 130/1000 births compared to 90/1000 for 1st twin.
Conclusion: Perinatal outcome in terms of macerated births, neonatal deaths and NICU admissions were more in second twin.
Keywords: Perinatal, Twin Pregnancy, Twin Birth, Twin Delivery, Birth Outcomes