[Frequency of multiple pregnancy and its complications in three educational hospitals, Tehran]

ABSTRACT

Multiple pregnancies are high-risk pregnancies since they are associated with increased perinatal and maternal problems. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of multiple pregnancies and their maternal and perinatal complications. In a cross-sectional study we assessed 94 multiple pregnancies and 199 neonates in three educational hospitals [Baqiyatollah, Najmie and Mahdie] in Tehran in the first half of 2006. The information was collected from hospital registries of mothers and their neonates. Of 4584 deliveries, 84 [1.8%] were twins, 9 [0.19%] were triplets and 1 [0.02%] was quadruplets. 59 [62.7%] mothers had preterm labor and 14 [14.8%] had pre-eclampsia. We found discordant birth weigh>/=20% in 24 [25.4%] and Twin-to-Twin Transfusion in 3 [3.1%] mothers. 174 [87.4%] neonates were admitted in neonatal intensive care unit or pediatric department. The frequency of mortality and respiratory distress in neonates was 27 [13.5%] and 107 [53.7%], respectively. 39 [19.5%] of neonates had Apgar scores<7 and seizure was not observed in neonates. 65 [32.6%] neonates were normal weight [>2500 gram], 104 [52.4%] low birth weight, 21 [10.5%] very low birth weight and 9 [4.5%] extremely low birth weight. Hypocalcaemia, hypoglycemia and anemia was detected in 45 [22.6%], 24 [12%] and 48 [24.1%] neonates respectively. Regard to increasing the prevalence of multiple pregnancies, better use of infertility modalities, early diagnosis of the multiple pregnancies, prevention of preterm birth, close fetal surveillance, atraumatic labor and delivery can improve maternal and perinatal outcome: