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A Reappraisal of Perinatal Mortality Factors in Twins

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2014

F. Puissant*
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Pierre Hospital, Free University Brussels, Belgium
F. Leroy
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Pierre Hospital, Free University Brussels, Belgium
*
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Pierre Hospital, Free University Brussels, Belgium

Abstract

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During the last 33 years, the perinatal mortality of twins has decreased regularly in our department. When examined by duration of pregnancy, mortality was lowest at 37–38 weeks. Below 38 weeks, fetal loss was paradoxically higher in twins born from multiparae. When delivery occurred beyond 38 weeks, mortality rates were increased, but only differences for primiparous group showed statistical significance. Near-term fetal loss was predominantly due to antepartal intrauterine deaths. Analysis of individual cases indicated that early termination of pregnancy might help prevent near-term stillbirths in twins delivered by primiparae. Efforts should be directed at specific detection of twins threatened by antepartum death.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The International Society for Twin Studies 1982

References

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