Are there any changes in twin deliveries at Songklanagarind Hospital during different periods of time?

Abstract

Objective To study the incidence and outcomes of twin deliveries in Songklanagarind Hospital during two different periods of time. Design Retrospective descriptive study

Material and methods A hundred and thirty-three twin pregnant women who delivered before the ART programme (1982-1991) were reviewed and compared with 137 twin ases who delivered after the ART programme (1992-1997).

Results The incidence of twin deliveries was 9.6 and 9.3 per 1,000 births before and after the ART programme, respectively. Maternal age, preterm delivery rate and cesarean section rate were higher in the after ART period, significantly. Mean gestational age at delivery was 36.9 and 35.8 weeks in the before and after ART period, respectively. The mean birth weight of 1st and 2nd twin in the before ART period were 2,393 and 2,304 gm, which were higher compared to 2,266 and 2,217 gm. in the after ART period. However, perinatal mortality rate was lower in the after ART period (36/1,000 v.s. 70/1,000) by the reduction of early neonatal death rate.

Conclusion Twin delivery rate in Songklanagarind Hospital was not changed during 1982-1997. Some unfavourable outcomes increased in the latter period.