Perinatal Mortality in Twin Pregnancy: A Comparison between Booked and un-booked cases

Abstract

Background: Undiagnosed twin pregnancy imposes unnecessary risk for the mother and increases perinatal mortality. Twin pregnancy is diagnosed in 75 % of patients before delivery2 and often presents late, which is regrettable because much can be done for the mother and the offspring if treatment is given earlier. Aim: To determine the frequency of booked and un-booked twin pregnancies and perinatal mortality among them , presenting in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Descriptive Case Series study was conducted from September 2016 to September 2017 in Department of Gynae/Obs of Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore Pakistan. Total 150 patients were selected by non–probability Consecutive sampling. Results: Total 150 patients with twin pregnancy were included , 69(46%) belonged to age group 18-30 years. 48(32%) were in age group 31-40 years and 30(20%) belonged to age group 41-45 years. Frequency of booked and un booked patients was 60(40%) and 90(60%) respectively. In booked patients perinatal mortality was in 3(2%) while in 57(38%) there was no perinatal mortality. In Un booked patients perinatal mortality was in 20(22.2%) while in 70(77.7%) there was no perinatal mortality. Main causes of perinatal mortality were meconium aspiration syndrome present in 12(8%) of patients, second leading cause of perinatal mortality was birth asphyxia present in 6(4%) of patients followed by neonatal sepsis in 6(4%) patients. Conclusion: The patient should be provided with sufficient information regarding advantages of regular antenatal visits so that perinatal mortality of twins will be reduced by early diagnosis in antenatal period following proper management.