Related Experiment Videos
Delivery of breech first twins: a multicenter retrospective study
I Blickstein1, R D Goldman, M Kupferminc
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel. blick@netvision.net.il
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|January 15, 2000
Summary
Vaginal birth for breech first twins weighing at least 1500 grams is safe, showing no increased risk of poor Apgar scores or neonatal death. This finding supports informed decisions for twin deliveries.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Perinatal Research
Background:
- Vaginal birth for breech presentations is controversial.
- The safety of vaginal birth for breech first twins requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety of vaginal birth for breech first twins.
- To compare Apgar scores and neonatal mortality between vaginal and cesarean deliveries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control analysis of 613 breech first twin deliveries across 13 centers.
- Outcome measures included depressed 5-minute Apgar scores and neonatal mortality.
- Stratification by parity, birth weight (<1500g vs. ≥1500g), and cesarean type.
Main Results:
- Vaginal birth was attempted in 61% of cases.
- Increased risk of depressed Apgar scores and neonatal deaths observed for vaginal births of twins <1500g.
- No significant difference in outcomes for twins weighing ≥1500g.
Conclusions:
- Vaginal birth is a safe option for breech first twins weighing at least 1500 grams.
- Neonatal mortality was linked to extremely preterm infants.
- Parity and elective cesarean had minimal impact on outcomes.