Perinatal morbidity and mortality rates in twin pregnancies--a 15-year review study from Athens

There were 150 deliveries of twin pregnancies over 26 weeks in our hospital. The incidence of twin pregnancies was 1.0% in a population consisting of Greek nationals. Seventy five (50%) were term at delivery whereas 75 (50%) were premature (mean gestational age at delivery 36.5 weeks). The birth weight at delivery ranged from 350 grs to 4,050 grs with mean birth weight for the 1st and 2nd twin of 2,404 grs and 2,384 grs, respectively. One hundred and forty four (48%) neonates had weights between 1,501 to 2,500 grs. Twenty two (9.57%) neonates had weights between 1,501 grs to 2,500 grs. The perinatal mortality when birth weights exceeded 1,500 grs was 7.32%. In total, 186 (62%) newborns were delivered vaginally and 114 (38%) by cesarean section. Forceps were used in 4.33% of the cases and breech extraction was performed in 2.33%. The mode of delivery and perinatal mortality rates were not correlated for both twins (p > 0.05). The most common causes of death were hyaline membrane disease (48.5%), immaturity (18.2%), congenital abnormalities (15.1%), septicemia (12.1%) and asphyxia (6.06%). Prematurity seems to constitute the most common cause of perinatal deaths while the mode of delivery found to be irrelevant to perinatal mortality.