Perinatal mortality in twin pregnancy a survey of twin deliveries in Zagazig

ABSTRACT

A survey of all twin deliveries from October 1994 through May 1997, in Zagazig area was done using prenatal data records and hospital files. Among 23, 680 deliveries, there were 188 pairs of twins representing 7.9/1000 births. Among these there were 44 deaths, this gives a prenatal mortality rate of 117/1000 twin birth representing 9% of the overall prenatal deaths, and approximately 6 times the death rate for singletons. 60.5% of all deaths occurred in women who failed to receive antenatal or intranatal care. Immaturity accounts for the majority of prenatal deaths [75%]. 93% of deaths occurred in low birth weight infants < 2500 g, of these 75.5% were <1500g. We recommend increased utilization of prenatal services for all twin pregnancies, and delivery should take place in well equipped and staffed hospitals. Improvement of hospital statisites and recording system by well trained personnel and using of computerized software programs are highly recommended