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Is the second-born twin at high risk?
M F el-Jallad1, A T Abu-Heija, S Ziadeh
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
The second-born twin has similar outcomes to the first-born twin, with no increased risk of complications. Low birth weight twins (<1500 gm) require special attention, but delivery mode does not impact twin outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatology
- Neonatal Research
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding potential disparities in outcomes between first-born and second-born twins.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for optimizing perinatal care and improving twin delivery management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the perinatal outcomes of first-born versus second-born twins.
- To identify factors contributing to any observed differences in outcomes.
- To explore potential strategies for mitigating adverse outcomes in second-born twins.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of twin deliveries between April 1994 and April 1996.
- Exclusion criteria included twins < 500 gm, lethal malformations, or death before labor onset.
- Comparison of perinatal mortality and 5-minute Apgar scores between the first and second-born twins in 246 eligible twin pairs.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in perinatal mortality or 5-minute Apgar scores between first and second-born twins.
- Twins with birth weights less than 1500 grams were identified as a high-risk group.
- The mode of delivery did not demonstrate any influence on the perinatal outcome for either twin.
Conclusions:
- The second-born twin does not appear to be at an increased risk of complications compared to the first-born twin.
- Cesarean delivery does not seem to offer an improved outcome for the second-born twin.
- Focus on managing high-risk (low birth weight) twins is essential, irrespective of birth order.