[Weight discordance of the second twin: effect on perinatal morbidity and mortality. An 8-year analysis of 213 twin deliveries].

In this retrospective eight-years-study we examine factors to be considered responsible for higher perinatal mortality in twins, especially in twins with discordant body weight. As a main risk factor for this we find vaginal delivery, i.e. from a non-vertex position. Other additional reasons for the higher perinatal mortality of twins are prematurity (less than 34 weeks of gestation) and birthweight lower than 1500 grams. Early hospitalisation has a positive influence on that risk. The perinatal mortality in the second twin (6.7%) is twice as high as in the first twin. The highest perinatal mortality (17.6%), however, is in twins with discordant growth whereas the second twin had a higher birthweight at delivery (15% more than the first twin). In twins with discordant body weight cesarean section gives advantage to the second twin versus vaginal delivery from breech presentation.