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Perinatal and infant mortality in twins
Progress in Clinical and Biological Research
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Twin infants face significantly higher perinatal and infant mortality rates compared to singletons. The B twin is at greater risk, particularly with premature birth or low birth weight, highlighting critical areas for intervention.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatalogy
- Public Health
Background:
- High rates of perinatal and infant mortality pose a significant public health challenge.
- Twin gestations are known to carry increased risks compared to singleton pregnancies.
- Understanding mortality patterns in twins is crucial for improving neonatal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare perinatal and infant mortality rates between twins and singletons.
- To identify specific risk factors contributing to mortality in twin births.
- To analyze the mortality differences between A and B twins.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study analyzing birth data from 1970-1976.
- Inclusion of all births in the South Moravian Region, Czechoslovakia.
- Statistical comparison of mortality rates between twin and singleton infants.
Main Results:
- Total births: 237,655 (4,072 twins).
- Twins exhibited 11x higher perinatal and 6x higher infant mortality than singletons.
- Mortality was significantly higher for B twins, especially those with birthweights of 1,000-2,499 gm and gestational age of 22-36 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Prematurity and anoxia/hypoxia are primary causes of twin mortality.
- The B twin faces elevated mortality risk, though A twins also have higher risk than singletons (except for low birthweight infants).
- Targeted interventions for premature and anoxic twins are essential to reduce mortality.