Pregnancy outcome of twin pregnancy in Ramathibodi Hospital.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate maternal and neonatal complications and pregnancy outcomes of twin pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The retrospective analysis included data on the twin pregnancies delivered at Ramathibodi Hospital between January 1995 and December 2000. The data retrieved from the medical records included demographic data, complications of pregnancy, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Of 374 twin pregnancies, 321 cases had completed medical records. Incidence of twin pregnancies was 8.6 per 1,000 births. Most common maternal complication was preterm delivery (49.2%). Other maternal complications were anemia (21.5%), pregnancy induced hypertension (13.4%), premature rupture of membranes (10%), postpartum hemorrhage (5.6%) and antepartum haemorrhage (1.9%), respectively. Median gestational age at delivery was 37 weeks. Most common route of delivery was caesarean section (58.3%). Most common neonatal complication was low birth weight (62.3%). Perinatal mortality rate was 45 per 1,000 births. Prematurity was the most common cause of neonatal death. No neonatal death was found after 34 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSION: Twin pregnancy has high maternal and neonatal complications, especially preterm delivery that increases risk of significant neonatal morbidity and mortality.