Meternal and neonatal outcome of high order gestation

ABSTRACT

To study maternal and neonatal outcome of triplets, quadruplets and quintuplets gestations. This retrospective review of 21 triplets, 3 quadruplets and 3 quintuplet's delivered between 1st January 1990 and 31st of August 2001. Preterm labour was the most common maternal complication [96.3%]. The 27 high order gestations resulted in 88 live bir ths and two stillbir ths. The early neonatal mor tality rate for the entire group was 91, 45 late neonatal deaths and 57 infant deaths. 71 [80.7%] of the 88 live born infants survived to discharge.The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome was 69.3% and mechanical ventilation had also been necessary in 69.3% of newborns, patent ductus ar teriosis was diagnosed in 7.9% of cases. Intraventricular hemorrhage had been diagnosed in 13.6% of cases. Nercotizing enterocolitis occurred in 8 cases. Neonatal sepsis was diagnosed in 24 cases [27.3%]. Early diagnosis, meticulous antenatal care, early hospitalization, frequent evaluation of fetal well being, delivery by cesarean section and on site availability of trained neonatologists and a highly functional intensive care unit are essential for better outcome: