[Management of twin births].

INTRODUCTION

The rate of multiple births has increased all over the world in the past decade. This is mainly due to the widespread use of infertility treatments and assisted reproductive techniques. Despite of improvements in obstetric and neonatal care, twin pregnancy still mean high risk both for the mothers and their babies. The management of twin delivery remains controversial.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Authors analyzed the data of all twin pregnancies at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Debrecen between January 2002 and December 2003. The data of 113 twin pregnancies were analyzed. Details of gestational age, presentation, birth weight discordance, mode of delivery were reviewed.

RESULTS

From the 113 analyzed twin births, 27 pregnancies have been conceived after successful assisted reproductive technique. In 18 cases more than 500 grams of body weight difference was detected between the two babies at the time of delivery. The rate of preterm birth was 69%, and cesarean section was performed in 64% of preterm births compared to 68.6% in the matured delivery group.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of recent data a large prospective, randomized trial is mandatory to determine the optimal management of twin deliveries.