Risk Factors and Immediate Neonatal Outcome of Multiple Pregnancies in a SCANU of A Tertiary Care Hospital, Bangladesh

Mymensingh Med J. 2018 Jan;27(1):13-17.

Abstract

Multiple pregnancies are a significant risk factor for maternal and perinatal morbidity due to inherent biological risks. The present study was aimed to determine the risk factors and to evaluate the immediate neonatal outcome of multiple pregnancies. This descriptive observational study was conducted in the newly established Special Care Neonatal Unit (SCANU) of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Bangladesh from January 2015 to March 2015. Total 86 newborns of multiple pregnancies who were admitted during the study period were included in the study. Among them 34 pairs were twin, and 6 sets of triplets were present. Among all infants in the study 79.1% were twin and 20.9% were triplet. According to our observation most of the mother aged between 20-29 years (67.5%) and majorities of them were multi-para (62.5%). Preterm delivery occurred in 70.0% cases. 75% newborns were delivered by caesarian section and remaining by vaginal route. The most common risk factors in present study are use of ovulation induction drugs (52.5%) for sub fertility followed by family history of multiple gestations. In 35.0% cases we did not find any cause. Common morbidities of the infants were preterm low birth weight (95.3%), neonatal jaundice (81.3%), RDS (34.8%), perinatal asphyxia (PNA) (17.4%), neonatal sepsis (25.0%) and congenital anomalies (23.2%). Mortality rate of twin was 30% and for triplets it was 50%. Among total study population mortality rate was 30.2%. Main causes of mortality was preterm low birth weight (76%), RDS (57.6%), septicaemia (26%), PNA (19.0%). Morbidities and mortalities in infants of multiple pregnancies are observed much higher than singleton pregnancy. We hope that in light of our findings regarding risk factors like assisted reproduction and their consequences over mother and newborn, periodic reviews will be done in future to reduce the incidence and the unfavourable outcome of multiple pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bangladesh
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Pregnancy, Multiple*
  • Risk Factors
  • Tertiary Care Centers
  • Young Adult