Twin Research and Human Genetics

Table of Contents - December 2011 - Volume 14, Issue 06  

Articles

Twin-to-Twin Delivery Time: Neonatal Outcome of the Second Twin

Susanne Schneubera1 c1, Eva Magneta1, Josef Haasa1, Albrecht Giuliania1, Thomas Freidla2, Uwe Langa1 and Vesna Bjelic-Radisica1

a1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria

a2 Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effect of twin-to-twin delivery time (TTDT) on neonatal outcome. Methods: We evaluated twin deliveries >34 weeks of gestation. Twin pregnancies with both twins delivered by cesarean section and pregnancies with antenatal complications were excluded. We analyzed TTDT and neonatal outcomes of the second twin (umbilical arterial pH value (pHart), Apgar scores at 1, 5 and 10 minutes, need for intensive care). The study population was divided into two homogenous groups based on the mode of delivery: (A) vertex presentation and vaginal delivery of both twins, (B) vertex presentation and vaginal or vaginal operative delivery of twin I, breech or transverse presentation and vaginal breech delivery or cesarean section (CS) of twin II. Results: A total of 207 twin pairs were included in our study. In Group A (n = 151) there were no significant correlations between TTDT and pHart or Apgar scores at 1, 5 and 10 minutes of twin II (p = .156; 0.861; 0.151 and 0.384, respectively). In Group B (n = 56), the mean pHart of twin II was inversely correlated to TTDT, but not significantly (p = .417). TTDT was inversely related to 1-min and 5-min Apgar scores, but not significantly (p = .330; p = .138, respectively). The 10-min Apgar score showed no correlation with TTDT (p = .638). Conclusion: Increasing TTDT was not associated with adverse fetal outcome. Expectant management of the second twin appears possible and elapsed time alone does not appear to be an indication for intervention.

(Received May 20 2011)

(Accepted July 28 2011)

Keywords

  • twins;
  • twin-to-twin delivery time;
  • umbilical arterial pH;
  • neonatal outcome

Correspondence:

c1 ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE: Susanne Schneuber, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, A-8036 Graz, Austria. E-mail: susanne.schneuber@medunigraz.at

Schneuber, S., Magnet, E., Haas, J., Giuliani, A., Freidl, T., Lang, U., & Bjelic-Radisic, V. (2011). Twin-to-twin delivery time: Neonatal outcome of the second twin. Twin Research and Human Genetics, 14, 6, 573–579.

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